Cation system blank - ERD 500 - ERS 500e - ERS 500 Carbonate - DRS 600 - Cation system blank - ERD 500 - ERS 500e - ERS 500 Carbonate - DRS 600

Trace cation contamination in the deionized water used for the carrier solution, the Dionex CDRS 600 and eluent create the analytical blank. For trace analysis, the analytical blank usually determines the detection limits of the system.

Cation contaminants in deionized water can be removed by installing Dionex IonPac CTC-1 Column between the sample carrier pump and the Sample Valve. The major source of ammonia and amine contamination is usually from the Dionex CDRS 600. Since this device uses high capacity aminated ion exchange screens and membranes, ammonia and amines are released from the screen and membrane surfaces, especially in a newly installed Dionex CDRS 600.

To reduce the amine blank, follow the Dionex DRS 600 start-up procedure in Start-up. The amine blank is normally reduced to a constant level after 24 hours of operation.

A typical blank is shown in Dionex IonPac CS12A Blank and Standard Analysis. The use of high purity chemicals helps to reduce the blank concentrations.