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ICS-900
Operator's Manual
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Dionex ICS-900 Operator's Manual

ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System
Operator’s Manual
Document No. 065215
Revision 02
September 2009
©2009 by Dionex Corporation All rights reserved worldwide. Printed in the United States of America.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITED WARRANTY
THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. DIONEX CORPORATION DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE, OF THIS PUBLICATION IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE. FURTHER, DIONEX CORPORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS PUBLICATION AND TO MAKE CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE CONTENT HEREINOF WITHOUT OBLIGATION OF DIONEX CORPORATION TO NOTIFY ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OF SUCH REVISION OR CHANGES.
TRADEMARKS
AES, AMMS, Chromeleon, CMMS, and SRS are registered trademarks of Dionex Corporation. MMS, MicroMembrane, and OnGuard are trademarks of Dionex Corporation. Teflon and Tefzel are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Microsoft, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
PRINTING HISTORY
Revision 01, March 2008 Revision 02, September 2009

Contents

1 • Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Overview of the ICS-900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 The ICS-900 Operator’s Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Safety and Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.1 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.2 Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3.3 Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2•Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Operating Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.1 Front Door and Top Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.2 Component Mounting Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.3 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2 Fluid Schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.3 System Component Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.3.1 Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.3.2 Pressure Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.3 Injection Valve with Sample Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.3.4 MMS 300 MicroMembrane Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.5 Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
2.3.6 Conductivity Cell and DS5 Detection Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . .21
2.4 Chromeleon and Chromeleon Xpress Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
2.4.1 The Panel Tabset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
2.4.2 Software Control Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
2.4.3 System Wellness and Predictive Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
3 • Operation and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
3.1 Operation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
3.2 Turning On the ICS-900 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
3.3 Connecting to Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
3.4 Preparing the Eluent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
3.5 Preparing the Regenerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
3.6 Priming the Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
3.7 Equilibrating the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
3.8 Verifying Operational Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
3.9 Configuring Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
3.10 Preparing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
3.10.1 Collecting and Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
3.10.2 Pretreating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
3.10.3 Diluting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
3.11 Processing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
3.11.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
3.11.2 Manually Processing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
3.11.3 Automatically Processing Samples (Batch Processing) . . . . . .42
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Contents
3.11.4 Loading and Injecting Samples with an Autosampler . . . . . . . 44
3.11.5 Loading and Injecting Samples with a Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
3.11.6 Example Chromeleon Commands for Loading and
Injecting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.12 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.1 Alarms and Error Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.2 Liquid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.3 Pump Difficult to Prime or Loses Prime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4.4 Pump Does Not Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4.5 No Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4.6 Erratic Flow/Pressure Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4.7 Excessive System Backpressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
4.8 Peak “Ghosting” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
4.9 Nonreproducible Peak Height or Retention Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4.10 Abnormal Retention Time or Selectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4.11 No Detector Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.12 High Detector Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.13 Baseline Noise or Drift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5•Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.1 Diagnostics and Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.1.1 Opening the Wellness Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
5.1.2 Wellness Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
5.1.3 Calibrating the Pressure Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
5.1.4 Calibrating the Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
5.1.5 Calibrating the Flow Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
5.2 Replacing Tubing and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
5.3 Isolating a Restriction in the Liquid Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
5.4 Cleaning Eluent Bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
5.5 Changing the Sample Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
5.6 Cleaning and Replacing Pump Check Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
5.7 Replacing a Pump Piston Seal and Backup Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.8 Replacing a Pump Piston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
5.9 Replacing the Waste Valve Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
5.10 Rebuilding the Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
5.11 Replacing the Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
5.12 Replacing the Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
5.13 Changing the Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
A • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
A.1 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
A.2 Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
A.3 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
A.4 Front and Rear Panel LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
A.5 Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
A.6 Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
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Contents
A.7 Suppressors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
A.8 Column Heater/Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
A.9 Conductivity Detector and Flow Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
A.10 Autosampler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
A.11 System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
B • Reordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
C • TTL and Relay Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
C.1 Connecting a TTL or Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
C.2 Selecting TTL Input Control Modes and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
C.3 Configuring Relay Output 1 or 2 to Respond to the Pump Flow . . . . 106
C.4 Controlling TTL and Relay Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
C.5 Controlling an AS40 Automated Sampler with a Relay . . . . . . . . . . . 110
D•FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
D.1 How do I connect to an autosampler? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
D.2 How often should I perform calibrations? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
D.3 Why are the retention times moving? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
D.4 How do I adjust retention times? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
D.5 When should I remake standards? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
D.6 When should I remake eluents? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
D.7 How do I start Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
D.8 How do I back up data? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
D.9 How do I delete data? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
D.10 How do I shut off the system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
D.11 How do I store columns? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
D.12 How do I know when a column is dirty? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
D.13 How do I clean a column? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
D.14 Why is the conductivity high? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
E • Introduction to Ion Chromatography (IC) . . . . .117
F • Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Index
vi Doc. 065215-02 9/09

