Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 5 Anion

Importance of the Topic

Trace analysis of anions at sub-ppb levels is critical in environmental monitoring, quality control and research laboratories. The ProfIC Vario 5 Anion system enables reliable detection of anions in complex matrices by combining high-precision sample preconcentration and sequential suppression. Its robust performance supports regulatory compliance and enhances data quality in industrial and academic settings.

Objectives and Overview

This application bulletin details the complete installation and configuration of the ProfIC Vario 5 Anion system. Key aims include:

• Describing hardware components and accessory kits.
• Guiding software installation and device interconnection.
• Outlining method setup, system purge and equilibration.
• Presenting performance data to verify proper installation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The ProfIC Vario 5 Anion workflow integrates:

• 940 Professional IC Vario with variable-volume preconcentration column (PCC).
• 858 Professional Sample Processor with Liquid Handling Station for automated rinsing.
• 800 Dosino for precise reagent dosing and sample preconcentration.
• MSM sequential suppressor for conductivity detection of anions.
• MagIC Net 3.x software for instrument control, method management and data evaluation.

Installation steps include software setup via the MagIC Net CD, mounting detectors and modules, routing capillaries, configuring MagIC Net device layout, defining sample rack positions and Liquid Handling Station angles, calibrating Dosino flow rates to minimize backpressure, and performing a thorough system purge and tightness test.

Main Results and Discussion

Exemplary measurements were performed on fluoride, chloride, nitrite, bromide, nitrate, sulfate and phosphate:

• Preconcentration volume: 200 µL (effective injection volume 2000 µL).
• Calibration range: 0.2–20 µg/L with a quadratic fit.
• Correlation coefficients > 0.99985 for all analytes.
• Precision test (10 × 10 µg/L): RSD values below 2% for each ion.

The high linearity and low relative standard deviations confirm that the installation and method parameters are optimized for trace-level anion analysis. Tightness tests of capillaries and needle positioning ensure absence of leaks and cross-contamination.

Benefits and Practical Application

Key advantages of the ProfIC Vario 5 Anion system include:

• Sub-ppb detection limits through variable-volume preconcentration.
• Automated sample preparation and rinsing for high throughput.
• Modular accessory kits for flexible system upgrades.
• Software-guided configuration and method management for reproducibility.
• Robust suppressor and detector design for stable baselines.

This configuration is suitable for environmental monitoring, food and beverage testing, pharmaceutical QC and water analysis.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging developments are expected to further enhance anion chromatography:

• Integration of on-line eluent production modules for continuous operation.
• Advanced suppressor materials to reduce maintenance intervals.
• AI-driven method optimization for faster setup and troubleshooting.
• Miniaturized IC systems for field-deployable trace analysis.
• Hyphenation with mass spectrometry for improved selectivity and speciation studies.

Conclusion

The installation protocol for the ProfIC Vario 5 Anion system ensures reliable sub-ppb anion determination by combining precise hardware configuration, software-controlled workflows and thorough performance verification. Adherence to the outlined steps guarantees stable baselines, high reproducibility and robust method performance in trace analysis applications.

Reference

• Metrohm AG. Application Bulletin 373: Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 5 Anion.