Waters IC-Pak C Method Development Column User Manual

[ Care and Use ManUal ]

WAters IC-PAk C M/d CoLuMn

I. IntroduCtIon

This manual describes procedures for using the Waters IC-Pak™ C M/D

Ion Chromatography separation of monovalent and divalent cations.

Please take a few moments to read this manual carefully. Follow its

recommendations to obtain reproducible chromatography and column

stability.

a. Waters IC-Pak C M/D Column Description

Waters IC-Pak C M/D column is designed for ion chromatography

applications. Use the M/D column to simultaneously analyze

monovalent and divalent cations isocratically. The column separates

and allows quantitation of Li

+

, Na+, NH

+

, +*, Mg

4

+

’ Ca+, Sr

2

+

, and Ba

2

+

2

cations at ppb levels.

b. Specifications

Column IC-Pak C M/D

Dimensions 3.9 x 150 mm

Particle size 5 µm

Capacity 1.5 ± 0.2 meq/g

Packing material Silica base coated with polybutadi-

ene/maleic acid copolymer

Shipped in 20/80 (v/v} acetonitrile/water

Contents

I. IntroduCtIon

a. Waters IC-Pak C M/D Column Description

b. Specifications

II. InstALLInG tHe CoLuMn

a. Preparing the Ion Exchange System

b. Installing the Column

c. Equilibrating the Column

III. PrePArInG MoBILe PHAse And sAMPLes

a. Preparing the Mobile Phase

b. Preparing the Sample Preparing

IV. usInG tHe CoLuMn

a. Chromatography Guidelines

b. Efficiency Testing

V. CAre & MAIntenAnCe

a. Storing the Column

b. Troubleshooting

VI. orderInG InForMAtIon

Waters IC-Pak C M/D Column 1

[ Care and Use ManUal ]

Compression Screw or Nut

Ferrule

0.009-inch ID Tubing
(0.23 mm)

II. InstALLInG tHe CoLuMn

a. Preparing the Ion-Exchange System

To prepare the system, you need two 3/8-inch wrenches and a zero

dead-volume union. Before installing the column in the flow path:

1. Directly connect the injector to the detector by replacing the old column

with a zero dead-volume union.

2. Flush the lines and the detector of microparticulates and previous sol-

vents. Use fresh eluent at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Flush the injector

loop if applicable.

3. Remove the union.

4. Install the column between the injector and detector (see Section II. b).

b. Installing the Column

Remove the end plugs from the column and save them for use when

you store the column. To install the column:

3. Slide the compression fitting, followed by the ferrule (large end of the

taper first) over the tube.

Note: Properly bottom the tubing in the fitting seat. Otherwise, dead

volume could result in sample bond spreading.

Figure 1: Ferrule and Compression Screw Assembly

c. Equilibrating the Column

1. Precondition new columns by flushing with 100% acetonitrile for 30

minutes at 0.5 mL/min.

1. Thread the inlet and outlet fittings into the column until finger-tight.

An arrow on the label indicates the direction of flow.

2. Use the wrenches to tighten the fittings 1 /4 to 1 /2 turn. Do not

overtighten. Overtightening damages the connection.

3. Prepare a new tubing-ferrule connection (Figure 1) when connecting a

new column or when removing a damaged compression screw or worn

ferrule.

Note: The tubing distance beyond the ferrule may differ for each

column type. Resize the tubing to the correct distance by replacing

the ferrule.

Preparing a New Connection

To prepare a new tubing-ferrule connection:

1. Scribe the circumference of the tubing at the desired break using either

a file with a cutting edge or a tube cutter.

2. Grasp the tubing on both sides of the scribe mark with cloth-covered

pliers (to prevent marring the tube surface), and gently work the tube

back and forth until it separates.

Note: Ensure that tubing end is straight, open, and free of burrs.

2. Flush the column with mobile phase for 5 minutes at 0.5 mL/min,

and them for 30 minutes at 1.0 mL/min before performing the first

separation.

III. PrePArInG MoBILe PHAse And sAMPLes

a. Preparing the Mobile Phase

Chemical requirements

The IC-Pak C M/D uses 0.1 mM EDTA/3.0 mM HNO3 as a mobile

phase. Store mobile phase at room temperature for up to one month.

• ACSReagentgradeorequivalentqualityfree-acidEDTA

• Qualitynitricacid

• Quality18megohmwater

• Plasticwaretoprepareandstoreallmobilephases,standards,and

samples

Waters IC-Pak C M/D Column 2