Installation instruction for ProfIC Vario 15 AnCat

Importance of the topic

Ion chromatography is a cornerstone technique for the precise quantification of anions and cations in environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial samples. The ProfIC Vario 15 AnCat system combines Metrohm’s intelligent Partial Loop Technique (MiPT) with sequential suppression to streamline routine ion analysis from µg/L to mg/L levels. Fully automated workflows reduce manual sample preparation, minimize carry-over, and ensure reproducible results, thereby supporting laboratories in quality control, research, and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and study overview

This bulletin provides a step-by-step installation and configuration guide for the ProfIC Vario 15 AnCat system. Key goals include verifying the delivery package, installing and interconnecting hardware components (IC unit, sample processor, Dosino), setting up software (MagIC Net), configuring analytical methods for simultaneous anion and cation determination, and demonstrating system performance via example measurements.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Software installation and configuration in MagIC Net 3.0
• Hardware assembly:
  • 940 Professional IC Vario (dual-channel pump, sequential suppressor)
  • 858 Professional Sample Processor with Liquid Handling Station
  • 800 Dosino dosing unit for rinse and sample injection
  • Accessory kits Vario/Flex Basic and Vario/Flex ONE for detector blocks, Dosino holders, eluent bottles, and filters
  • Columns: Metrosep A Supp 15 - 150/4.0 (anions), Metrosep C 4 - 150/4.0 (cations)
  • MSM rotor suppressors with regeneration via 100 mmol/L H₂SO₄
  • Optional 941 Eluent Production Module for on-line eluent mixing
• Plumbing and tubing:
  • PEEK capillaries for eluent, sample, and suppressor circuits
  • T-connectors to split sample flow between anion and cation channels
  • Transfer loops (250 µL) for injection volume control
• Method setup:
  • Separate anion and cation methods in MagIC Net
  • Single-standard multipoint calibration via MiPT
  • Equilibration, purge, and pre-rinse sequences

Main results and discussion

Example measurement of 12 ions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻, Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) at 2 mg/L using 8 µL injections achieved excellent linearity and precision. Correlation coefficients (R²) exceeded 0.9999 for most species, and relative standard deviations were below 2.5%. Calibration employed a quadratic fit for anions and linear fit for cations over 1–50 mg/L. System equilibration and precise Dosino positioning minimized carry-over and baseline drift.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

• Fully automated dual-channel operation for simultaneous anion/cation analysis
• Minimal sample handling with inline suppression and partial loop injection
• High throughput and reproducibility supporting QA/QC and research
• Single-standard multipoint calibration reduces reagent consumption
• Adaptable to trace-level assays with minor method adjustments

Future trends and potential applications

• Integration with on-line eluent production and gradient systems
• Enhanced suppressor technologies for lower detection limits
• Preconcentration modules for ultra-trace analysis in environmental monitoring
• Coupling IC with mass spectrometry or other detectors for speciation studies
• Full laboratory automation linking sample prep robots to IC workflows

Conclusion

The ProfIC Vario 15 AnCat platform delivers a robust, user-friendly solution for routine ion chromatography. Following the outlined installation and configuration steps ensures reliable baseline stability, precise calibration, and reproducible results across a broad concentration range. Its modular design and software flexibility make it ideal for diverse laboratory environments seeking efficient anion and cation analysis.

References

• Metrohm Application Bulletin 394: Installation instruction for ProfIC Vario 15 AnCat
• Metrohm Application Bulletin 395: Alternative MSM rinsing and regeneration methods