Dionex ICS-90 User manual

ICS-90 ION CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Document No. 031851
Revision 05
December 2004

©2004 by Dionex Corporation
All rights reserved worldwide.
Printed in the United States of America.
This publication is protected by federal copyright law. No part of this publication
may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, manual, or otherwise, or disclosed to third parties
without the express written permission of Dionex Corporation, 1228 Titan Way,
Sunnyvale, California 94088-3603 U.S.A.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITED WARRANTY
THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND. DIONEX CORPORATION DOES NOT WARRANT,
GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR THE RESULTS OF THE
USE, OF THIS PUBLICATION IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY,
RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE. FURTHER, DIONEX
CORPORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS PUBLICATION
AND TO MAKE CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE CONTENT
HEREINOF WITHOUT OBLIGATION OF DIONEX CORPORATION TO
NOTIFY ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OF SUCH REVISION OR
CHANGES.
TRADEMARKS
AMMS® III, CMMS® III, and Chromeleon® are registered trademarks and
OnGuard™ is a trademark of Dionex Corporation.
Teflon® and Tefzel® are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company.
Windows® 2000 is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PRINTING HISTORY
Revision 01, April 2002
Revision 02, August 2003
Revision 03, April 2004
Revision 04, July 2004
Revision 05, December 2004

Doc. 031851-05 12/04 i
Contents
1 • Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Ion Chromatography (IC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2 Overview of the ICS-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.3 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.3.1 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1.3.2 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
2•Description
2.1 Operating Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.1.1 Front Door and Top Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.1.2 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.1.3 Component Mounting Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.2 Fluid Schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
2.2.1 Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR) . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.3 The Chromeleon Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
2.3.1 The Chromeleon Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
2.3.2 The ICS-90 Control Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
3 • Operation and Maintenance
3.1 Preparing the Eluent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2 Preparing the Regenerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
ii Doc. 031851-05 12/04
3.3 Pressurizing the Eluent Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.4 Preparing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.4.1 Collecting and Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.4.2 Pretreating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.4.3 Diluting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.5 ICS-90 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.5.1 Starting Up the ICS-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.5.2 Starting Up Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.5.3 Preparing the ICS-90 for Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.5.4 Manual Sample Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
3.5.5 Automatic Sample Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.5.6 Sample Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
3.6 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
4 • Troubleshooting
4.1 Alarms and Error Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.2 Liquid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.3 Pump Difficult to Prime or Loses Prime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.4 Pump Does Not Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.5 No Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.6 Erratic Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.7 Excessive System Backpressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.8 Peak “Ghosting” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.9 Nonreproducible Peak Height or Retention Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Contents
Doc. 031851-05 12/04 iii
4.10 Abnormal Retention Time or Selectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
4.11 No DS5 Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
4.12 High DS5 Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
4.13 Baseline Noise or Drift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10
5•Service
5.1 Diagnostics and Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.1.1 Calibrating the Pressure Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
5.1.2 Calibrating the Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
5.2 Replacing Tubing and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
5.3 Changing the Sample Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
5.4 Isolating a Restriction in the Liquid Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
5.5 Cleaning and Replacing Pump Check Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
5.6 Replacing a Pump Piston Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
5.7 Replacing a Pump Piston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15
5.8 Replacing the Waste Valve O-Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
5.9 Rebuilding the Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
5.10 Installing a New DS5 Detection Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
5.11 Installing a New Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
5.12 Changing the Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21
A • Specifications
A.1 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
A.2 Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
iv Doc. 031851-05 12/04
A.3 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
A.4 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
A.5 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.6 Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.7 Pulse Damper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.8 Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
A.9 DS5 Detection Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
A.10 Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
A.11 Delay Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
B • Installation
B.1 Facility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
B.2 Unpacking the ICS-90 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2
B.2.1 Unpacking the ICS-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2
B.2.2 Removing the Pump Shipping Screw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3
B.2.3 Unpacking the Computer (North America only) . . . . . . . . . . .B-4
B.2.4 Unpacking the Computer (outside North America) . . . . . . . . .B-4
B.3 Installing Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5
B.4 Connecting the ICS-90 to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6
B.5 Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
B.6 Turning on the ICS-90 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9
B.7 Setting Up Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
B.7.1 Installing the Chromeleon Software License . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
B.7.2 Creating a Timebase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12

Contents
Doc. 031851-05 12/04 v
B.7.3 Connecting the ICS-90 to a Chromeleon Control Panel . . . . B-14
B.7.4 Verifying Chromeleon Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
B.8 Connecting the Waste Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18
B.9 Connecting the Gas Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
B.10 Setting Up the Eluent and Regenerant Reservoirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
B.11 Installing and Plumbing the Columns and Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
B.12 Pressurizing the Eluent Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
B.13 Priming the Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-26
B.14 Setting the Pump Flow Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-28
B.14.1 Record the Measured Flow Rate in Chromeleon. . . . . . . . . . B-31
B.15 Equilibrating the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-32
B.16 Verifying Operational Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-32
B.17 Connecting the AS40 Automated Sampler (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . B-33
B.18 Operating the ICS-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-34
B.19 Installation Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-34
C • Reordering Information
D•FAQ
D.1 How do I hook up an AS40 Automated Sampler? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
D.2 How do I print? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
D.3 How often should I perform calibrations? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
D.4 Why are the retention times moving? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
D.5 How do I adjust retention times? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
vi Doc. 031851-05 12/04
D.6 When should I remake standards? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.7 When should I remake eluents? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.8 How do I start Chromeleon? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.9 How do I delete data? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.10 How do I back up data? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.11 How do I shut off the system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.12 How do I store columns? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
D.13 How do I know when a column is dirty? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-3
D.14 How do I clean a column? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-3
D.15 Why is the conductivity high? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-3
E • Glossary

