Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-2000 User manual

ICS-2000 ION CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Document No. 031857
Revision 03
April 2006

©2006 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
AES, Atlas, Chromeleon, EluGen, IonPac, OnGuard, and SRS are registered
trademarks of Dionex Corporation. CarboPac, MicroMembrane, MMS, Reagent-
Free, and RFIC are trademarks of Dionex Corporation.
Acrobat, Adobe, and Adobe Reader, are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems,
Incorporated.
PEEK is a trademark of Victrex PLC.
Teflon is a registered trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours & Company.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
PRINTING HISTORY
Revision 01, March 2003
Revision 02, September 2005
Revision 03, March 2006

Doc. 031857-03 4/06 i
Contents
1 • Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Ion Chromatography (IC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2 Overview of the ICS-2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.3 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1.3.1 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
1.3.2 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
2 • Features
2.1 Operating Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.1.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.1.2 Top Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.1.3 Component Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.1.4 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.2 The Chromeleon Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
2.2.1 The Chromeleon Main Window and Browser . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
2.2.2 The ICS-2000 Control Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.3 Flow Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23
2.4 System Component Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-30
2.4.1 Vacuum Degas Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-30
2.4.2 Eluent Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-32
2.4.3 Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-32

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2.4.4 Eluent Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
2.4.5 Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
2.4.6 Column Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
2.4.7 Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
2.4.8 DS6 Heated Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
3 • Operation and Maintenance
3.1 Operation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Power Up the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.3 Start Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.4 Set Up the Eluent Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.4.1 Filter the Deionized Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.4.2 Fill the Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.4.3 Set the Eluent Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.4.4 Connect the Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.5 Check All Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.6 Prime the Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
3.7 Set System Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3.8 Equilibrate the System and Verify Operational Status . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.9 Prepare Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
3.9.1 Collecting and Storing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
3.9.2 Pretreating Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
3.9.3 Diluting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
3.10 Loading and Injecting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Contents
Doc. 031857-03 4/06 iii
3.10.1 Loading Samples with a Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
3.10.2 Loading Samples with a Vacuum Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.10.3 Loading Samples with an Autosampler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.10.4 Injecting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
3.10.5 Example Chromeleon Commands for Loading and
Injecting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
3.11 Process Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
3.11.1 Manual Sample Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
3.11.2 Automatic (Batch) Sample Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
3.12 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21
4 • Troubleshooting
4.3 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.1 Troubleshooting Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.2 Liquid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
4.3 Pump Difficult to Prime or Loses Prime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14
4.4 Pump Does Not Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-16
4.5 No Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-17
4.6 Erratic Flow/Pressure Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18
4.7 Excessive System Backpressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18
4.8 Peak “Ghosting” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19
4.9 Nonreproducible Peak Height or Retention Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-20
4.10 Abnormal Retention Time or Selectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-20
4.11 No Cell Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-20
4.12 High Cell Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-21

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
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4.13 Baseline Noise or Drift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
4.14 Vacuum Degas Assembly Does Not Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
5•Service
5.1 Diagnostic and Calibration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.1.1 Chromeleon Wellness Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.1.2 Diagnostic and Calibration Touch Screen Overview . . . . . . . 5-4
5.1.3 Calibrating the Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
5.1.4 Calibrating the Flow Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
5.1.5 Calibrating the Vacuum Degas Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
5.2 Isolating a Restriction in the Liquid Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
5.3 Replacing Tubing and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
5.4 Rebuilding the Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
5.5 Cleaning and Replacing the Pump Check Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
5.6 Replacing a Pump Piston Seal and Piston Rinse Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
5.7 Replacing a Pump Piston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
5.8 Replacing the Waste Valve or Priming Valve O-Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
5.9 Replacing the Conductivity Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
5.10 Replacing the Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
5.11 Replacing the Column Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
5.12 Replacing the Column Heater Heat Exchanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
5.13 Replacing the Eluent Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
5.14 Replacing the Leak Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
5.15 Priming the Pump with Isopropyl Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36

