Thermo Fisher Dionex ICS-600 Basic Ion Chromatograph
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | ICS-600 |
| Instrument Type | Laboratory |
| Pump Pressure Rating | 5000 psi |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.00–5.00 mL/min |
| Eluent Flow Rate | 0.00–5.00 mL/min |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 5000 psi |
| Operating Temperature Range | Ambient +5°C to 60°C |
| Temperature Reproducibility | ±0.1°C |
| Eluent Concentration Range | 0–100 mM (KOH), dependent on eluent chemistry |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Dionex ICS-600 Basic Ion Chromatograph is a compact, high-reliability benchtop system engineered for routine anion and cation analysis in environmental, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial quality control laboratories. It employs suppressed conductivity detection coupled with high-efficiency ion exchange chromatography—based on the fundamental principle of differential migration of ionic analytes through a charged stationary phase under controlled eluent conditions. The system integrates a dual-piston constant-flow pump, digital conductivity detection, and Thermo Fisher’s proprietary micro-membrane suppression technology to deliver precise, low-drift quantification of inorganic and small organic ions—including F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺—in matrices ranging from ultrapure water to complex wastewater and biological extracts.
Key Features
- Dual-piston, pulse-free high-pressure pump delivering stable flow across 0.00–5.00 mL/min with pressure capability up to 5000 psi—optimized for long-term unattended operation and minimal maintenance.
- Digital conductivity detector with temperature-compensated electronics, offering high sensitivity (sub-µg/L detection limits for common anions) and exceptional baseline stability (low drift <0.1 nS/h).
- MMS™ 300 micro-membrane suppressor utilizing Thermo Fisher’s patented Dual Continuous Regeneration (DCR) technology—eliminating chemical regenerants, reducing background conductivity, and enabling rapid equilibration (<15 min).
- Full-PEEK fluidic path construction—chemically inert across pH 0–14, resistant to strong acids/bases (e.g., KOH, MSA), and compatible with organic modifiers (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile) for enhanced selectivity.
- USB 2.0 high-speed interface with automatic device enumeration—enabling plug-and-play connectivity to Windows-based PCs running Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) software.
- Factory-installed IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages compliant with GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements—supporting audit readiness and regulatory submissions.
- Native compatibility with the Thermo Fisher AS-DV autosampler for unattended batch analysis, including programmable loop injection, variable volume aspiration, and integrated sample filtration via membrane-capped vials.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ICS-600 accommodates aqueous samples with total dissolved solids (TDS) ≤100 ppm and particulate content <0.45 µm (pre-filtered). It supports direct injection of drinking water, rainwater, process streams, and diluted biological fluids. For high-salinity or contaminated matrices, optional online pre-treatment modules—including inline filtration, solid-phase extraction (SPE), and matrix elimination columns—are fully supported via AS-DV valve expansion ports. Regulatory alignment includes full traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when used with validated Chromeleon CDS v7.3+), ASTM D4327 (anions in water), ASTM D6919 (cations in water), ISO 10304-1 (determination of dissolved anions), and USP (conductivity of purified water). All wetted components meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards.
Software & Data Management
Controlled exclusively via Thermo Fisher Chromeleon CDS v7.x, the ICS-600 provides intuitive method setup, real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration with customizable baselines, and automated calibration curve generation. Software features include electronic signature support, audit trail logging (user actions, parameter changes, data modifications), and secure user role management (Administrator, Analyst, Reviewer). Data export complies with ASTM E1382 and ASTM E1461 formats, and raw files (.cdf) are archivable in vendor-neutral .csv or .txt formats. Optional LIMS integration is supported through ODBC and REST API interfaces.
Applications
- Environmental monitoring: Quantification of regulated anions/cations in EPA Method 300.0, 300.1, and 317.0 compliant workflows.
- Pharmaceutical water testing: USP conductivity and TOC-correlated ion profiling in Purified Water (PW) and Water for Injection (WFI).
- Food safety: Nitrate/nitrite analysis in dairy, meat, and vegetable products per AOAC 997.03 and EN 12014-3.
- Battery electrolyte QC: Trace HF, F⁻, and Li⁺ measurement in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
- Power generation: Chloride and sulfate monitoring in boiler feedwater and steam condensate per ASTM D4582 and IAPWS guidelines.
FAQ
Is the ICS-600 compatible with electrolytic eluent generation (RFIC)?
Yes—the system supports RFC-30 Electrolytic Eluent Generation when paired with optional RFIC accessories, enabling reagent-free gradient elution using only deionized water.
What suppressor options are supported?
The ICS-600 natively supports MMS™ 300 (DCR mode) and ERS™ 500 (electrolytic regeneration) suppressors for both anion and cation applications.
Can it operate under GLP/GMP conditions?
Yes—factory IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, Chromeleon’s 21 CFR Part 11 compliance package, and full audit trail functionality ensure regulatory adherence.
What column chemistries are recommended?
Dionex IonPac AS/DN series (e.g., AS23, AS28, CS19) and Thermo Scientific Acclaim Trinity P1 columns are fully validated and supported.
Does the system require external gas supply or solvent degassing?
No—integrated vacuum degasser eliminates need for helium sparging or external nitrogen purge; all fluid handling is sealed and self-degassing.
