Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best IC Ion Chromatography

All ion chromatography (IC) systems are capable of giving you numbers. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, our systems give you results; results that can inspire, confirm, refute, or prompt action. While no price can be put upon confidence in your results, there are always competing needs for your investment.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Orun sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

This is why we offer a range of instruments and technologies to fit your needs. You can purchase the instrument that fits your application perfectly, and select a technology that gives you peace of mind.

Eluent generation, eluent suppression, and sample preparation technologies may play a role in your decisions. To learn more about these options, click on the links below:

• Eluent Generation
• Suppression
• Sample Preparation: Particulate Removal

With so much choice, you may have questions! Check out the information below to understand some of the key aspects to consider, evaluate your options, and don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact us

The Ion Chromatography System Cost Savings Calculator helps you estimate your yearly savings when running a Thermo Scientific Dionex ion chromatography (IC) system compared with other instruments to help you find the best product for your needs. 

Want more information on IC Ion Chromatography? Feel free to contact us.

Eluent generation

Choose the consistency and labor savings you need

TechniqueConsiderationsManual Preparation
Operator prepares an eluent concentrate and then dilutesLow upfront expense, but limited application choicesManual Dilution
Operator dilutes an eluent concentrate purchased from vendorReduced operator input, but applications are restricted to those supported by available eluent concentratesAutomated Dilution *
System automatically dilutes eluent concentrate with water off-line Reduced operator input, but increased complexity in plumbing and poor performance when concentrations are changedAutomated Eluent Proportioning
Accurately timed valves are rapidly switched to allow combinations of source eluentsBroad application coverage, but costly and complex to maintain.Eluent Generation †
Purified eluent is created in-line and on-demandLeast operator input, but some application restrictions.Dual Eluent Generation †
Multiple purified eluents are created and combined in line and on demandLeast operator input, broad application coverage.

• * Not offered on Thermo Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatography systems due to the availability of solutions with superior performance at the same or lower cost.
• † Available only on Thermo Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatography systems

Choose the level of sensitivity, peace of mind, and labor savings that you need

Suppressors are necessary for most IC applications in order to reduce background conductivity and enhance analyte response. With modern suppressors, it is even possible to measure analyte concentrations in the ng/L range. (Download  Thermo Scientific Technical Note for details.)

Your choice of suppressor should be based on the requirements of your application, as well as your confidence and time to spend on maintenance of the suppressor and regenerant delivery system. For a comparison of suppressed vs. nonsuppressed conductivity detection, download  Thermo Scientific Application Note 157.

TechniqueConsiderationsOngoing CostUnsuppressed
Eluent and sample flow directly from the separator to the detectorSimplest setup, but very low sensitivity and highly restricted application conditions. Most methods do not allow unsuppressed conductivity$Packed-Bed Chemically Regenerated Suppressor *
Large quantity of high capacity ion exchange resin, periodically regenerated offlineIncreased sensitivity, but poor chromatography (due to dead volume) and high downtime. Highly restricted application conditions to minimize regeneration needs.$$Auto-switching Suppressor *
Multiple packed-bed suppressor cartridges, switched to a different cartridge after every injection.Reduced labor and downtime, but limited suppression capacity, no traceability, and requires regenerant preparation and delivery system$$Continuously Regenerated Suppressor
Ion-selective membrane separating eluent and chemical regenerant chambers; continuous suppression as long as regenerant is flowing“Infinite” capacity, but still requires regenerant preparation and delivery system$$Electrolytically Regenerated Suppressor †
Similar to the continuously regenerated suppressor, but creates regenerant online through electrolysis of water.Reagent and labor-free, slightly lower sensitivity and some restrictions on solvents in eluent.$$$Dynamically Regenerated Suppressor †
Similar to the Electrolytically Regenerated Suppressor, but continuously adapts the creation of regenerant ions to the current conditionsReagent and labor-free, always optimized for sensitivity, even under eluent concentration gradients. Some restrictions on solvents in the eluent.$$$

• * Not offered on Thermo Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatography systems. Instead, we offer solutions with superior performance at the same or lower cost.
• † Available only on Thermo Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatography systems

Sample Preparation: Particulate Removal

Choose the system protection, performance, and labor savings you need

Some ion chromatography sample matrices may carry high quantities of particulate matter, requiring some form of particulate removal to protect other components of the IC system. The particulate removal option you choose has implications for balancing performance, simplicity, and level of protection. Take a look at the common challenges and misconceptions about particulate removal and discover the solutions available to meet your application needs.

TechniqueConsiderationsVacuum Filtration
Filtration apparatus applies a vacuum to assist in drawing a sample through a filterVery high labor requirementsSyringe Filters
Single-use, disposable filters that are attached directly to a luer-lock syringe after sample aspirationNo carryover, but high cost and labor requirementsTangential-Flow Microfiltration
Continually passes a high volume of sample across a filter membrane with a negative pressure on the other sideLabor saving, but potential for carryover and requires large sample volume and additional dual-channel pumpStopped-Flow Dialysis
Allows solutes to move down a concentration gradient across a semipermeable membrane into a receiving solutionLabor saving, but potential for carryover and requires additional two dual-channel pumpsSample Vial Filter Caps
Directly inserted into vials and filter the sample during aspirationLabor saving and no carryover, but single useHigh-Pressure Inline Filters
Low-volume filters placed into the high-pressure flow path immediately after the injection valveLabor saving, low maintenance, no sample loss, and no additional instrumentation requiredDual Inline Filters with Backflush
Two high-pressure inline filters installed on a valve to allow a backflush after each injectionTwo high-pressure inline filters installed on a valve to allow a backflush after each injection

To learn more about the applications supported by our ion chromatography technologies, visit the AppsLab Library of Analytical Applications .

Speak to a sales specialist

If you’d like to speak to someone about our products, please contact us by submitting our form below or calling us at 800-332-, option 2 then option 1.

Separation Science offers free learning from the experts covering methods, applications, webinars, eSeminars, videos, tutorials for users of liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation and related analytical techniques.

Subscribe to our eNewsletter with daily, weekly or monthly updates: Food & Beverage, Environmental, (Bio)Pharmaceutical, Bioclinical, Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry.

For more Automatic Distillation Systeminformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Follow us on Twitter: @Sep_Science
• Follow us on Linkedin: Separation Science

Liquid Chromatography

Gas Chromatography