Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 5 AnCat

Importance of the Topic

This application bulletin describes the installation and operation of the ProfIC Vario 5 AnCat system, which combines intelligent preconcentration, high-performance ion chromatography, and automated sample handling for ultratrace analysis of anions and cations. Achieving reliable detection limits in the sub-ppb range is critical for environmental monitoring, drinking water quality control, pharmaceutical compliance, and industrial process verification. By integrating robotic liquid handling and precise dosing, the system minimizes contamination risks while offering high throughput and reproducible results.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

The primary goal is to guide users through the complete setup—both hardware and software—of a Metrohm ProfIC Vario 5 AnCat configuration. Key objectives include:

• Unpacking and assembling the delivery package components
• Installing MagIC Net control software and configuring devices
• Defining sample preconcentration and injection methods for parallel anion and cation determinations
• Verifying system integrity, fluidic connections, and leak-free operation
• Demonstrating performance with example measurements and precision data

Methodology and Instrumentation

Hardware assembly follows a step-by-step sequence:

• Install the 940 Professional IC Vario with conductivity detectors, peristaltic pump, column oven, and MSM suppressor module.
• Mount two 800 Dosino modules on the IC side, each dedicated to either anion or cation preconcentration, using trap columns to ensure ultrapure dosing.
• Attach the 815 USB Robotic Sample Processor with two liquid handling stations for external needle rinsing; configure swing heads and transfer tubing to avoid sample contact with dosing units.
• Connect eluents, regeneration, and rinsing solutions via PEEK and PFA capillaries, ensuring correct flow directions through Metrosep analytical and preconcentration columns.

Software configuration in MagIC Net includes:

• Adding and naming devices (IC, sample processor, Dosinos) in the instrument configuration.
• Defining eluents, suppressor solution, and MSM rotor stepping parameters.
• Setting sample rack positions and external needle positions for automated pre-rinsing.
• Importing example methods for anion and cation analysis, then adapting pump assignments, detector channels, valve positions, and temperature settings.
• Purge and rinse sequences to remove air and loose particles before column installation.

Main Results and Discussion

Example analyses demonstrated:

• Anion suite (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻) at 2 ppb each with 200-µL preconcentration. Calibration curves (0.2–20 ppb, quadratic) yielded correlation coefficients above 0.9999 and relative standard deviations (RSD) below 2.1 %.
• Cation suite (Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) at 1 ppb each with 100-µL preconcentration. Using 2.5 mM oxalic acid on Metrosep C 4–150, linear calibration (0.5–10 ppb) showed R² > 0.9999 and RSD < 2 % for most ions.

Repeated injections confirmed stable baselines and low detection limits. Optimization of pump flow rates (to maintain backpressure < 0.5 MPa) and timed MSM rotor stepping ensured consistent suppressor performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This integrated AnCat approach offers:

• Sub-ppb quantification of inorganic anions and cations in a single automated workflow
• Minimized carry-over and contamination through dedicated liquid handling stations and disposable preconcentration trap columns
• High reproducibility and precision enabled by MagIC Net control and calibrated Dosino dosing units
• Flexible adaptation to various matrices (environmental, food, industrial) and analytical requirements

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further enhancements may include:

• Integration of an Eluent Production Module (941) for on-demand eluent generation
• Advanced suppressor regeneration schemes to extend maintenance intervals
• AI-driven method optimization and predictive maintenance based on instrument diagnostics
• Miniaturized flow paths and microfluidic integration for reduced reagent consumption
• Expanded analyte scope via coupling to mass spectrometry or advanced detectors

Conclusion

The ProfIC Vario 5 AnCat system presents a robust, fully automated solution for simultaneous trace analysis of anions and cations. With its precise sample preconcentration, reliable suppressor performance, and seamless MagIC Net integration, the platform delivers sub-ppb detection, high throughput, and excellent reproducibility, making it well suited for demanding quality control and research applications.

References

No external references were provided in the original bulletin.