2
–
Installation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 11 of 45
155007-01
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
2.2.1
System Void Volume
When using 2 mm columns, it is particularly important to minimize system void volume. The
system void volume should be scaled down to at least 1/4 of the system volume in a standard 4
mm system. For best performance, all tubing installed between the injection valve and detector
should be 0.005" i.d. PEEK tubing. In order to reduce system backpressure at higher flow rates,
0.007" i.d. PEEK tubing may be used for connections
before
the injection valve, but peak
efficiency will be compromised if used for post injector connections, which may also result in
decreased peak resolution. Minimize the lengths of all connecting tubing and remove all
unnecessary switching valves and couplers.
2.3
Column Start-Up
The column is shipped using sodium bicarbonate as the storage solution.
Prepare the eluent shown on the Quality Assurance Report. To remove the storage solution, flush
the column to waste with the 80 mM KOH eluent for at least 45 minutes and then 15 minutes with
QAR eluent before attaching the column outlet to the suppressor. Install the column in the column
module and test the column performance under the conditions described in the QAR. Continue
making injections of the test standard until consecutive injections of the standard give
reproducible retention times. Equilibration is complete when consecutive injections of the
standard give reproducible retention times.
IMPORTANT
When making any tubing connections, first turn off the pump. This will avoid any slippage
of the ferrule under high pressure conditions.