Contents
Doc. 031857-03 4/06 v
5.16 Changing Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-37
5.17 Replacing an EluGen Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-38
5.17.1 Replacing a KOH, LiOH, MSA, or NaOH EluGen
Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-39
5.17.2 Replacing a K2CO3 Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-48
5.18 Replacing the CR-TC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-60
5.19 Replacing the EPM Electrolytic pH Modifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-64
5.19.1 Recording the EPM Serial Number in Chromeleon . . . . . . . .5-65
5.19.2 Plumbing the EPM for Hydrating and Conditioning . . . . . . .5-66
5.19.3 Hydrating and Conditioning the EPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-68
5.20 Replacing the EGC CO3 Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-69
5.20.1 Installing the New EGC CO3 Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-69
5.20.2 Filling the EGC CO3 Mixer with Deionized Water . . . . . . . .5-70
5.20.3 Filling the EGC CO3 Mixer with Eluent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-73
5.21 Replacing the EGC Holder and Degas Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-80
5.21.1 Disconnecting and Removing the EluGen Cartridge . . . . . . .5-80
5.21.2 Removing the CR-TC and Reinstalling it in the New EGC
Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-83
5.21.3 Removing the EPM and Reinstalling it in the New EGC
Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-85
5.21.4 Installing the New EGC Holder without a CR-TC or EPM . .5-87
5.21.5 Reinstalling the EluGen Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-88
A • Specifications
A.1 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
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A.2 Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
A.3 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
A.4 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
A.5 Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
A.6 Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.7 Conductivity Cell with Heat Exchanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.8 Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.9 Vacuum Degas Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
A.10 Column Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
A.11 Eluent Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
B • Installation
B.1 Facility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
B.2 Unpacking the ICS-2000 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2
B.2.1 Unpacking the Computer (North America only) . . . . . . . . . . .B-4
B.2.2 Unpacking the Computer (outside North America) . . . . . . . . .B-4
B.3 Installing Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5
B.4 Installing the Chromeleon Software License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6
B.5 Connecting the ICS-2000 to the Chromeleon PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
B.5.1 Connecting the ICS-2000 to the PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
B.5.2 Connecting Additional USB Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11
B.6 Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12
B.7 Turning On the ICS-2000 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13
B.8 Setting Up Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-15

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Doc. 031857-03 4/06 vii
B.8.1 Assigning the ICS-2000 to a Timebase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15
B.8.2 Assigning DX-LAN Devices to the Timebase (Optional) . . B-20
B.9 Installing and Plumbing the Columns and Suppressor . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
B.9.1 Setting Up the Column Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
B.9.2 Installing the Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24
B.9.3 Installing the Suppressor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
B.10 Connecting the Waste Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-27
B.10.1 Installing the Gas Separator Waste Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-27
B.11 Setting Up the Eluent Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-29
B.12 Setting the Eluent Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-30
B.13 Priming the Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-31
B.13.1 Priming the Eluent Lines with a Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-32
B.13.2 Priming the Pump Heads with the Prime Button . . . . . . . . . B-34
B.14 Setting Up the Eluent Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-35
B.14.1 Eluent Generator Setup for KOH, LiOH, MSA, and NaOH
Eluents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-36
B.14.2 Eluent Generator Setup for Carbonate/Bicarbonate Eluent . B-52
B.14.3 Eluent Generator Setup for Carbonate Eluent. . . . . . . . . . . . B-78
B.15 Setting Up a Chromeleon Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-95
B.15.1 Verifying Chromeleon Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-104
B.16 Equilibrating the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-105
B.16.1 EluGen Cartridge Backpressure Requirements. . . . . . . . . . B-106
B.17 Verifying Operational Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-106
B.18 Connecting an AS or AS50 (USB) Autosampler (Optional) . . . . . . B-107
B.18.1 AS or AS50 (USB) Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-108

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B.18.2 AS or AS50 (USB) Chromeleon Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-110
B.19 Connecting an AS40 Automated Sampler (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . .B-111
B.20 Connecting the Analog Output (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-113
B.21 Pressurizing the Eluent Reservoir (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-113
B.21.1 Connect the Gas Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-114
B.21.2 Pressurize the Eluent Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-115
B.22 Pump Continuous Seal Wash Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . .B-116
B.23 Manually Connecting to a Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-118
B.24 Installation Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-120
C • Touch Screen Operation
C.1 Using the Touch Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
C.2 Using the Touch Screen with Chromeleon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-4
C.3 Overview of ICS-2000 Touch Screen Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-5
C.4 Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-6
C.4.1 Home Page Pump Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-6
C.4.2 Home Page EGC Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-8
C.4.3 Home Page Column Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-8
C.4.4 Home Page Injection Valve Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-9
C.4.5 Home Page Detector Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-9
C.4.6 Other Home Page Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-10
C.5 Plot Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-11
C.6 Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-12
C.6.1 Viewing Other Status Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-14

