Configuring High-Pressure IC Systems for Analytical Flow Rates

Importance of the Topic

Ion chromatography is widely used for the precise separation and quantification of ionic species in fields such as environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, and industrial process control. Adapting the Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC system to analytical flow rates between 0.10 and 2.0 mL/min enhances resolution, sensitivity, and reproducibility by exploiting high-pressure operation up to 5000 psi. These capabilities support demanding applications requiring fast, reliable, and high-efficiency separations.

Objectives and Overview

The aim of this technical note is to provide clear instructions for installing, configuring, and operating a Dionex ICS-5000+ Reagent-Free HPIC system under analytical flow conditions. Key topics include selection of consumables, system module configuration in Chromeleon chromatography data system (CDS), high-pressure plumbing, autosampler alignment, and creation of instrument methods.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC system with SP/DP Pump module
• EG Eluent Generator module with high-pressure degas module
• DC Detector/Chromatography module (CD detector)
• AS-AP Autosampler
• Chromeleon CDS (version CM 6.80 DU11e build 3320 or CM 7.1 SR2 build 1460 or later)
• High-pressure connectors and ferrules (blue P/N 074449, 074373)

Methodology and Configuration

The system setup involves several sequential steps:

1. Install and condition the EGC 500 eluent generator cartridge and CR-TC 500 trap column following product manuals.
2. Hydrate the SRS 300 suppressor according to Quick Start instructions.
3. Use high-pressure PEEK tubing and connectors for all fittings upstream of the suppressor; standard fittings may be used downstream.
4. Link and configure each module in Chromeleon: pump, eluent generator, detector, suppressor, autosampler.
5. Prime the pump using degassed deionized water and verify steady flow.
6. Adjust backpressure to above 2000 psi via a restrictor line to ensure proper cartridge operation.
7. Align and calibrate the AS-AP autosampler needle and transfer line volume.
8. Create and verify an instrument method in Chromeleon with specified injection, temperature, and detector parameters.

Main Results and Discussion

Properly configured, the ICS-5000+ HPIC system delivers stable baselines (<1 µS total conductivity) and reproducible retention times over extended runs at pressures from 2000 to 5000 psi. The high-pressure degas module and reagent-free operation eliminate the need for external regenerant plumbing, simplifying maintenance. Optimal column temperatures, suppressor currents, and detector settings yield sharp peaks using 4 µm particle size columns.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Improved resolution of closely eluting ions and enhanced quantification accuracy
• Reagent-free operation reduces consumable handling and waste
• Flexible flow-rate range supports analytical and capillary formats
• Robust high-pressure performance for demanding QA/QC environments
• Seamless integration with Chromeleon CDS for method automation and data management

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing developments may include even smaller particle size columns for ultra-high efficiency, further miniaturization into microbore formats, and coupling HPIC to mass spectrometry for trace-level analysis. Automated diagnostics, real-time data analytics, and remote monitoring will enhance system uptime and throughput in regulated laboratories.

Conclusion

This technical note presents a comprehensive workflow for installing and configuring the Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC system at analytical flow rates. Adherence to these guidelines ensures reliable high-pressure operation, consistent chromatographic performance, and simplified maintenance for ion chromatography applications.

References

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Dionex Product Manual for Eluent Generator Cartridges. Doc No. 029667, 2012.
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Dionex Product Manual for Continuously Regenerated Trap Column (CR-TC). Doc No. 031910, 2012.
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific. ICS-5000 Installation Manual. Doc No. 065343, 2012.
4. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Product Manual for Anion Self-Regenerating Suppressor 300 and Cation Self-Regenerating Suppressor 300. Doc No. 031956, 2009.
5. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Dionex AS-AP Operator’s Manual. Doc No. 065361, 2012.