1.1 Overview of the ICS-900

The Dionex ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System (ICS-900) performs isocratic ion analyses using suppressed conductivity detection. The ICS-900 is an integrated ion chromatography system consisting of a pump, an injection valve, and a conductivity cell. Other system components (guard column, separator column, and suppressor) are ordered separately.
1 • Introduction
The ICS-900 is controlled with a PC running Windows and the Chromeleon later) or Chromeleon Xpress. The Chromeleon System provides complete instrument control, data acquisition, and data management. Chromeleon Xpress provides real-time control and monitoring of Dionex chromatography instruments, but does not include data management capabilities.
For communication between the ICS-900 and the PC on which Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress is installed, the ICS-900 must be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on the PC or a USB hub. For details, refer to the ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System Installation Instructions (Document No.
065214). The manual is provided on the Dionex Reference Library CD-ROM (P/N 053891) and in the ICS-900 Ship Kit (P/N 067768).
NOTE For an introduction to basic ion chromatography
® Chromatography Management System (version 6.8 SP4 or
Chromatography Management
concepts, see Appendix E
.
® XP or Windows® 2000
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual

1.2 The ICS-900 Operator’s Manual

1.2.1 Overview

The electronic version (i.e., PDF file) of the ICS-900 operator’s manual contains numerous hypertext links that can take you to other locations within the file. These links include:
• Table of contents entries
• Index entries
• Cross-references (underlined in blue) to sections, figures, tables, etc.
If you are not familiar with how to navigate PDF files, refer to the Help system for Adob
e® Acrobat® or Adobe Reader® for assistance.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Description
Chapter 3 Operation and Maintenance
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Chapter 5 Service
Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Reordering Information
Introduces the ICS-900; explains the conventions used in this manual, including safety-related information.
Describes ICS-900 operating features, the chromatographic flow path, and the software required for ICS-900 control.
Provides operating instructions for the ICS-900 and describes routine preventive maintenance procedures.
Lists problems and presents step-by-step procedures for how to isolate and eliminate the cause of each problem.
Provides step-by-step instructions for routine service and parts replacement procedures that the user can perform.
Provides specifications and installation site requirements for the ICS-900.
Lists spare parts for the ICS-900.
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1 • Introduction
Appendix C TTL and Relay Control
Appendix D FAQ
Appendix E Introduction to Ion Chromatography
Appendix F Glossary
Describes the ICS-900 TTL and relay control features.
Provides answers to frequently asked questions about ICS-900 operation.
Describes basic ion chromatography concepts.
Provides definitions of terms commonly used in ion chromatography.

1.3 Safety and Regulatory Information

The ICS-900 was manufactured by Dionex Corporation at the following location: 527 Lakeside Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3603 U.S.A. The ICS-900 is designed for IC (ion chromatography) applications and should not be used for any other purpose. Operation of an ICS-900 in a manner not specified by Dionex may result in personal injury.
If there are questions regarding appropriate usage, contact Dionex Technical Support. In the U.S., call 1-800-346-6390. Outside the U.S., call the nearest Dionex office.

1.3.1 Safety Messages and Notes

This manual contains warnings and precautionary statements that can prevent personal injury and/or damage to the ICS-900 when properly followed. Safety messages appear in bold type and are accompanied by icons, as shown below.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Also used to identify a situation or practice that may seriously damage the instrument, but will not cause injury.
Indicates that the function or process of the instrument may be impaired. Operation does not constitute a hazard.
Messages d'avertissement en français
Signale une situation de danger immédiat qui, si elle n'est pas évitée, entraînera des blessures graves à mortelles.
Signale une situation de danger potentiel qui, si elle n'est pas évitée, pourrait entraîner des blessures graves à mortelles.
Signale une situation de danger potentiel qui, si elle n'est pas évitée, pourrait entraîner des blessures mineures à modérées. Également utilisé pour signaler une situation ou une pratique qui pourrait gravement endommager l'instrument mais qui n'entraînera pas de blessures.
Warnhinweise in Deutsch
Bedeutet unmittelbare Gefahr. Mißachtung kann zum Tod oder schwerwiegenden Verletzungen führen.
Bedeutet eine mögliche Gefährdung. Mißachtung kann zum Tod oder schwerwiegenden Verletzungen führen.
Bedeutet eine mögliche Gefährdung. Mißachtung kann zu kleineren oder mittelschweren Verletzungen führen. Wird auch verwendet, wenn eine Situation zu schweren Schäden am Gerät führen kann, jedoch keine Verletzungsgefahr besteht.
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Notes
Informational messages also appear throughout this manual. These are labeled NOTE and are in bold type:
NOTE NOTES call attention to certain information. They
alert you to an unexpected result of an action, suggest how to optimize instrument performance, etc.

