Installation instruction for ProfIC Vario 2 AnCat

Significance of the Topic

The ProfIC Vario 2 AnCat system enables fully automated and parallel determination of anions and cations with inline ultrafiltration. This approach reduces hands-on time and minimizes sample contamination. It offers rapid, reproducible analysis suited for environmental monitoring, quality control, and advanced research applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This installation bulletin describes the components, assembly procedure, software configuration, method setup, and performance evaluation of the ProfIC Vario 2 AnCat. It aims to guide users through hardware integration, eluent preparation, system purge, method import, and exemplary measurements demonstrating calibration quality and precision.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A detailed installation sequence covers:

• Assembly of the 940 Professional IC Vario with conductivity detectors and inline ultrafiltration cell mounted on the 858 Professional Sample Processor.
• Connection of eluents, suppressor regenerant, waste lines, and sample aspiration tubing following Metrosep column recommendations.
• Software setup in MagIC Net 3.0: driver installation, device naming, eluent and suppressor definition, method import, column temperature control, and sample rack configuration.
• Purge and equilibration steps including suppressor flushing, column conditioning, and baseline stabilization.
• Method adjustment: standard definition, database assignment, calibration curve type selection (quadratic for anions, linear for cations) and retention time checks.

Used Instrumentation

• 940 Professional IC Vario with two conductivity detectors
• 858 Professional Sample Processor with inline ultrafiltration cell
• MagIC Net 3.0 software for instrument control and data evaluation
• Metrosep A Supp 15 and Metrosep C 4 separation columns
• Eluent Production Module (941), Dosino dosing system, optional Liquid Handling Station
• Inline suppressor module (MSM) with associated tubing and rotors

Main Results and Discussion

An exemplary mixture of 14 ions (5 mg/L each) was analyzed using separate acidified and unmodified sample vials. Calibration over 1–20 mg/L yielded correlation coefficients above 0.9998 for all anions and cations. Percentage standard deviations for anions ranged from 0.45 to 2.24 % and for cations from 0.34 to 0.91 %. Precision tests (n=10 injections of a 2 mg/L standard) produced relative standard deviations below 3.2 % for all ions, demonstrating excellent reproducibility.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Parallel anion and cation determination halves analysis time compared to sequential methods.
• Inline ultrafiltration eliminates manual sample prep and reduces membrane fouling.
• Automated suppressor regeneration ensures stable baselines and detector performance.
• Flexible software configuration supports customized methods and sample series.

Future Trends and Perspectives

Integration with advanced sample handling modules, online eluent generation, and coupling to mass spectrometry are emerging directions. Automated method optimization using machine learning and remote monitoring via digital platforms will further enhance throughput and data quality. Modular add-ons for organic ion analysis and gradient elution are potential extensions.

Conclusion

The ProfIC Vario 2 AnCat provides a robust, fully automated solution for simultaneous anion and cation analysis. Rigorous installation and method setup result in high accuracy, precision, and operational efficiency. Its flexibility and modular design meet diverse demands in environmental, industrial, and research laboratories.