Thermo Scientific Dionex RFC User manual

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
Operator’s Manual
Document No. 031880
Revision 04
January 2012

© 2012 by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
AES, PeakNet, and SRS are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in
the United States.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and
other countries.
VELCRO is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V. in the United States and
possibly other countries
All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its
subsidiaries.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product
purchase to use in the product operation. This document is copyright protected and
any reproduction of the whole or any part of this document is strictly prohibited,
except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical
information in this document is for reference purposes only. System configurations
and specifications in this document supersede all previous information received by
the purchaser.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is
complete, accurate or error-free and assumes no responsibility and will not be
liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might result from any use of
this document, even if the information in the document is followed properly.
This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inc. and a purchaser. This document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and
Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of Sale shall govern all conflicting
information between the two documents.
Revision history: Revision 01 released February 2003
Revision 02 released May 2003
Revision 03 released March 2004
Revision 04 released January 2012
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Doc. 031880-04 1/12 i
Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Dionex RFC Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1 Overview of Device Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Display Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 Eluent Generator (Dionex RFC-30 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1 Turning On the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Viewing Eluent Generator and Suppressor Status . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 Dionex RFC-10 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4 Dionex RFC-10 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Dionex RFC-30 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.6 Dionex RFC-30 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.7 Gradient Operation (Dionex RFC-30 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.8 Monitoring Eluent Generator Cartridge Use (Dionex
RFC-30 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4. Shutting Down the Dionex RFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.1 Error and Warning Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
ii Doc. 031880-04 1/12
5.2 Other Operating Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
6. Service Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
6.1 Downloading New Moduleware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
6.2 Calibrating the Dionex RFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
6.3 Changing Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
6.4 Replacing an EGC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
6.5 Replacing a CR-TC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
6.6 Replacing an EGC Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
A. Dionex RFC Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
B. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
B.1 Dionex RFC Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
B.2 DX-320, DX-500, and DX-600 TTL Connections. . . . . . . . . . .64
B.3 DX-120 TTL Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
B.4 Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
B.5 Pump Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
B.6 Dionex RFC-10 Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
B.7 Dionex RFC-30 Initial Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
B.8 Dionex RFC-30 Eluent Generator Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
C. TTL Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
D. Disconnecting a Suppressor from an Internal Power Supply . . . . . . . . .91
D.1 Disconnecting the Suppressor from a DX-320, DX-500, or
DX-600 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
D.2 Disconnecting the Suppressor from a DX-120 System . . . . . . .92

Doc. 031880-04 1/12 1
Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
Operator’s Manual
1. Introduction
The Thermo Scientific Dionex™ Reagent-Free Controller (Dionex RFC) is an
external power supply, available in two versions:
•The Dionex RFC-10 controls a Thermo Scientific Dionex AES™ Atlas
Electrolytic Suppressor or a Thermo Scientific Dionex SRS™
Self-Regenerating Suppressor.
•The Dionex RFC-30 controls a Dionex AES or Dionex SRS, as well as an
Thermo Scientific Dionex EluGen eluent generator cartridge (EGC) and a
Thermo Scientific Dionex CR-TC Continuously Regenerated Trap Column.
The Dionex RFC controls these devices by supplying current (to the suppressor
and eluent generator) and voltage (to the Dionex CR-TC).
This manual provides instructions for operating and installing the Dionex RFC-10
and Dionex RFC-30 with the following Thermo Scientific products:
•DX-320/320J Ion Chromatography System
•DX-500 or DX-600 Ion Chromatography System
•DX-120 Ion Chromatograph

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
2Doc. 031880-04 1/12
1.1 Safety Messages and Notes
This manual contains warnings and precautionary statements that can
prevent personal injury and/or damage to the Dionex RFC when properly
followed. 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,
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.
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.

Introduction
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 3
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.
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.

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
4Doc. 031880-04 1/12
1.2 Safety Labels
The TUV GS, C, US Mark safety label and the CE Mark label on the
Dionex RFC indicate that the Dionex RFC is in compliance with the
following standards: EN 61010-1:2001 (safety), CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.
1010.1-92+A2:97 (safety), UL 61010C-1:2002 R8.02 (safety), and EN
61326:1997+A1:1998 (susceptibility and immunity).
The symbols below appear on the Dionex RFC or on Dionex RFC labels.
Alternating current
Protective conductor terminal (earth ground)
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.

Dionex RFC Features
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 5
2. Dionex RFC Features
2.1 Overview of Device Control
The Dionex RFC can provide power to a device (suppressor, EGC, or
CR-TC) only when the pump flow is on. A TTL or AC connection
between the Dionex RFC and the pump or DX-120 signals the Dionex
RFC when the pump flow is on. When this occurs, the RFC ENABLED
LED on the front panel (see Figure 2) turns on, indicating the Dionex
RFC is ready to control devices.
The DEVICE SELECT buttons turn on or off control of individual devices.
Power is supplied to a device only when RFC ENABLED is on and the
DEVICE SELECT LED for the device is on. Figure 1 illustrates the
relationship between the Device Select and RFC Enabled functions.
Figure 1. Summary of Dionex RFC Enabled and Device Select Functions
When priming the pump, turn off all devices (suppressor, EGC, and
CR-TC). During priming, the pump is on and the Dionex RFC is
enabled, but there is no flow to the devices.
DEVICE SELECT
RFC ENABLED
(CURRENTor VOLTS)
RFC POWER
SUPPLY
EGC
CR-TC
AES/SRS
PUMP FLOW
EGC
AES or SRS
TTL or AC
CONTROL