1.3.2 Safety Symbols

These symbols appear on the ICS-900 or on ICS-900 labels:
Alternating current
Primary protective conductor terminal
1 • Introduction
Secondary protective conductor terminal
Power supply is on
Power supply is off
Indicates a potential hazard. Refer to this operator’s manual for an explanation of the hazard and how to proceed.
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual

1.3.3 Declaration of Conformity

The cETLus and CE marks on the ICS-900 model/data label indicate that the ICS-900 is in compliance with the following standards.
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2.1 Operating Features

2.1.1 Front Door and Top Cover

Figure 2-1 illustrates the front door and top cover of the ICS-900 Ion
Chromatography System (ICS-900).
2 • Description
Status LEDs
Injection
Port
Figure 2-1. ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System
Eluent Bottle
Regenerant Bottle
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
LEDs
Three status LEDs (described below) are on the ICS-900 front door.
LED Label If On (Green) If Flashing
Power ICS-900 power is on Does not flash Ready System check passed, but
sequence not yet started (LED stays on until run starts or sequence is aborted)
Run Running/acquiring data Error/alarm/fault (including
System check failed (occurs if system check executes for 10 minutes without success)
injection valve position)
Other status information and alarm messages are displayed in the Audit Trail in Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress. For a description of these messages, see Section 4.1
Injection Port
The injection port can be connected to the injection valve inside the ICS-900. The sample to be analyzed is injected into the injection port using a syringe. For automated sample injections, the ICS-900 injection valve can be connected to an autosampler, instead of to the injection port. For more information about sample injection, see Section 3.11.5
Eluent and Regenerant Bottles
.
The ICS-900 top cover is molded to hold one eluent bottle assembly (P/N 062510) and one regenerant bottle assembly (anion, P/N 068222; cation, P/N 068223).
• Eluent carries the sample through the ICS-900 and facilitates the ion
separation process. The type of eluent used depends on the analyses
8 Doc. 065215-02 9/09
performed. For example, an ICS-900 configured for anion analyses
r
uses carbonate eluent, while an ICS-900 configured for cation analyses uses methanesulfonic acid (MSA) eluent.
• Regenerant renews the suppressor’s ability to suppress eluent
conductivity. An ICS-900 configured for anion analyses uses dilute sulfuric acid regenerant. An ICS-900 configured for cation analyses uses tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) regenerant. For more information about suppressor regeneration, see Section 2.3.5

2.1.2 Component Mounting Panel

Figure 2-2 shows the components installed on the component panel
behind the ICS-900 front door.
1
2 • Description
.
Conductivity Cell
1
(Housed in DS5 Detection Stabilize
MMS 300
2
Suppressor
2
3
4
9
8
5
6
7
3
Separator Column
Pump Heads
4
Pressure
5
Transducer
Injection Valve
6
Tubing Chase
7
Guard Column
8
Backpressure
9
Tub ing
Figure 2-2. ICS-900 Component Mounting Panel
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
Conductivity Cell
The flow-through heated conductivity cell measures the electrical conductance of analyte ions as they pass through the cell. A heat exchanger inside the cell regulates the temperature to 40 °C (104 °F). The cell is housed inside a DS5 Detection Stabilizer (P/N 067761). For details about the conductivity cell and DS5 Detection Stabilizer, see
Section 2.3.1
MMS™ 300 MicroMembrane Suppressor
The MMS 300 suppressor reduces the eluent conductivity and enhances the conductivity of the sample ions, thereby increasing detection sensitivity. For details about the MMS 300 suppressor, see Section 2.3.4
Separator and Guard Columns
Both the separator and guard columns are packed with resin and perform the separation of the sample ions. The main function of the guard column is to trap contaminants and remove particulates that might damage the separator column.
.
.
Pressure Transducer
The pressure transducer measures the system backpressure. See
Section 2.3.2
Pump Heads
for details about the pressure transducer.
The ICS-900 includes a dual-piston serial pump. The flow rate can be set from 0.01 mL/min to 5.00 mL/min. However, for optimum performance, set the flow rate to between 0.20 and 3.00 mL/min. Setting the flow rate to 0.00 mL/min turns off the pump. For details about the pump, see
Section 2.3.1
Injection Valve
.
The injection valve is a six-port, electrically-activated valve. For details about the injection valve, see Section 2.3.3
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.
Tubing Chase
The tubing chase routes tubing from the component panel, through the ICS-900 interior, to the rear panel.

