Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 1 Cation

Importance of the topic

Ion chromatography is a key technique for separating and quantifying ionic species in environmental, industrial and research samples. Fully automated IC systems reduce hands-on time and contamination risks while enhancing throughput and reproducibility.

Goals and overview

This application bulletin details installation and configuration of the ProfIC Vario 1 Cation system. It covers hardware assembly, software setup in MagIC Net, method configuration and performance demonstration through example measurements.

Methodology and used instrumentation

Installation and setup steps involve the following equipment and accessories:

• 940 Professional IC Vario 1 Cation system
• IC Conductivity Detector
• 858 Professional Sample Processor
• MagIC Net 3.0 software (professional and multi licenses)

Further accessory kits include Vario/Flex Basic and ONE for detector and eluent bottle integration. Installation covers software installation, device interconnection via USB, column and flow path assembly, system purging and equilibration. Method files are imported into MagIC Net, equipment and rack positions are defined, and sample positions for rinsing are configured.

Main results and discussion

A seven-cation standard (Li, Na, NH4, K, Mn, Ca, Mg) at 5 mg/L was measured using 1.7 mmol/L HNO3 and 0.7 mmol/L dipicolinic acid eluent. Calibration over 1–20 mg/L showed linear responses (R2>0.9999) with standard deviations below 1.3%. Ten injections of a 2 mg/L standard yielded relative standard deviations between 0.13% (Li) and 2.14% (Mn), highlighting excellent precision.

Benefits and practical applications

Automated sample processing and integrated software control streamline routine cation analysis by minimizing manual steps and contamination. High sensitivity, precision and reproducibility make the system suitable for environmental monitoring, industrial quality control, food and beverage testing and academic research.

Future trends and potential applications

Future developments include deeper integration of liquid handling stations and eluent production modules for fully hands-free operation. Advances in inline sample preparation, multi-dimensional separations and portable IC systems will broaden applications in process analytics, metabolomics and field deployments.

Conclusion

Following the provided installation and configuration procedures yields a robust ProfIC Vario 1 Cation setup for accurate and reproducible cation determinations in diverse applications. Standardized workflows ensure reliable performance and facilitate routine analytical tasks.