Configuring High-Pressure Capillary IC on the Modular IC System

Importance of the Topic

High-pressure capillary ion chromatography pushes operational pressures up to 5000 psi, delivering faster separations, reduced solvent consumption and minimal waste, while enhancing mass sensitivity with micro-liter injections.

Study Objectives and Overview

This technical note outlines the step-by-step installation and configuration of a high-pressure capillary IC method on a modular Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC system, demonstrating component integration and software setup via Chromeleon.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The system comprises the SP/DP pump capillary IC module, EG eluent generator with high-pressure degas, DC detector/chromatography module, IC Cube suppressor module and AS-AP autosampler. Setup includes precise plumbing with low-void-volume fittings, cartridge installation (eluent generators, trap columns, suppressors), and alignment of the autosampler needle. Chromeleon CDS (v6.8 or v7.1) is used to configure modules, create timebases/instruments, define eluent conditions, temperature controls (compartment, cube heater, cell), and injection parameters (PushCap mode, 0.4 µL loop).

Main Results and Discussion

Once assembled, the capillary HPIC operates at flow rates of 0.01–0.03 mL/min at pressures up to 5000 psi, achieving system equilibration conductivity below 1 μS. Injection reproducibility better than 0.1 %RSD was maintained by periodic valve rotation and increased flow conditioning. The micro-flow approach reduces water use to 30–40 mL/day and ensures low noise, stable baselines and extended cartridge lifetimes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid analysis with minimal calibration and equilibration.
• Reduced reagent consumption and waste generation.
• Enhanced column and cartridge longevity through mild conditions.
• High mass sensitivity with only 0.4 μL sample injections.
• Continuous readiness for high-throughput laboratories and QA/QC operations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

The trend toward miniaturized, high-pressure IC will likely expand integration with mass spectrometry, on-line sample preparation, and automated workflows. Further developments may include advanced microfluidic interfaces and real-time data analytics for process monitoring in industrial and environmental sectors.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive procedure for deploying high-pressure capillary ion chromatography on the Dionex ICS-5000+ platform, emphasizing precise hardware assembly, software configuration and operational best practices to achieve reliable, high-sensitivity separations.

Reference

1. Christison T., Pang F., Lopez L. Configuring High-Pressure Capillary IC on the Modular IC System. Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Note 131, 2013.
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Eluent Generator Cartridges Product Manual, Doc No. 065018-03, 2011.
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific. CR-TC Product Manual, Doc No. 031910-03, 2010.
4. Thermo Fisher Scientific. CES 300 Suppressors Product Manual, Doc No. 065386-02, 2012.
5. Thermo Fisher Scientific. ICS-5000+ Installation Manual, Doc No. 065447-01, 2012.
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific. AS-AP Operator’s Manual, Doc No. 065361-07, 2012.