Doc. 031851-05 12/04 1-1
1 • Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Ion Chromatography (IC)
NOTE Appendix E contains a glossary of chromatography
terms.
The Dionex ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System (ICS-90) performs isocratic ion
analyses using suppressed conductivity detection. An ion chromatography system
typically consists of a liquid eluent, a high-pressure pump, a sample injector, a
separator column, a chemical suppressor, and a conductivity cell. Before running
a sample, the ICS-90 is calibrated using a standard solution. By comparing the
data obtained from a sample to that obtained from the standard, sample ions can
be identified and quantitated. A computer running chromatography software
automatically converts each peak in a chromatogram to a sample concentration
and produces a tabulated printout of the results.
The IC analysis consists of four stages (see Figure 1-1):
1. Eluent Delivery
•Eluent, a liquid that helps to separate the sample ions, carries the
sample through the ion chromatography system. The ICS-90 is an
isocratic delivery system. This means that the eluent composition and
concentration remain constant throughout the run.
•Liquid sample is injected into the eluent stream either manually or
automatically (if an automated sampler is installed).
•The pump forces the eluent and sample through a separator column (a
chemically-inert tube packed with a polymeric resin).
2. Separation
•As the eluent and sample are pumped through the separator column,
the sample ions are separated. In the ICS-90, the mode of separation
is called ion exchange and it is based on the premise that different
sample ions migrate through the IC column at different rates,
depending upon their interactions with the ion exchange sites.

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
1-2 Doc. 031851-05 12/04
3. Detection
•After the eluent and sample ions leave the column, they flow through
a suppressor that selectively enhances detection of the sample ions
while suppressing the conductivity of the eluent.
•A conductivity cell monitors and measures the electrical conductance
of the sample ions as they emerge from the suppressor and produces a
signal based on a chemical or physical property of the analyte.
4. Data Analysis
•The conductivity cell transmits the signal to a computer running
chromatography software.
•The chromatography software (for the ICS-90, this is Chromeleon®)
analyzes the data by comparing the sample peaks in a chromatogram
to those produced from a standard solution. The software identifies
the ions based on retention time, and quantifies each analyte by
integrating the peak area or peak height. The results are displayed as a
chromatogram, with the concentrations of ionic analytes
automatically determined and tabulated.
Figure 1-1. Ion Analysis Process

1 • Introduction
Doc. 031851-05 12/04 1-3
1.2 Overview of the ICS-90
In all major respects, the ICS-90 operating process is similar to the overview of
ion analysis described in Section 1.1. The ICS-90 is an integrated ion
chromatography system containing a pump, injection valve, and conductivity cell.
Other system components, including a guard column, separator column, and
suppressor, must be ordered separately. These components vary, depending on the
analyses to be performed. System components are described and illustrated in
Section 2.1.3.
ICS-90 operation is controlled remotely by a personal computer running
Windows®2000 and Chromeleon software (version 6.40 or later). Chromeleon is
used for instrument control, data acquisition, and data processing.
For communication between the ICS-90 and Chromeleon, the ICS-90 must be
connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on the computer or a USB hub.
For installation instructions, see Appendix B and also refer to Installing the
Chromeleon IC System (Document No. 031883).

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
1-4 Doc. 031851-05 12/04
1.3 About This Manual
Chapter 1
Introduction Introduces ion analysis, gives an overview of the ICS-90, and
explains the conventions used in this manual, including
safety-related information.
Chapter 2
Description Describes ICS-90 operating features and the chromatographic
flow path.
Chapter 3
Operation and
Maintenance
Provides operating instructions, introduces the Chromeleon
user interface, and describes routine preventive maintenance
procedures.
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting Lists problems and presents step-by-step procedures for how
to isolate and eliminate the cause of each problem.
Chapter 5
Service Provides step-by-step instructions for routine service and
parts replacement procedures.
Appendix A
Specifications Lists the ICS-90 specifications and installation site
requirements.
Appendix B
Installation Describes how to install the ICS-90.
Appendix C
Reordering
Information
Lists spare parts for the ICS-90.
Appendix D
FAQ Provides answers to frequently asked questions about ICS-90
operation.
Appendix E
Glossary Defines terms commonly used in ion analysis.