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
6Doc. 031880-04 1/12
2.2 Front Panel
Figure 2. Dionex RFC Front Panel
GRADIENT ON LED (RFC-30 only)
(On)—Indicates a gradient is in progress.
DEVICE SELECT (EGC, CR-TC, AES/SRS)
Buttons turn on or off control of an installed device.
LEDs indicate when control of a device is selected.
(On)—Device is selected and pump flow is on. The RFC is supplying power.
(Flashing)—Device is selected, but there is no pump flow. The RFC is not
supplying power to the device.
(Off)—Device is not selected. The RFC will not supply power to the device
when the pump flow is on.
EDIT Buttons
ENTER initiates edit mode. In edit mode, pressing ENTER selects the edited
value and exits edit mode.
CANCEL cancels the value currently being edited, restores the original value, and
exits edit mode.
and scroll up or down through a list of display screens (see Figure 3). In
edit mode, the up arrow increases the value being edited and the down arrow
decreases the value. Press and release the button to change the value by one unit.
Press and hold the button to rapidly change the value.
Display Screen
•Displays eluent generator
and suppressor status
information.
•Provides control of eluent
generator and suppressor
functions.
•Displays error messages.
RFC ENABLED LED
(On)—Indicates the Dionex
RFC is ready to supply power to
the installed devices.
DEVICE SELECT
EGC CR-TC AES/SRS
GENERATOR SUPPRESSOR RFC ENABLED
GRADIENT ON
EDIT
ENTER
CANCEL
AES
33 mA
KOH
OFF
DIONEX
REAGENT-FREE CONTROLLER ™
12
3
45

Dionex RFC Features
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 7
2.3 Display Screens
The display screens enable you to view status information and to select
control parameters for the device(s). Use the arrow buttons to scroll up or
down through the screens. The list wraps around if you scroll down from
the last screen or up from the first screen. Figure 3 lists the available
screens for the Dionex RFC-10 and the Dionex RFC-30.
Figure 3. Dionex RFC-10 and Dionex RFC-30 Display Screens
default status
current/voltage
pump flow
set concentration
EGC gradient time
EGC ion count
EGC type
suppressor type
calibration
Dionex RFC-30
Display Screens
Dionex RFC-10
Display Screens
default status
current/voltage
suppressor current
suppressor type
calibration
pump flow
suppressor current
EGC concentration
EGC gradient time
EGC final concentration*
*The EGC final concentration
screen is available only when the
gradient time is greater than 0.

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
8Doc. 031880-04 1/12
2.4 Rear Panel
Figure 4. Dionex RFC Rear Panel
Cable(s) to Controlled Device(s)
An electrical cable for each controlled device extends from the rear panel and
connects to the device. The Dionex RFC-10 includes only the suppressor
(AES/SRS) cable. The Dionex RFC-30 (pictured) includes cables for a
suppressor (AES/SRS), an eluent generator (EG-1), and a CR-TC.
Operation/Download Button
When the Download position (in) is selected, new Moduleware can be
downloaded to the Dionex RFC (see Section 6.1). The Operation position (out)
must be used for all other functions.
RS-232 Port
This port is used when downloading new Moduleware to the Dionex RFC (see
Section 6.1).
TTL Control/AC Control Button
When the TTL Control position (out) is selected, the Pump TTL input connector
is enabled. When the AC Control position (in) is selected, the Dionex RFC
bypasses the Pump TTL input. AC control can be used with a DX-120 system.
Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific for details.
TTL Control Input Connectors
The Pump input connects to a TTL output on the pump or to a DX-120 adapter
cable. The pump or DX-120 then signals the Dionex RFC when the pump flow is
on. The Gradient connector is used only with Dionex RFC-30 eluent generator
Main Power Switch
Provides on/off control of
the Dionex RFC.
Main Power Receptacle
and Fuse Holder
The Dionex RFC power
cord connects here. Two
fuses are located in the
holder under the receptacle.
See Section 6.3 for how to
change fuses.
CR-TCEG-2EG-1AES/SRS
1
2
3
45 6 7
TTL Control Input
Gradient
TTL Control
AC Control
RS-232
Operation
Download Pump

