Thermo Fisher Scientific ICS-2100 Reconditioned Ion Chromatograph

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Scientific ICS-2100 is a reconditioned high-performance ion chromatograph engineered for precision anion and cation analysis in regulated and research laboratories. As the first commercial system to integrate both Reagent-Free Ion Chromatography with Electrolytic Generation (RFIC-EG) and Electrolytic Sample Preparation (RFIC-ESP), it eliminates manual eluent preparation and enables fully automated, chemical-free operation. Its core measurement principle relies on suppressed conductivity detection following ion-exchange separation—utilizing high-efficiency, low-dead-volume PEEK fluidic pathways and a digitally controlled thermostatted conductivity cell. The system supports both isocratic and linear gradient elution via electrolytic generation of KOH, methanesulfonic acid (MSA), or other compatible eluents—eliminating the need for gradient pumps or pre-mixed reagents. Designed for robustness in routine QC, environmental testing, and pharmaceutical impurity profiling, the ICS-2100 delivers high reproducibility (≤0.5% RSD for retention time, ≤1.2% RSD for peak area under GLP conditions) and long-term baseline stability.

Key Features

• RFIC-EG Technology: On-demand, high-purity eluent generation from ultrapure water—enabling precise, operator-independent gradient formation without chemical handling.
• RFIC-ESP Module: Integrated electrolytic sample pretreatment via valve-switching and water electrolysis; supports online matrix elimination (e.g., carbonate removal, alkali metal suppression) for complex matrices including wastewater, biological fluids, and food extracts.
• Dual-Column Flexibility: Compatible with both 2 mm and 4 mm internal diameter columns—optimized for sensitivity (2 mm) or loading capacity (4 mm) per application requirements.
• Digital Conductivity Detection: Thermostatically controlled cell with automatic range switching, temperature compensation, and sub-nS resolution—ensuring accurate quantification across 4–5 orders of magnitude in analyte concentration.
• High-Integrity Fluidics: Entire flow path constructed from PEEK and PTFE—chemically inert to strong acids, bases, and organic modifiers (up to 45% ACN); pressure-rated to 35 MPa.
• Automated System Control: USB/Ethernet connectivity with Chromeleon CDS v7.2+; supports audit trails, electronic signatures, and full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when configured with appropriate server architecture.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICS-2100 accommodates aqueous samples with total dissolved solids (TDS) ≤ 500 mg/L and pH 2–12. It is routinely validated for EPA Methods 300.0, 300.1, and 316.1; ASTM D4327 and D8081; ISO 14911; and USP . All reconditioned units undergo full functional verification per SpectraLab’s ISO/IEC 17025-aligned protocol—including column efficiency testing (N > 15,000 plates/m), detector linearity assessment (r² ≥ 0.9998 over 0.1–100 ppm Cl⁻), and EG module output stability (<±2% conductivity drift over 4 h). Units are certified free of cross-contamination and meet residual solvent limits per ICH Q3C guidelines.

Software & Data Management

Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) v7.2 or later serves as the native platform—providing method development tools, sequence scheduling, real-time monitoring, and automated report generation. Audit trail functionality records all user actions, parameter changes, and data modifications with timestamps and operator IDs. Electronic signature support complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed on validated Windows Server environments. Raw data files (.cdf) are stored in vendor-neutral format and exportable to LIMS via ODBC or direct API integration. Batch processing, calibration curve fitting (linear, quadratic, weighted), and peak purity evaluation are standard.

Applications

• Environmental: Quantification of F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, and cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) in drinking water, surface water, and leachates per EPA regulatory frameworks.
• Pharmaceutical: Counterion analysis (e.g., Na⁺ in sodium heparin), residual acetate/formate in biologics, and chloride profiling in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Food & Beverage: Nitrate/nitrite in cured meats, sulfate in wine, iodide in dairy, and organic acids (acetate, lactate, citrate) in fermented products.
• Power Generation: Anion impurity monitoring (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, acetate) in ultrapure boiler feedwater per ASTM D4582 and D8081.
• Academic Research: Speciation studies involving weakly retained oxyanions (e.g., selenite/selenate), transition metal complexes, and novel ionic liquid characterization.

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished or merely tested used equipment?
All ICS-2100 systems are subjected to SpectraLab’s Certified Refurbishment Protocol: complete disassembly, replacement of wear components (pump seals, check valves, suppressor membranes), recalibration against NIST-traceable standards, and 72-hour operational burn-in.
Does the RFIC-EG module retain full factory specifications after refurbishment?
Yes—the EG cartridge and associated power supply are replaced with new OEM parts; eluent concentration accuracy is verified at ±0.5 mM across the 1–100 mM KOH range.
Can this system be integrated into an existing Chromeleon network environment?
Absolutely—units ship with licensed Chromeleon CDS software and are preconfigured for domain authentication, LIMS handshake, and centralized instrument management.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each shipment includes a Certificate of Reconditioning, full test report (including chromatograms, calibration curves, and pressure profiles), spare parts list, and electronic copy of the ICS-2100 Operator’s Manual and Chromeleon User Guide.
Is on-site installation and qualification support available?
Yes—SpectraLab offers optional IQ/OQ services compliant with ASTM E2500 and ISO/IEC 17025, including URS review, protocol development, execution, and final report delivery.