Dionex IC 5000 Manual

The Dionex IC 5000 is a high-performance ion chromatography system designed for analytical laboratories, featuring advanced conductivity detection, automated eluent generation, temperature-controlled compartments, Chromeleon chromatography data system compatibility, and comprehensive automation capabilities. Below are key sections for system overview, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. System Overview 2. Installation Requirements 3. Initial Setup 4. Technical Specifications 5. Control Panel Operation 6. Method Development 7. Data Analysis 8. Maintenance Procedures 9. Regulatory Compliance 10. Troubleshooting Guide

System Overview

Key components: High-pressure pump, conductivity detector, automated eluent generator, temperature-controlled column compartment, autosampler, and Chromeleon software interface.

Component	Description
High-pressure pump	Dual-piston design for pulse-free eluent delivery
Conductivity detector	Temperature-controlled with auto-suppression
Eluent generator	Automated eluent preparation with cartridge-based technology
Column compartment	Temperature control from 5°C to 80°C
Autosampler	96-vial capacity with temperature control option
Chromeleon software	Comprehensive chromatography data system
Power switch	Main system power control
Emergency stop	Immediate system shutdown for safety
Status indicators	LED displays for system status and alerts
Communication ports	Ethernet and USB connectivity

Installation Requirements

Unpack and verify all components. Ensure proper laboratory environment.

Site preparation: Level, stable bench; adequate ventilation; temperature control (15-30°C).
Power requirements: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, dedicated electrical circuit.
Gas supply: High-purity nitrogen or helium for degassing (if required).
Water quality: Type I reagent-grade water (18.2 MΩ·cm).
Computer system: Windows-compatible PC with Chromeleon software.

WARNING! System contains high-pressure components; install in authorized laboratory only. Ensure proper grounding.

Initial Setup

Power on system; follow Chromeleon software setup wizard.

System priming: Prime pump and detectors with appropriate solvents.
Column installation: Install and condition separation column according to manufacturer instructions.
Detector calibration: Perform initial detector calibration and validation.
Software configuration: Set up instrument methods, sequences, and data processing methods.
System suitability: Run test mixture to verify system performance.

CAUTION! Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling chemicals and solvents.

Technical Specifications

Pressure Range: 0-6000 psi (0-41 MPa)
Flow Rate Range: 0.001-10.0 mL/min
Conductivity Detection: Range 0-15,000 μS/cm, temperature control ±0.01°C
Eluent Generator: KOH or MSA cartridges, concentration range 1-100 mM
Column Oven: Temperature range 5-80°C, stability ±0.1°C
Autosampler: 96-position tray, temperature control 4-40°C
Injection Volume: 0.1-100 μL
Data Acquisition: 100 Hz sampling rate
Dimensions: 60 cm W × 55 cm D × 50 cm H
Weight: Approximately 45 kg

Control Panel Operation

Access system controls via touchscreen interface or Chromeleon software. Front Panel: POWER, EMERGENCY STOP, STATUS, MENU.

Software Interface: Method editor, sequence table, real-time monitoring, data processing, report generation.

Pump Control: Flow rate, pressure limits, composition gradient. Detector Settings: Cell temperature, auto-zero, output range. Column Oven: Temperature setpoint, equilibration time. Autosampler: Injection volume, wash cycles, tray temperature. System: Pressure monitoring, leak detection, maintenance counters.

Method Development

Create and optimize separation methods for various analytes.

Select column: Choose appropriate stationary phase for target analytes.
Eluent selection: Determine optimal eluent composition and concentration.
Gradient optimization: Program eluent gradient for complex separations.
Flow rate: Optimize for resolution and analysis time.
Temperature: Adjust column temperature for selectivity and efficiency.
Detection parameters: Set detector sensitivity and data acquisition rate.

Tip: Use method scouting with Chromeleon software for rapid method development.

Data Analysis

Chromeleon software provides comprehensive data processing capabilities.

Peak integration: Automatic and manual peak integration methods.
Calibration: Single-level, multi-level, and external standard calibration.
Quantitation: Calculate concentrations using calibration curves.
System suitability: Calculate resolution, tailing factor, plate count.
Report generation: Customizable reports with chromatograms and results.
Data export: Export to Excel, PDF, or other formats.
Audit trail: Complete record of all system activities and data changes.
Security: User access levels and electronic signatures.

WARNING! Maintain proper data backup procedures. Validate all calculation methods.

Maintenance Procedures

Regular maintenance ensures optimal system performance and data quality.

Component	Maintenance Interval	Procedure
Pump seals	Every 6 months or 2000 hours	Replace pump seals; flush with water
Detector cell	Monthly or as needed	Clean with 0.1M HNO3; rinse with water
Eluent cartridges	When depleted	Replace cartridge; prime system
Injection valve	Every 3 months	Clean rotor seal; replace if worn
Filters	Monthly	Replace inlet and outlet filters
Tubing	As needed	Check for leaks; replace if damaged

CAUTION! Always depressurize system before performing maintenance. Use appropriate solvents and safety equipment.

Regulatory Compliance

Dionex IC 5000 complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures, ISO 9001 quality management system, CE marking for European market, and RoHS compliance for hazardous substances. Copyright © Thermo Fisher Scientific. For technical support, visit www.thermofisher.com or contact 1-800-532-4752.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
High pressure	Clogged column/filter	Replace guard column; backflush column; replace filters
Low pressure	Leak or air in system	Check fittings; prime pump; purge detectors
Noisy baseline	Contaminated eluent or cell	Prepare fresh eluent; clean detector cell
Peak tailing	Column degradation or contamination	Regenerate or replace column; check sample matrix
Retention time shift	Temperature or flow variation	Verify column temperature; check pump calibration
No injection	Autosampler error	Check syringe; verify needle position; clean injector
Communication error	Network or cable issue	Check Ethernet connection; restart software

Reset: System > Maintenance > System Reset if available.

Service: 1-800-532-4752; www.thermofisher.com