6
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Column Care
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 43 of 45
155007-01
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
6.5.2
Column Cleanup Procedure
A.
Prepare a 500 mL solution of the appropriate cleanup solution using the guidelines in the
table above.
B.
Disconnect the outlet of the Dionex IonPac column from the suppressor. If your system is
configured with both a guard column and an analytical column, reverse the order of the guard
and analytical column in the eluent flow path. Double check that the eluent flows in the
correct direction as designated on each of the column labels.
When cleaning an analytical column and a guard column in series, ensure that the guard
column is placed after the analytical column in the eluent flow path. Contaminants that
have accumulated on the guard column can be eluted onto the analytical column and
irreversibly damage it. If in doubt, clean each column separately.
C.
For aqueous cleaning solutions; set the pump flow rate to 0.25 mL/min for a Dionex IonPac
2 mm Analytical or Guard Column.
D.
For cleaning solutions containing organic solvents; set the pump flow rate 0.12 mL/min for a
Dionex IonPac 2 mm Analytical or Guard Column.
E.
Rinse the column for 10 minutes with deionized water before pumping the chosen cleanup
solution over the column or before switching cleanup solutions.
F.
Unless otherwise noted, pump the cleanup solution through the column for at least 60 minutes
(pump for longer time if column is highly contaminated). A step gradient is used for column
cleanup when switching between solutions.
G.
Rinse the column for at least 10 minutes with deionized water before pumping eluent over
the column.
H.
Equilibrate the column(s) with eluent, still directing the effluent to waste, for at least 30
minutes before resuming normal operation.
I.
Reconnect the Dionex IonPac analytical column to the suppressor and if your system was
originally configured with a guard column, place the guard column in line between the
injection valve and the analytical column.
CAUTION
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