Contents
Doc. 031857-03 4/06 ix
C.6.2 Status Parameter Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15
C.7 Pump Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-16
C.7.1 Setting Pump Pressure Limits and Selecting the Pressure
Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-16
C.7.2 Setting Degas Operating Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-17
C.7.3 Controlling the Eluent Valve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-18
C.8 Eluent Generator Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-19
C.8.1 EGC Serial Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-19
C.8.2 Setting the Eluent Concentration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-20
C.8.3 Controlling the Eluent Generator Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21
C.8.4 Monitoring the EluGen Cartridge Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21
C.8.5 Controlling the CR-TC Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-22
C.9 Suppressor Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-23
C.10 Detector Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-24
C.10.1 Setting the Data Rise Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-25
C.10.2 Selecting the Conductivity Polarity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-25
C.10.3 Setting Analog Out Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-26
C.11 Information Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-27
C.12 Module Setup Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-28
C.13 Input/Output Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-29
C.14 Diagnostic and Calibration Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-30
D • TTL and Relay Control
D.1 TTL and Relay Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
D.1.1 Selecting TTL Input Functions and Control Types. . . . . . . . . D-3

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
xDoc. 031857-03 4/06
D.2 Controlling TTL and Relay Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-5
D.3 Example Setup for Stand-Alone Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-7
E • Reordering Information
F•FAQ
F.1 How do I hook up an autosampler? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1
F.2 How do I print? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1
F.3 Why are the retention times moving? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1
F.4 How do I adjust retention times? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1
F.5 When should I remake standards? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1
F.6 When should I replace the eluent generator cartridge? . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2
F.7 How do I start Chromeleon? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2
F.8 How do I delete data? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2
F.9 How do I back up data? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2
F.10 How do I shut off the system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2
F.11 How do I store columns? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2
F.12 How do I know when a column is dirty? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-3
F.13 How do I clean a column? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-3
F.14 Why is the conductivity high? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-3
G • Glossary

Doc. 031857-03 4/06 1-1
1 • Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Ion Chromatography (IC)
The Dionex ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System (ICS-2000) performs ion
analyses using suppressed or non-suppressed conductivity detection. An ion
chromatography system typically consists of a liquid eluent, a high-pressure
pump, a sample injector, a guard and separator column, a chemical suppressor, a
conductivity cell, and a data collection system.
Before running a sample, the ion chromatography system is calibrated using a
standard solution. By comparing the data obtained from a sample to that obtained
from the known standard, sample ions can be identified and quantitated. The data
collection system, typically a computer running chromatography software,
produces a chromatogram (a plot of the detector output vs. time). The
chromatography software converts each peak in the chromatogram to a sample
concentration and produces a printout of the results.

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
1-2 Doc. 031857-03 4/06
A typical IC analysis consists of six 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-2000
includes an eluent generator, which generates eluent online from
deionized water.
•When the ICS-2000 is controlled from the front panel, only isocratic
eluent delivery is possible. This means that the eluent composition
and concentration remain constant throughout the run. Gradient
delivery (a change in concentration over time) is possible when the
ICS-2000 is controlled by Chromeleon®Chromatography
Management System (the data collection system for the ICS-2000).
2. Sample Injection
•The liquid sample is loaded into a sample loop either manually or
automatically (if an automated sampler is installed). When triggered,
the ICS-2000 injects the sample into the eluent stream.
Figure 1-1. Ion Analysis Process
Guard Column
Separator
Column
Pump
Conductivity
Cell
Injection
Valve
Suppressor
1. Eluent
Delivery
3. Separation
5. Detectio
n
6
. Data Analysis
Sample Loop
Sample
Eluent
4. Suppression
2. Sample
Injection

