Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 6 Anion

Significance of the Topic

In modern analytical chemistry, automatic inline dilution and ultrafiltration integrated with ion chromatography enable reliable, high-throughput determination of anions in complex matrices containing particles. This approach reduces manual sample handling, minimizes contamination, and facilitates accurate quantification across a broad concentration range.

Objectives and Study Overview

The primary objective of the ProfIC Vario 6 Anion system is to provide a fully automated workflow for anion analysis with sequential suppression in high concentration samples. The application bulletin details the step-by-step installation and configuration of hardware and software components, aiming to streamline laboratory setup and method development for routine and demanding analyses.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The installation procedure covers:

• Software setup of MagIC Net for instrument control and method management
• Configuration of the IC Vario system with inline dilution and ultrafiltration modules
• Installation of the 858 Professional Sample Processor including the Liquid Handling Station for automated rinsing and dilution
• Mounting and connection of the ultrafiltration cell for particle removal prior to analysis
• Integration of the 940 Professional IC Vario with MSM suppressor, eluent delivery, and conductivity detector
• Definition of fluidic connections, pump tubings, capillaries, and adapters to ensure leak-free operation

Used Instrumentation

• 940 Professional IC Vario system with sequential suppression
• 858 Professional Sample Processor with Liquid Handling Station
• Inline Dilution and Inline Ultrafiltration modules
• 800 Dosino for precise liquid dosing
• MSM suppressor (Rotor A and HC) and Metrosep A Supp 15 column
• IC conductivity detector
• MagIC Net software for method control and data evaluation

Main Results and Discussion

An exemplary measurement of seven anions (fluoride to phosphate) at 5 ppm demonstrated complete separation on a Metrosep column. Calibration over 1 to 20 ppm using quadratic fitting yielded correlation coefficients above 0.9999 for all analytes. Precision tests with ten injections of a 2 ppm standard resulted in relative standard deviations below 1.3%. This performance confirms stable baseline, reproducible retention times, and robust quantification in a fully automated workflow.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Automated inline sample preparation reduces manual intervention and contamination risk
• Broad dynamic range with inline dilution accommodates high sample concentrations
• Inline ultrafiltration removes particles, protecting system components and ensuring data quality
• Software integration via MagIC Net streamlines method setup, data acquisition, and result evaluation
• Flexible configuration supports routine quality control, environmental analysis, and industrial monitoring

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments may include advanced suppressor regeneration strategies, expanded inline sample cleanup techniques such as solid phase extraction, miniaturized flow paths for lower reagent consumption, and AI driven method optimization. Integration with mass spectrometry detectors and cloud based data management will further enhance analytical capabilities and laboratory efficiency.

Conclusion

The ProfIC Vario 6 Anion system with inline dilution and ultrafiltration, combined with MagIC Net software, delivers a comprehensive solution for automated anion analysis in complex matrices. Installation and configuration protocols ensure reliable performance, reproducibility, and high throughput, making it suitable for diverse analytical applications.

Reference

• Metrohm Application Bulletin 376 Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 6 Anion