2.1.3 Rear Panel

Figure 2-3 illustrates the ICS-900 rear panel.
2 • Description
USB Connector
1
1
2
3
4
5
Link LED
2
TTL and Relay
3
Connector
Fuse Holder,
4
Power Switch, and Power Receptacle
Plumbing and
5
Waste Lines
Figure 2-3. ICS-900 Rear Panel
USB Connector
The USB connector connects the ICS-900 to the PC on which Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress is installed. For the standard system configuration of one ICS-900 connected to a PC, connect a USB cable between the USB connector on the ICS-900 and a USB port on the PC. For detailed connection instructions, refer to the ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System Installation Instructions (Document
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
No. 065214), provided on the Dionex Reference Library CD-ROM (P/N 053891) and in the ICS-900 Ship Kit (P/N 067768).
Link LED
The Link LED indicates the communication status between the ICS-900 and the PC on which
Link
Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress is installed.
LED Status Description
On The ICS-900 and the PC are linked, but no data is currently
being transmitted or received
Flashing The ICS-900 and the PC are linked and data is being
transmitted
Off The ICS-900 and the PC are not currently linked
TTL and Relay Connector
The TTL and Relay connector strip provides two TTL outputs, two relay outputs, and four TTL inputs. The outputs can be used to control functions in other TTL- or relay-controllable devices. The inputs can be used to switch the injection valve position, turn the pump on and off, and perform an autozero command. For connection instructions, see
Appendix C
Fuse Holder, Power Switch, and Power Receptacle
.
• The fuse holder contains two fast-blow IEC 127 fuses rated 3.15 A
(P/N 954745). For instructions on how to change the fuses, see
Section 5.13
.
• The power switch provides on/off control of power to the ICS-900.
• The power cord plugs into the IEC 320 three-prong receptacle.
The power supply cord is used as the main disconnect device. Make sure the socket-outlet is located near the ICS-900 and is easily accessible.
Le cordon d'alimentation principal est utilisé comme dispositif principal de débranchement. Veillez à ce que la prise de base soit située/installée près du module et facilement accessible.
12 Doc. 065215-02 9/09
2 • Description
Das Netzkabel ist das wichtigste Mittel zur Stromunterbrechung. Stellen Sie sicher, daß sich die Steckdose nahe am Gerät befindet und leicht zugänglich ist.
Plumbing and Waste Lines
The following lines exit the ICS-900 through the tubing chase on the lower left corner of the rear panel.
• Eluent
• Regenerant
• Cell outlet
• Waste (sample, regenerant, and pump priming)
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual

2.2 Fluid Schematic

Figure 2-4 shows the flow path through the ICS-900.
To pump inlet
From cell outlet
6
Backpressure Coil
(1 or 2, depending on flow rate)
8
Conductivity Cell
(in DS5 Detection Stabilizer)
Regen Out Eluent Out
Eluent In
Secondary
7
MMS 300
Pulse Damper
4
Primary
2
Pump
Heads
Regen In
Transducer
Eluent
To cell inlet
To MMS Regen In
Pressure
3
LP
5
CW
L
S
Injection
Valve
Regenerant
9
1
Eluent in from pulse damper
Sample in
To Waste
To Waste
Figure 2-4. ICS-900 Flow Schematic
14 Doc. 065215-02 9/09
2 • Description
Liquid flows through the ICS-900 along the following flow path. Refer to
Figure 2-4
for the flow path number locations.
• Eluent from the eluent bottle is drawn into the pump . The pump pushes
the eluent through the pressure transducer , which measures the system pressure, and through a pulse damper , which smooths minor pressure
1 2
3
4
variations from the pump to minimize baseline noise.
• The eluent then flows into the injection valve . After sample is loaded into
5
the sample loop and the injection valve is toggled to the Inject position, eluent passes through the sample loop pushing the sample into the eluent stream.
• The eluent/sample mixture is pumped through the guard and separator
columns , where the ions are separated by the ion exchange process.
• The eluent/sample mixture then flows through the suppressor , which
suppresses the conductivity of the eluent and enhances the conductivity of the analyte. Regenerant flows continuously through the suppressor, restoring the ion exchange sites to their original state.
• The eluent/sample mixture then flows through the conductivity cell , where
the analytes are detected. A signal is produced and sent to Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress software.
• Finally, the eluent flows out of the cell and into the regenerant bottle , where
it pressurizes the regenerant and forces it into the suppressor.
6
7
8
9
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual

