Users will periodically install and replace IC columns throughout the life of the system. For example, split peaks may be a sign of column void, in which case the column should be replaced. Other indications that a column should be replaced include insufficient peak resolution, peak splitting, and missing peaks.
Items needed:
- 500 mL plastic waste beaker
- Analytical column
- Guard column
- Eluent in the eluent bottle (or DI water if using eluent generation)
- Standard pre-cut PEEK tubing or Viper tubing
Procedure
- Turn off the Dionex Inuvion IC System.
- Open the column packaging. You'll see several items inside: the column, a QAR form, and an instruction sheet. Place these items on a clean working surface near the Dionex Inuvion IC System.
- If you are replacing a column, open the system front door and remove the old column. Save any fittings for subsequent installation of the new column.
- Flush the column storage solution. Prepare eluent or set the eluent concentration to that listed in the QAR if using eluent generation.
- Remove the plugs from the guard column and connect the analytical pump outlet to the guard column inlet.
- Note the direction of flow and verify that the column is oriented correctly.
- Connect the guard column outlet to the analytical column inlet.
- Rest the end of the guard column outlet on the edge of a waste beaker or other waste outlet.
- From the Chromeleon CDS ePanel, turn on the analytical pump and set the eluent flow to the standard rate recommended for the column: 0.25 mL/min for 2 mm.
- The backpressure will increase, and eluent will drip from the column into the waste beaker.
- Flush the column for 30 minutes, and then turn the analytical pump off on the Chromeleon CDS.
- Connect the analytical column outlet to the suppressor ELUENT IN port.
- On the Chromeleon CDS ePanel, turn on the analytical pump. Set the eluent flow to the standard rate recommended for the column: 0.25 mL/min for 2 mm.
- Flush the column for 30 minutes and then turn off the analytical pump.
- Once a steady baseline is reached, begin column injection of standards.
- Once reproducible injection times are observed, column equilibration is complete. The following image shows multiple runs of standard overlaid.
Figure Multiple runs of standard overlaid