Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 9 AnCat

Importance of the Topic

Trace analysis of anions and cations is essential for environmental monitoring, water quality control, and industrial process optimization. The ProfIC Vario 9 AnCat system combines high-precision sample preconcentration with matrix elimination to reliably quantify ions at sub-ppb levels, minimizing interference and improving detection limits.

Objectives and Study Overview

This bulletin details the complete installation and configuration of the ProfIC Vario 9 AnCat system. It guides users through package inspection, hardware assembly, software installation, method development in MagIC Net, system purification, and validation of analytical performance for both anion and cation determinations.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Core components: 940 Professional IC Vario, 800 Dosino dosing units, 815 USB Robotic Sample Processor XL, conductivity detector, Metrosep separation and preconcentration columns, suppressor with Matrix Elimination rotor.
• Software: MagIC Net for instrument control, method setup, and data evaluation.
• Sample handling: Automated dosing of eluents and ultrapure water, use of preconcentration columns instead of sample loops, matrix elimination via suppressor and peristaltic pump.
• Installation steps: Unpacking and inspecting delivered items, interconnecting devices with FEP and PEEK tubing, mounting dosinos and liquid handling stations, configuring MagIC Net with device names, dosing unit parameters, sample rack positions, and method specifics.

Key Results and Discussion

Anion analysis (F–, Cl–, NO2–, Br–, NO3–, PO43–, SO42–) over 0.1–10 µg/L showed linearity (r > 0.9998), recoveries of 94.6–102.4%, and RSDs below 5%. Cation analysis (Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+) over 0.4–8 µg/L delivered linear calibrations (r > 0.9998), recoveries within 98.7–105.1%, and RSDs under 3.8%. Baselines remained stable during parallel anion/cation runs, confirming robust matrix elimination and system precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Sub-ppb sensitivity for comprehensive anion and cation profiling.
• Automated sample processing reduces manual errors and contamination risk.
• Matrix elimination improves baseline stability and column lifespan.
• Flexible method configuration adapts to diverse matrices and analyte lists.
• High-throughput capability via robotic sample handling enables unattended operation.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements may include real-time on-line eluent generation, integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry for ion speciation, cloud-based data analytics for predictive maintenance, and incorporation of sensor networks for real-time water quality monitoring in environmental and industrial settings.

Conclusion

The ProfIC Vario 9 AnCat system offers a turnkey solution for trace-level ion analysis, combining automated dosing, preconcentration, and matrix elimination to achieve reliable, high-precision results. Its modular hardware and MagIC Net software ensure adaptability and reproducibility across various laboratory workflows.

Reference

1. Application Bulletin 385 Installation Instruction for ProfIC Vario 9 AnCat, Metrohm.