Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC High-Pressure Ion Chromatography System (Refurbished)

Overview

The Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC System is a high-pressure, modular ion chromatography platform engineered for precision anion and cation analysis across environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety, and clinical research laboratories. Built on capillary-scale high-pressure fluidics and integrated eluent generation, the ICS-5000+ operates on the “just add water” principle—eliminating manual eluent preparation while ensuring exceptional baseline stability and reproducibility. Its dual-pump architecture (optional single-pump configuration) delivers precise gradient formation and robust isocratic performance, enabling both conventional and advanced two-dimensional IC (IC×IC) workflows. The system employs Couette flow-based separation physics in capillary and microbore formats, minimizing band broadening and maximizing peak capacity—particularly critical for complex matrices such as biological extracts, fermentation broths, or wastewater digests. As a refurbished unit certified by SpectraLab Scientific, this ICS-5000+ undergoes full functional validation—including pressure integrity testing, detector linearity verification, autosampler precision assessment, and EG output stability calibration—prior to release.

Key Features

• High-pressure capability up to 5000 psi (34.5 MPa), enabling use of sub-4 µm particle-size ion exchange columns for enhanced resolution and peak capacity
• Integrated Eluent Generator (EG) with 18-month cartridge life; consumes only 5.25 L deionized water annually in capillary mode—reducing chemical waste and operational cost
• AS-AP autosampler with 115-position vial capacity, programmable injection volumes (0.1–1000 µL), and temperature-controlled sample tray (4–40 °C)
• DC module housing configurable detection options: suppressed conductivity detection (with optional electrolytic suppression), pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) for carbohydrates and amino acids, UV/Vis, fluorescence, charged aerosol detection (CAD), and MS-compatible interfaces
• Modular design supporting seamless integration of IC×IC (two-dimensional ion chromatography), IC-MS, IC-MS/MS, and IC-ICP-MS configurations
• Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) 7.2.5 or later installed, configured with full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including electronic signatures, audit trail, user role management, and data integrity safeguards

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICS-5000+ accommodates diverse sample types without derivatization: inorganic anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻), cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺), organic acids (acetate, formate, citrate), amines, carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides, and small-molecule pharmaceuticals. It meets method requirements defined in EPA Methods 300.0, 300.1, 314.0, ASTM D4327, ISO 14911, and USP / for elemental impurities. All refurbished units are verified against ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.10 (equipment verification) and include a traceable calibration certificate referencing NIST-traceable standards. Systems shipped with GLP/GMP-ready documentation packages—including IQ/OQ protocols, preventive maintenance logs, and system suitability test (SST) records.

Software & Data Management

Chromeleon CDS provides unified control of all ICS-5000+ modules, real-time monitoring of EG output concentration, pump pressure profiles, detector baselines, and autosampler status. Data files are stored in secure, encrypted .cdf format with embedded metadata (operator ID, method version, instrument serial, timestamp). Audit trail functionality records all user actions—including method edits, sequence changes, result deletions, and report approvals—with immutable timestamps and digital signature binding. Remote access is supported via Chromeleon Web Services (CWS), allowing authorized users to monitor runs, review results, and approve reports from external networks—subject to organizational firewall and authentication policies.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Quantification of regulated anions/cations in drinking water, surface water, and soil leachates per EPA compliance mandates
• Pharmaceutical QC: Counterion analysis in APIs, residual salt profiling in biologics, and excipient purity screening (e.g., lactose, mannitol)
• Food & beverage: Nitrate/nitrite in cured meats, sulfite in wines, phosphate in dairy products, and organic acid profiling in fermented foods
• Clinical research: Plasma amino acid panels, urinary organic acid screening, and cerebrospinal fluid anion profiling
• Bioprocessing: Monitoring of culture media components (glutamate, glucose, ammonium), harvest purity assessment, and buffer exchange validation

FAQ

Is this ICS-5000+ system fully validated prior to shipment?
Yes. Each unit undergoes comprehensive functional testing—including pressure leak checks, detector signal-to-noise verification, EG concentration accuracy (±2% RSD), autosampler precision (≤0.5% RSD at 10 µL), and system suitability testing using certified reference materials.
Does the refurbishment include replacement of wear-prone components?
Yes. All fluidic seals, pump check valves, suppressor membranes, and EG cartridges are replaced with genuine Thermo Fisher parts. Critical optics and electrode surfaces are cleaned and performance-verified.
Can this system be upgraded to support IC-MS coupling?
Yes. The ICS-5000+ chassis includes dedicated MS interface ports and firmware support for Thermo Scientific Q Exactive™ or TSQ™ series mass spectrometers. Required hardware (e.g., ESI source adapter, flow splitter) is available separately.
What documentation accompanies the system?
A complete package includes Certificate of Refurbishment, IQ/OQ execution reports, Chromeleon 21 CFR Part 11 configuration record, maintenance log, and original Thermo Fisher service manuals (digital copy).
Is extended warranty or service contract available?
Yes. SpectraLab offers annual Preventive Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) covering labor, travel, parts, and remote support—extendable up to 3 years post-delivery.