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E • Introduction to Ion Chromatography (IC)
The Dionex ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System (ICS-900) performs isocratic
ion analyses using suppressed conductivity detection. An ion chromatography
system like the ICS-900 typically consists of a liquid eluent, a high-pressure
pump, a sample injector, a separator column, a chemical suppressor, and a
conductivity cell. Before running a sample, the system is calibrated using a
standard solution. By comparing the data obtained from a sample to that obtained
from the standard, sample ions can be identified and quantitated. A PC running
chromatography software converts each peak in a chromatogram to a sample
concentration and produces a tabulated printout of the results.
The IC analysis consists of four stages (see
Figure E-1. Ion Analysis Process
1
2
3
4
5
6
Pump
Injection Valve
Sample
Waste
1. Eluent Delivery
2. Separation
3. Detection
4. Data Analysis
Suppressor
Cell
Gu
ar
d
Se
parat
o
r
Eluent
Waste
