LimsPulse
Chromatography

Ion Chromatograph (IC)

Separates charged species (anions, cations, small organic acids and amines) on an ion-exchange column and usually detects them by conductivity. Used in pharma QC for counter-ions, inorganic impurities and ions in water.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Power and water utilities
  • Environmental
  • Food & beverage
  • Semiconductor
  • Chemicals
Photo of a Ion Chromatograph (IC)
Photo: Datamax, Public domain (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
Follow your site SOP
This is a typical operating sequence for learning. Your instrument model and approved SOP take precedence.
STAGE 1

Before you start

  1. 1Use fresh ultrapure water (typically 18.2 MΩ·cm) for eluent and dilutions.
  2. 2Prepare eluent as per the method, or check the eluent generator cartridge life.
  3. 3Rinse sample vials and volumetric ware with ultrapure water; avoid glassware that can leach ions where the method says so.
  4. 4Check that the right columns (anion or cation) and suppressor are installed.
  • Never run the suppressor without flow, and never run it dry; it is easily damaged.
STAGE 2

Start-up

  1. 1Start the pump at the method flow and switch on the suppressor and eluent generator.
  2. 2Wait for background conductivity and baseline to stabilise (often 30–60 minutes).
  3. 3Inject a water blank to confirm a clean baseline.
  • High background conductivity means an exhausted suppressor, contaminated eluent or a leak; investigate before running samples.
STAGE 3

Running samples

  1. 1Dilute samples so the main ion is within the calibration range and does not overload the column.
  2. 2Filter samples through a 0.2 or 0.45 µm IC-certified filter.
  3. 3Run blank, calibration standards, check standards and samples as per the sequence.
  4. 4Check resolution between critical pairs (e.g. chloride and a nearby ion) and standard %RSD.
  • Samples with high organic solvent content can damage some columns and suppressors; check compatibility.
STAGE 4

Shutdown

  1. 1Keep the system flowing at low rate if it will be used soon, or shut down as per the manufacturer's guide.
  2. 2Store columns in eluent or the supplier's storage solution with the ends capped.
  3. 3Complete the instrument and column logs.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every IC in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how