2.3 System Component Details

2.3.1 Pump

The ICS-900 pump is a microprocessor-based isocratic eluent delivery system. Its variable speed, dual-piston series design ensures pulse-free pumping for the most demanding applications.
Primary Pump Head
The primary pump head pumps eluent into the secondary head (see
Figure 2-5
pump, are located on the bottom (inlet) and top (outlet) of the primary pump head.
Secondary
Pump Head
). The check valves, which prevent reverse flow through the
Outlet Check Valve
Primary Pump Head
Waste Valve
Inlet Check Valve
Figure 2-5. ICS-900 Pump Components
Secondary Pump Head
The secondary pump head delivers eluent to the pressure transducer. The waste valve is located on the front of the secondary pump head (see
Figure 2-5
).
To open the waste valve, turn the knob one-half turn counterclockwise. When the waste valve is in the open position, all output is directed to waste.
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2.3.2 Pressure Transducer

The pressure transducer measures the system pressure at the point that the eluent flows from the pump head outlet check valve. Pressure readings indicate that the pumping system is delivering smooth, accurate flow. Pressure readings can be monitored from Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress.
The system pressure should remain consistent (no more than a 3% difference from one pressure reading to the next). High and low pressure limits can be used to stop the pump flow if a limit is exceeded. The pressure limits can be set from Chromeleon (in the Server Configuration Properties dialog box or in the Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress program). For troubleshooting information if a pressure limit is exceeded, see Section 4.7
Pulse Damper
Flow output from the pressure transducer continues to the pulse damper, which smooths minor pressure variations. From there, flow is directed to the injection valve and then to the remainder of the chromatography system.
.
2 • Description
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
C

2.3.3 Injection Valve with Sample Loop

The injection valve is a six-port, electrically-activated Rheodyne valve. A 10 μL sample loop (P/N 042949) is installed on the valve at the factory. The valve has two operating positions: Load and Inject. Eluent flows through either the Load or Inject path, depending on the valve position.
From Pump
To Column
Figure 2-6
LOAD POSITIONINJE
shows flow schematics for the valve.
T POSITION
From Pump
Sample Loop
L
W
S
Sample In
Figure 2-6. Injection Valve Flow Schematics
To Waste
= Sample
= Eluent
P
C
L
Sample InTo Column
To Waste
• In the Load position, sample is loaded into the sample loop, where it
is held until injection. Eluent flows from the pump, through the valve, and to the column, bypassing the sample loop. Sample flows from the syringe or autosampler line (if installed), through the valve, and into the sample loop. Excess sample flows out to waste.
• In the Inject position, sample is swept to the column for analysis.
Eluent flows from the pump, through the sample loop, and on to the column, carrying the contents of the sample loop with it.
Section 3.11.2 Section 3.11.3
18 Doc. 065215-02 9/09
describes how to inject samples manually; describes how to inject samples with an autosampler.

2.3.4 MMS 300 MicroMembrane Suppressor

E
T
The MMS 300 suppressor reduces the eluent conductivity and enhances the conductivity of the sample ions, thereby increasing detection sensitivity.
2 • Description
As illustrated in Figure 2-7
, a constant flow of regenerant over the membrane continually restores the suppression ability of the MMS 300.
A process called Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR) pushes regenerant from the regenerant bottle through the suppressor. See
Section 2.3.5
for details.
N
I
T
N
E
U
L
N
E
G
E
R
R
For more information about the MMS 300, refer to the suppressor manual. Suppressor manuals are included on the Dionex Reference Library CD­ROM (P/N 053891).
m
m
-
4
U
O
T
N
E
U
L
E
N
I
N
E
G
E
R
T
U
O
n
e
e
r
c
S
t
n
a
r
e
n
e
g
e
n
a
h
c
x
E
n
o
I
n
e
u
l
E
n
a
h
c
x
E
n
o
I
a
r
e
n
e
g
e
R
e
n
a
r
b
m
e
M
e
g
n
e
e
r
c
S
t
e
n
a
r
b
m
e
M
e
g
n
e
e
r
c
S
t
n
Figure 2-7. MMS 300 Suppressor Flow
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual

