Dionex ICS-5000 Used High-Performance Capillary Ion Chromatography System

Overview

The Dionex ICS-5000 is a high-performance, modular ion chromatography (IC) system engineered for precision anion and cation analysis across diverse sample matrices. Built on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Reagent-Free Ion Chromatography (RFIC™) architecture, the ICS-5000 employs electrolytic eluent generation to eliminate manual preparation of chemical eluents—reducing variability, improving reproducibility, and minimizing operator exposure to hazardous reagents. Its capillary-pressure-capable fluidic design supports operation at up to 5,000 psi, enabling use of sub-4 µm particle-packed columns—including Thermo’s proprietary Dionex IonPac™ CS/AS series—to achieve enhanced peak capacity, improved resolution, and faster separations. This certified pre-owned unit has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited instrumentation facility and includes documented performance verification for baseline noise, retention time stability ( 0.999 over 3 decades). The system is fully compatible with both capillary (0.4 mm ID) and standard-bore (4 mm ID) column formats, offering seamless scalability from method development to routine QC.

Key Features

• RFIC™ Technology: Integrated eluent generators (EGC-KOH, EGC-MSA) deliver consistent, high-purity KOH or methanesulfonic acid eluents—cartridge lifespan up to 18 months under continuous capillary operation
• High-Pressure Capability: Supports analytical and capillary columns rated to 5,000 psi; validated compatibility with 4 µm and sub-2 µm stationary phases for ultra-high-resolution separations
• Modular Detector Flexibility: Interchangeable detection modules including suppressed conductivity, pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) for carbohydrates and alditols, variable-wavelength UV (VWD), charged aerosol detection (CAD), and fluorescence—each with independent flow-cell temperature control
• Dual- or Single-Pump Architecture: Configurable DP mode enables gradient elution, heart-cutting 2D-IC, or parallel column operation; SP mode supports isocratic methods with reduced footprint and power demand
• AS-AP Autosampler: 112-position vial capacity with programmable needle wash, temperature-controlled tray (4–40 °C), and low-dead-volume injection loop (0.1–100 µL)
• Ready-State Functionality: Maintains column equilibration and detector stabilization during idle periods—reducing system re-equilibration time by >70% versus cold-start protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICS-5000 accommodates complex, multi-analyte samples without derivatization or extensive pretreatment. Validated applications include environmental anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻), pharmaceutical counterions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺), food-grade preservatives (benzoate, sorbate), organic acids (acetate, lactate, citrate), and biopharmaceutical impurities (sucrose, trehalose, mannitol). It meets ASTM D4327 (anion analysis in water), ISO 10304-1 (determination of dissolved anions), USP (conductivity testing), and EP 2.2.38 (ion chromatographic assay). When configured with optional audit-trail logging and electronic signature modules, the system satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for regulated laboratories operating under GLP or GMP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

Chromelon 7.2 Chromatography Data System (CDS) is included, providing method development tools, sequence scheduling, real-time monitoring, peak integration with customizable baselines, and automated report generation. The software supports instrument control via Ethernet, remote diagnostics, and export to LIMS-compatible formats (CSV, XML, PDF/A-2). All data files are stored with embedded metadata—including instrument configuration, calibration history, and user audit trails—ensuring full traceability. Optional Chromelon Compliance Pack enables role-based access control, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records management.

Applications

The ICS-5000 serves as a primary analytical platform in environmental monitoring labs (drinking water, wastewater, soil extracts), pharmaceutical QA/QC (counterion profiling, residual salt analysis), food & beverage safety (nitrate/nitrite in cured meats, sulfite in wines), biotechnology (monosaccharide profiling in glycoproteins, nucleotide analysis in mRNA vaccines), and clinical research (organic acidemias, inborn errors of metabolism). Its ability to couple with mass spectrometry (via ESI or HESI interfaces) extends utility to structural confirmation of unknown anionic metabolites. The system also supports reversed-phase separations using Thermo’s IonPac™ RP columns—enabling simultaneous analysis of ionic and non-ionic species within a single run.

FAQ

Is this unit factory-certified or refurbished by Thermo Fisher?
This ICS-5000 is a professionally inspected and functionally validated pre-owned system. While not covered under Thermo Fisher’s original warranty, it underwent comprehensive electrical, hydraulic, and detector performance testing at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facility.
What documentation accompanies the system?
You will receive a full test report (including pressure profile, detector noise, retention time precision, and baseline stability), a certificate of operational verification, and original manufacturer manuals (English). Calibration certificates for conductivity and UV detectors are provided upon request.
Can the system be upgraded to support IC-MS coupling?
Yes—the ICS-5000 features standard ESI-compatible flow-cell outputs and auxiliary pump ports for post-column addition of make-up solvents. Required interface hardware (e.g., Thermo Scientific™ EASY-IC™ or custom T-piece assemblies) can be integrated onsite by qualified engineers.
Does the 6-month warranty cover labor and parts?
Yes—the warranty includes all labor, replacement components, and remote technical support for hardware-related failures occurring under normal laboratory conditions.
Are consumables (columns, eluent cartridges, suppressors) included?
No—consumables are sold separately. However, we maintain inventory of Dionex IonPac™ columns, EGC cartridges, and AG/AS guard columns, with same-day shipping available for most items.