Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC System

Importance of the topic

An integrated, reagent-free capillary ion chromatography system addresses the growing demand for high-resolution, rapid separations with minimal reagent consumption and maintenance. Such systems enhance routine and challenging analyses by delivering stable baselines, precise retention times, and unmatched sensitivity. Continuous operation capability further reduces downtime and operational costs, making this technology highly relevant for analytical laboratories in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control, and industrial process analysis.

Objectives and Overview

This application note presents the Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC System, the first integrated high-pressure capillary ion chromatography platform. The document aims to showcase its core features, performance parameters, and usability enhancements. Key goals include demonstrating reagent-free eluent generation, multi-mode detection capabilities, and a compact footprint optimized for modern laboratory workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC system integrates several advanced components into a single platform:

• Digital cam, dual-piston capillary pump (0.001–0.100 mL/min, < 0.1% precision)
• Reagent-Free™ eluent generator with electroolytic production (0.1–200 mM gradients)
• Electrolytic self-regenerating suppressor for conductivity detection
• Detector options: conductivity (CD), electrochemical (ED), and charge (QD) detectors
• Thermally controlled compartment for chromatography and detection stability
• IC Cube cartridge for modular plumbing of columns, suppressors, and degassers

Chromeleon™ software unifies device control, data acquisition, and reporting, enabling both local and remote instrument management.

Main Results and Discussion

The system delivers high-pressure operation (up to 41 MPa) to achieve rapid, high-efficiency separations on 0.2–0.6 mm i.d. columns. Pressure ripple remains below 0.2% at 2000 psi, and flow accuracy is maintained within 0.1%. Electrolytic eluent generation supplies ultrapure eluents with low conductivity backgrounds, while continuous operation consumes as little as 5.25 L of water per year. Dual-autoranging detectors enable simultaneous quantification of major and trace ions. Temperature control ensures retention time reproducibility (< 0.001 °C stability) and stable detector baselines.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The ICS-4000 platform offers:

• Reduced calibration and equilibration downtime (“Always On, Always Ready”)
• Low eluent and waste generation, cutting operational costs
• Compact bench footprint with user-friendly color touchpad control
• Versatile detection modes supporting a broad range of analyte chemistries
• Minimal sample volume requirements (as low as 0.1 µL) for trace analyses
• Enhanced throughput and productivity for environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments include integration with mass spectrometry for direct-injection IC-MS/MS workflows, further miniaturization of flow paths, and AI-driven method optimization. Expanded detector chemistries and advanced suppressor technologies will enable deeper trace analyses of emerging contaminants. Continuous monitoring applications and inline process analytics represent promising growth areas.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC System unifies high-pressure capillary chromatography, reagent-free eluent generation, and multi-mode detection in a compact, easy-to-use platform. Its performance, reliability, and low cost of ownership make it a valuable asset for diverse analytical challenges.

Reference

Thermo Fisher Scientific. Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC System Production Specifications, PS70025-EN.0917S