1 • Introduction
Doc. 031857-03 4/06 1-3
•The pump pushes the eluent and sample through the guard and
separator columns (chemically-inert tubes packed with a polymeric
resin). The guard column removes contaminants that might poison the
separator column.
3. Separation
•As the eluent and sample are pumped through the separator column,
the sample ions are separated. In the ICS-2000, the mode of
separation is called ion exchange. This 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.
4. Suppression
•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.
5. Detection
•A conductivity cell 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.
6. Data Analysis
•The conductivity cell transmits the signal to a data collection system.
•The data collection system (for the ICS-2000, this is Chromeleon)
identifies the ions based on retention time, and quantifies each analyte
by integrating the peak area or peak height. The data is quantitated by
comparing the sample peaks in a chromatogram to those produced
from a standard solution. The results are displayed as a chromatogram
and the concentrations of ionic analytes can be automatically
determined and tabulated.

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
1-4 Doc. 031857-03 4/06
1.2 Overview of the ICS-2000
The ICS-2000 is an integrated ion chromatography system containing an eluent
generator, pump, injection valve, column heater, and conductivity detector. Other
system components, including a guard column, separator column, and suppressor
vary, depending on the analyses to be performed.
The ICS-2000 is also configured with a vacuum degas assembly, for online eluent
degassing.
ICS-2000 operation can be controlled in one of two ways:
•Remotely, with a personal computer running Microsoft®Windows®XP or
Windows 2000 and Chromeleon software (version 6.5 SP2 or later).
Chromeleon also provides data acquisition and data processing functions.
•Locally, with the front panel LCD touch screen. The touch screen is used for
instrument control only. It does not provide data acquisition or data
processing functions. An analog output on the rear panel can be connected to
a separate data acquisition device.
For communication between the ICS-2000 and Chromeleon, the ICS-2000 is
connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on the computer or a USB hub.
For installation instructions, see Section B.5 and also refer to Installing the
Chromeleon Chromatography Management System with a Dionex Ion
Chromatograph (IC) (Document No. 031883).

1 • Introduction
Doc. 031857-03 4/06 1-5
1.3 About This Manual
The electronic version (i.e., PDF file) of the ICS-2000 operator’s manual contains
numerous hypertext links that can take you to other locations within the file.
These links include:
•Table of contents entries
•Index entries
•Cross-references (underlined in blue) to sections, figures, tables, etc.
If you are not familiar with how to navigate PDF files, refer to the Help system for
Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe Reader®for assistance
Chapter 1
Introduction Introduces ion analysis and the ICS-2000; explains the
conventions used in this manual, including safety-related
information.
Chapter 2
Features
Overview
Provides an overview of ICS-2000 operating features and
system components; introduces the Chromeleon user
interface.
Chapter 3
Operation and
Maintenance
Provides operating instructions 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 that the user can perform.
Appendix A
Specifications Lists the ICS-2000 specifications and installation site
requirements.
Appendix B
Installation Describes how to install the ICS-2000.
Chapter C
Touch Screen
Operation
Describes the operating features available from the front
panel touch screen.

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
1-6 Doc. 031857-03 4/06
1.3.1 Safety Messages and Notes
The ICS-2000 is designed for IC (ion chromatography) 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.
Appendix D
TTL and Relay
Control
Describes the ICS-2000 TTL and relay control features.
Appendix E
Reordering
Information
Lists spare parts for the ICS-2000.
Appendix F
FAQ Provides answers to frequently asked questions about ICS-
2000 operation.
Appendix G
Glossary Defines terms commonly used in ion analysis.
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,
could 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.

1 • Introduction
Doc. 031857-03 4/06 1-7
Messages d'avertissement en français
Warnhinweise in Deutsch
Notes
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.
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.
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.

ICS-2000 Ion Chromatography System
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1.3.2 Safety Labels
The TUV GS and c TUVus Mark safety labels and the CE Mark label on
the ICS-2000 indicate that the ICS-2000 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, including A1:1998 and A2:2001 (EMC susceptibility
and immunity).
The symbols below appear on the ICS-2000 or on labels affixed to the
ICS-2000.
Alternating current
Protective conductor terminal (earth ground)
Power supply is on
Power supply is off