2.3.5 Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR)

Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR) is the process that restores the ability of the MMS 300 suppressor to suppress eluent. In DCR, the eluent that exits the cell is pumped into the regenerant bottle. The eluent pressurizes the bottle and pushes the regenerant into the suppressor. However, because the eluent is a different density than the regenerant, it remains separate.
In the anion DCR process (see Figure 2-8
), the eluent is less dense than the regenerant and it remains on the top of the bottle, forcing the regenerant into the regenerant line at the bottom of the bottle and out into the suppressor.
In the cation DCR process (see Figure 2-9
), the eluent is denser than the regenerant and it flows to the bottom of the bottle. This displaces the regenerant, pushing regenerant out of the regenerant line at the top of the bottle and out into the suppressor.
Regen In
Used eluent out to regenerant reservoir
(in DS5 Detection Stabilizer)
Regen Out Eluent Out
Eluent In
Conductivity Cell
AMMS 300
Regen In
Eluent out to cell
Regenerant in from reservoir
Used
Regen Bottle Out
Eluent
Anion
Regenerant
Eluent in from column
Regenerant out to waste
Figure 2-8. Anion ICS-900 Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR)
20 Doc. 065215-02 9/09
Regen In
2 • Description
Used eluent out to regenerant reservoir
Conductivity Cell
(in DS5 Detection Stabilizer)
Regen Out Eluent Out
Eluent In
Regenerant out to waste
CMMS 300
Regen In
Eluent in from column
Eluent out to cell
Regenerant in from reservoir
Cation
Regenerant
Regen Bottle Out
Used
Eluent
Figure 2-9. Cation ICS-900 Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR)
Connections to the regenerant bottle differ depending on whether the system will run an anion or a cation application. Regenerant bottles for each type of application are available (anion regenerant bottle assembly, P/N 068222; cation regenerant bottle assembly, P/N 068223). For detailed installation instructions, refer to the DCR Kit Installation Instructions (Document No. 031664), provided on the Dionex Reference Library CD­ROM (P/N 053891).

2.3.6 Conductivity Cell and DS5 Detection Stabilizer

The flow-through heated conductivity cell contains two 316 stainless steel electrodes that are permanently sealed into the PEEK cell body. The cell measures the electrical conductance of analyte ions as they pass through the cell.
Temperature directly affects the conductivity of a solution. For example, laboratory heating and air conditioning systems can cause a regular slow cycling in the baseline. This, in turn, can affect the reproducibility of an analysis. The higher the conductivity, the more pronounced the effect.
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ICS-900 Operator’s Manual
t
In ion analysis, the effect of temperature variation is minimized by suppressing eluent conductivity. Built-in preset temperature compensation also ensures that there is no major change in the baseline or in peak heights. Temperature compensation stability.
Direct conductive heating is used in the ICS-900 conductivity cell to provide temperature control and compensation. A heat exchanger inside the ICS-900 cell regulates the temperature. All data is collected at 40 °C (104 °F).
The cell is housed inside a DS5 Detection Stabilizer (P/N 067761) (see
Figure 2-10
temperature.
), which helps to insulate the cell from fluctuations in ambient
further improves baseline
r
e
z
i
l
i
b
a
t
S
n
o
i
t
c
e
t
e
D
5
S
D
Cell Inlet
From suppressor
Cell Outlet
To r egenerant reservoir
Conductivity Cell
Connector to component
mounting panel
ELUENT OUT por
Figure 2-10. Conductivity Cell and DS5 Detection Stabilizer
The conductivity cell has two detection limit ranges: 0 to 500 10,000 for the application. The default range of 0 to 500
μS. Select the range depending on the expected detector readings
μS is appropriate for
μS or 0 to
most applications. The detection limit range is set in the Properties dialog box of the Chromeleon Server Configuration program. For details, refer to the ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System Installation Instructions (Document No. 065214), provided on the Dionex Reference Library CD­ROM (P/N 053891) and in the ICS-900 Ship Kit (P/N 067768).
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