Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000, Operator'S Manual

Page: 143 / 482

2 • TC Description
Doc. 065342-06 12/11
127
HumidityLeakSensor parameter. Select the new sensitivity setting (or
select Off to disable the sensor) and click Execute .
2.26 TC Theory of Operation
The fundamental requirement for a thermal compartment intended for
chromatography applications is the ability to maintain the preset temperature
as precisely as possible. The TC contains advanced electronic circuitry that
maintains the selected temperature with a precision of ±0.1 °C.
The TC can be heated from 5 to 85 °C in 0.1 °C increments. An increase in
temperature from 20 to 50 °C (or a decrease from 50 to 20 °C) is typically
realized in less than 20 minutes. Columns can be warmed up to 85 °C. If the
ambient temperature changes during the analysis, increased heating or cooling
ensures that the column temperature remains constant.
The thermo-optimized design of the TC reduces the time required to
equilibrate the temperature between the column and the eluent. Peltier
elements in the TC heat up and cool down the columns. They also help to
bring the air and all of the installed components (including the injection
valves) to the selected temperature.
If necessary, a temperature stabilizer (standard bore, P/N 064548; microbore,
P/N 064650) can be installed in the TC. Installation of a temperature stabilizer
ensures that:
•
The stationary phase temperature remains constant over the total column
length.
•
The column and the eluent have the same temperature during the analysis.
Under these conditions, the separation is performed at the nominal
temperature. This minimizes fronting and tailing of peaks, as well as retention
time variations.
Operating IC columns at temperatures above 70 °C (158 °F) may affect
column performance. Before selecting the TC temperature, refer to the
column manual for the recommended operating conditions. Column
manuals are provided on the Thermo Scientific Reference Library DVD
(P/N 053891).