Configuring the Dionex Integrion HPIC System for High-Pressure Reagent-Free Ion Chromatography

Importance of the Topic

The Dionex Integrion HPIC system represents a significant advancement in ion chromatography by combining high-pressure operation (up to 5000 psi) with reagent-free eluent generation. This enables the use of smaller-particle-size columns for superior separation efficiency, enhanced peak resolution, reproducibility, and quantification accuracy.

Study Objectives and Overview

This technical note outlines detailed installation procedures and software configuration steps for a reagent-free ion chromatography application on the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Integrion™ HPIC™ system. The focus is on setting up the system for analytical flow rates (0.10–2.0 mL/min) using 4 mm i.d. columns with automated KOH eluent generation and suppressed conductivity detection.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• System Components
  • Dionex Integrion HPIC high-pressure IC system with eluent generation, CD conductivity detector, column oven, detector-suppressor compartment temperature control, and tablet interface
  • Dionex AS-AP autosampler (10 mL vial trays)
  • Chromeleon 7.2 SR4 CDS software for instrument setup, monitoring, and video-guided consumable installation
• Consumables and Columns
  • EGC 500 KOH eluent generator cartridge
  • CR-ATC 600 continuously regenerated trap column
  • HP EG Degasser module
  • AERS 500 suppressor (recycle mode)
  • IonPac columns:
    • AG18, AS18 (4 × 30 mm and 4 × 150 mm, 4 µm and 7.5 µm)
    • AG19, AS19 (4 × 50 mm and 4 × 250 mm, 4 µm)
  • IC PEEK Viper fittings and specified tubing assemblies to minimize dead volume
  
  

  Main Results and Discussion

  
  Comparative separations demonstrated on a 4 × 150 mm AS18-4 µm column versus the 7.5 µm AS18-Fast column under a hydroxide gradient (15–44 mM KOH, 1 mL/min) showed substantially narrower peak widths and higher efficiencies, with system backpressure rising to ~2600 psi. Fast separations of environmental water samples (five-fold diluted wastewater and undiluted surface water) achieved baseline resolution of common inorganic anions within 9 minutes. Oxyhalide analysis in bottled water, using a large-volume injection on a 2 × 250 mm AS19-4 µm column, reached ppb sensitivity and leveraged the system’s 3800 psi capability.
  
  

  Benefits and Practical Applications

  
  
  • Fully integrated high-pressure design for fast, high-efficiency separations
  • Reagent-free inline eluent generation for consistent gradient profiles
  • Automated consumables tracking to ensure GMP compliance and device compatibility
  • Tablet-based manual controls, troubleshooting guides, and video instructions
  • Flexible software configuration and ready-check functionality via Chromeleon CDS
  
  

  Future Trends and Potential Applications

  
  Ongoing developments in ultrahigh-pressure IC promise further reductions in analysis time and increased resolution through sub-2 µm particle chemistries. Enhanced automation and AI-driven diagnostics will simplify system maintenance and method development. Expanded applications are anticipated in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical impurity profiling, food safety testing, and biopharmaceutical quality control.
  
  

  Conclusion

  
  The Dionex Integrion HPIC system delivers a robust, user-friendly platform for high-pressure, reagent-free ion chromatography. Its integrated design, advanced consumables management, and software-guided setup streamline installation and routine analysis, while enabling high-resolution separations across diverse water and oxyhalide applications.
  
  

  Reference

  
  
  1. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Dionex Integrion HPIC System Operator’s Manual. P/N 22153-97003, Sunnyvale, CA, 2016.
  2. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Product Manual for Eluent Generator Cartridges. P/N 065018-05, Sunnyvale, CA, June 2014.
  3. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Product Manual for Continuously Regenerated Trap Column (CR-TC). P/N 065018-05, Sunnyvale, CA, 2016.
  4. Thermo Fisher Scientific. ERS 500 Suppressor Product Manual. P/N 031956-09, Sunnyvale, CA, November 2013.
  5. Thermo Fisher Scientific. IonPac AS18-4 µm Column Product Manual. P/N 065499-02, Sunnyvale, CA, August 2014.
  6. Thermo Fisher Scientific. IonPac AS19-4 µm Column Product Manual. P/N 065532-02, Sunnyvale, CA, March 2014.
  7. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Dionex AS-AP Autosampler Operator’s Manual. Document No. 065259, Sunnyvale, CA, 2012.
  8. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Application Update 200: Fast Anion Determinations in Environmental Waters Using a High-Pressure Compact Ion Chromatography System. Sunnyvale, CA, 2016.