Configuring the Thermo Scientific Cindion C-IC system for a 2-in-1 operation

Importance of the Topic

The integration of combustion ion chromatography with traditional ion chromatography addresses key challenges in fluorine analysis. Automating total inorganic fluorine (TIF) measurement reduces manual sample handling and large volume requirements, while enabling laboratories to switch seamlessly between combustion-based and standard IC modes. This flexibility improves throughput, minimizes downtime and expands analytical capabilities within a single platform.

Objectives and Article Overview

This technical note describes how to configure the Thermo Scientific Cindion Combustion-Ion Chromatography (C-IC) system for dual operation with the Dionex Inuvion IC system and AS-AP autosampler. The goal is to fully automate TIF analysis via combustion-IC and allow rapid transition to standalone IC applications without hardware changes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The configuration involves four main steps:

1. Auxiliary Valve Installation: A six-port valve is added adjacent to the IC injection valve to direct samples either from the AS-AP autosampler (Position A) or from the Cindion module (Position B).
2. Software Integration: In the chromatography control software, the auxiliary valve (HP_valve) is enabled, and the AS-AP autosampler is added under a unique device name. Warnings about multiple inject devices can be ignored.
3. Sequence Setup: Separate acquisition sequences are created for combustion-IC and standalone IC. Each sequence assigns the correct sampler (Cindion.Absorber or AS-AP) and defines tray positions for sample transfer.
4. Method Configuration: Instrument methods are tailored for each mode. For combustion-IC, script commands to load the auxiliary valve to position B and to set the high-pressure valve are inserted, while AS-AP calls are removed. For standalone IC, the valve is set to position A and Cindion commands are omitted.

Main Results and Discussion

Following these steps, the system can:

• Perform TIF analyses with minimal sample volume and without manual intervention.
• Switch automatically to standalone IC for routine ion chromatography assays when combustion is not required.
• Maintain reliable valve positioning and sampler control through scripted method commands.

Software sequence queues further enable unattended alternation between the two modes, maximizing instrument utilization.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This 2-in-1 setup delivers:

• Fully automated fluorine determination in materials such as food contact samples.
• Streamlined workflows that save time and labor.
• Enhanced flexibility, allowing the same instrument to address diverse IC applications.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advancements may include tighter integration with mass spectrometry for speciation of fluorinated compounds, expanded automation of other combustion-based assays, and software enhancements for real-time method adjustment. Broader adoption of multifunctional IC systems could drive more efficient resource use in quality control and research laboratories.

Conclusion

The described configuration transforms the Cindion C-IC and Dionex Inuvion IC system into a versatile platform capable of automated combustion-IC and conventional IC analyses. By following the outlined hardware and software steps, laboratories can boost productivity, reduce manual tasks and leverage a single instrument for multiple workflows.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific Cindion Combustion/Absorption Module
• Thermo Scientific Dionex Inuvion Ion Chromatography System with RFIC
• Thermo Scientific Dionex AS-AP Autosampler
• Auxiliary six-port valve

References

1. Hu J, Cochran R, Grim C, Rumachik N (2025) Application Note AN003644: Comprehensive screening of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food contact materials using combustion ion chromatography for total organic fluorine analysis. Thermo Fisher Scientific.
2. Hu J, Rumachik N (2025) Application Proof Note AP003822: Automated total inorganic fluorine analysis via combustion-ion chromatography. Thermo Fisher Scientific.
3. Christison T, Rumachik N (2025) Technical Note TN003733: Configuring a combustion-ion chromatography workflow for seamless instrument integration. Thermo Fisher Scientific.