1 • Introduction
Doc. 031851-05 12/04 1-5
1.3.1 Safety Messages and Notes
The ICS-90 is designed for ion analysis applications and should not be
used for any other purpose. If there is a question regarding appropriate
usage, contact Dionex at 1-800-346-6390 before proceeding. Outside the
United States, call the nearest Dionex office.
This manual contains warnings and precautionary statements that, when
properly followed, can prevent personal injury and/or damage to the
instrument. Safety messages appear in bold type and are accompanied by
icons, as shown below.
Messages d’avertissement en français
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. Also used to identify a situation or
practice that may seriously damage the instrument, but will not cause
injury.
Indicates that the function or process of the instrument may be
impaired. Operation does not constitute a hazard.
Signale une situation de danger immédiat qui, si elle n'est pas évitée,
entraînera des blessures graves à mortelles.
Signale une situation de danger potentiel qui, si elle n'est pas évitée,
pourrait entraîner des blessures graves à mortelles.
Signale une situation de danger potentiel qui, si elle n'est pas évitée,
pourrait entraîner des blessures mineures à modérées. Également
utilisé pour signaler une situation ou une pratique qui pourrait
gravement endommager l'instrument mais qui n'entraînera pas de
blessures.

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
1-6 Doc. 031851-05 12/04
Warnhinweise in Deutsch
Informational messages also appear throughout this manual. These are
labeled NOTE and are in bold type:
NOTE NOTES call attention to certain information. They alert
you to an unexpected result of an action, suggest how to
optimize instrument performance, etc.
Bedeutet unmittelbare Gefahr. Mißachtung kann zum Tod oder
schwerwiegenden Verletzungen führen.
Bedeutet eine mögliche Gefährdung. Mißachtung kann zum Tod oder
schwerwiegenden Verletzungen führen.
Bedeutet eine mögliche Gefährdung. Mißachtung kann zu kleineren
oder mittelschweren Verletzungen führen. Wird auch verwendet, wenn
eine Situation zu schweren Schäden am Gerät führen kann, jedoch
keine Verletzungsgefahr besteht.

1 • Introduction
Doc. 031851-05 12/04 1-7
1.3.2 Safety Labels
The TUV GS, C, US Mark safety label and the CE Mark label on the
ICS-90 indicate that the ICS-90 is in compliance with the following
standards: EN 61010-1:2001 (safety), CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-
92+A2:97 (safety), UL 3101-1/10.93 (safety), and EN
61326:1997+A1:1998 (EMC susceptibility and immunity).
The symbols below appear on the ICS-90, or on labels affixed to the
ICS-90.
Alternating current
Protective conductor terminal
Power supply is on
Power supply is off
Indicates a potential hazard. Refer to the operator’s manual for
an explanation of the hazard and how to proceed.

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
1-8 Doc. 031851-05 12/04

Doc. 031851-05 12/04 2-1
2 • Description
The ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System is designed for simplicity and ease of
use. It is configured for optimal performance at the factory. ICS-90 operation is
controlled by Chromeleon software. This chapter presents a brief description of
key ICS-90 features and components and the Chromeleon user interface.
Figure 2-1. ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
Status LEDs
Injection Port
Eluent
Reservoir
Regenerant
Reservoir

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
2-2 Doc. 031851-05 12/04
2.1 Operating Features
2.1.1 Front Door and Top Cover
Figure 2-1 illustrates the front door and top cover of the ICS-90.
The front door contains a sample injection port and LEDs that indicate the
ICS-90 operating status. The top cover is molded to hold the eluent and
regenerant reservoirs.
LEDs
There are three status LEDs on the ICS-90 front
panel. Other status information and alarm
messages are displayed in Chromeleon software.
See Section 4.1 for a description of the software
alarm messages.
Injection Port
The sample to be analyzed is injected into the injection port, using either a
syringe or the optional AS40 Automated Sampler. For more information
about sample injection, see Section 3.5.6.
LED Label If On (Green) If Flashing
Power ICS-90 power is on Does not flash
Ready System check passed, but
sequence not yet started
(LED stays on until run starts
or sequence is aborted)
System check failed (occurs if
system check executes for
10 minutes without success)
Run Running/acquiring data Error/alarm/fault (including
injection valve position)
Power
Ready
Run

2 • Description
Doc. 031851-05 12/04 2-3
Eluent and Regenerant Reservoirs
The ICS-90 top cover is molded to hold one eluent reservoir assembly
(P/N 057711) and one regenerant reservoir assembly (anion, P/N 057712;
cation, P/N 057713).
•Eluent carries the sample through the ICS-90 and facilitates the ion
separation process. Different types of eluents are used, depending on
the analyses performed. For example, an ICS-90 configured for anion
analyses uses carbonate eluent, and an ICS-90 configured for cation
analyses uses methanesulfonic acid (MSA) eluent.
•Regenerant “regenerates” the suppressor’s ability to suppress eluent
conductivity. An ICS-90 configured for anion analyses uses dilute
sulfuric acid regenerant. An ICS-90 configured for cation analyses
uses tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) regenerant.

ICS-90 Ion Chromatography System
2-4 Doc. 031851-05 12/04
2.1.2 Rear Panel
Figure 2-2 illustrates the ICS-90 rear panel.
Power Switch
The power switch provides on/off control of power to the ICS-90.
Figure 2-2. ICS-90 Rear Panel