Dionex RFC Features
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 9
control. It connects to a TTL (or relay) output and is used to signal the Dionex
RFC-30 to run a gradient. See Section 3.7 for how to set up and run gradients.
2.5 Eluent Generator (Dionex RFC-30 Only)
The eluent generator produces high-purity eluents online, using only
deionized water as the carrier. The eluent generator consists of an eluent
generator cartridge (EGC) that generates the eluent, a Continuously
Regenerated Trap Column (CR-TC) that removes contaminants from
eluent, and a high-pressure degas tubing assembly that removes
electrolysis gases created during eluent generation.
Eluent Generator Cartridge (EGC) Holder
The EGC is installed in a
cartridge holder, which
mounts on a rack on top of
the Dionex RFC top cover
(see Figure 5).
The cartridge holder also
houses the high-pressure
degas tubing assembly and
the CR-TC.
Tubing and fittings for
plumbing the cartridge,
degas assembly, and
CR-TC are included with
the holder.
Figure 5. EGC, Holder, and Rack
Continuously Regenerated Trap Column (CR-TC)
The CR-TC Continuously Regenerated Trap Column is a high-pressure
electrically-regenerated device that removes anionic or cationic
contaminants from eluent. The CR-TC is designed for use with an eluent
EGC Holder
with Degas
Assembly
andCR-TC
EGC
Rack

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
10 Doc. 031880-04 1/12
generator and is plumbed after the eluent generator cartridge (see
Figure 6). For details about the CR-TC, refer to the CR-TC manual
(Document No. 031910), on the Thermo Scientific Reference Library
DVD (P/N 053891). The CD is provided in the Dionex RFC Ship Kit
(Dionex RFC-10, P/N 060310; Dionex RFC-30, P/N 060299).
Figure 6. Eluent Generator Plumbing Schematic
Eluent Out
EGC
INLET OUTLET
Eluent In
CR-TC
EGC
DEGAS
Connect To
SRS/AES REGEN
OUT
TO CR-TC
ELUENT OUT
(yellow)
TO CR-TC
ELUENT IN
(red)
EGC
OUT
EGC
IN
Connect To
Pump Outlet
Connect To
Inject Valve
Port P (2)
Connect to
Gas Separator
Assembly
Regen In
Regen Out
EGC VENT
Send To
Waste
TO DEGAS
ELUENT OUT
TO PUMP/
DAMPER
TO INJ
VALVE IN - P
Eluent
Out
TO CR-TC
REGEN OUT
(blue)
TO SRS/AES
REGEN OUT
TOCR-TC
REGENIN
(orange)
WASTE,
GAS
SEPARATOR
DEGAS
ELUENT OUT
TO DEGAS
ELUENT IN
4
2
7
3
6
5
1
8
9

Dionex RFC Features
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 11
•Deionized water flows from the pumpinto the EGC, which generates the
programmed concentration of eluent.
•Eluent exits the cartridge and flows through the CR-TC, through the EGC
degas tubing assembly, and on to the injection valvein the
chromatography compartment or DX-120.
•The eluent (and sample, when injection occurs) then flows through the
chromatography components (columns, suppressor, cell, and back to the
suppressor).
•Regenerant waste from the suppressoris directed back to the CR-TC, and
then to the EGC degas tubing, where any released hydrogen or oxygen gas
is removed before it is sent to waste.

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
12 Doc. 031880-04 1/12
3. Operation
3.1 Turning On the Power
Press the power switch on the Dionex RFC rear panel (see Figure 4) to
turn on the power. These are the conditions at startup:
•The Dionex RFC briefly displays the Dionex RFC model and version
numbers and then the default status screen appears.
•All settings that were in effect when the Dionex RFC power was
turned off are restored.
•The Dionex RFC begins ramping the power to each selected device at
the maximum rate possible until the set point is reached. The
maximum rate at which the suppressor current can increase is
100 mA in 10 seconds; the maximum rate at which the EGC
concentration can increase is 100 mM in 10 seconds. The default
status screen (see Section 3.2) displays the suppressor current and
EGC concentration values as they count up.
In some cases, the Dionex RFC is not able to ramp up to the set point
at the maximum rate. This occurs because the fast increase in current
causes the Dionex RFC to reach its maximum voltage limits.
Ramping then slows to allow the voltage to decrease. A new
suppressor may take longer to reach its set point than an older one.
Conversely, a new EGC may reach its set point more quickly than an
older one.
3.2 Viewing Eluent Generator and Suppressor Status
The default status screen (see Figure 7) displays after the power is turned
on. It also displays automatically if there is no input from the front panel
for 2 minutes (and the Dionex RFC is not in edit mode). The default

Operation
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 13
screen provides status information for an eluent generator and/or a
suppressor.
If control for the eluent generator is not installed (as in the Dionex
RFC-10), the GENERATOR side of the screen is blank (see Figure 8). If
control for a device is installed but the DEVICE SELECT button for the
device is off, or if the RFC ENABLED LED is off, that area of the screen
displays OFF.
To view the current and voltage being applied to the eluent generator
and/or suppressor, press to display the current/voltage screen (see
Figure 9).
Figure 7. Example Default Status Screen (Dionex RFC-30 Shown)
Figure 8. Default Status Screen (Dionex RFC-10 Shown)
Figure 9. Current/Voltage Screen
Eluent
Concentration
EGC Type
Suppressor
Current
Suppressor
Type
A blank screen
indicates control
for that device is
not installed
OFF indicates
DEVICE SELECT
or RFC ENABLED
is off
Current Applied to
Eluent Generator
Voltage Applied
Current
Applied to
Suppressor
Voltage
Applied

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
14 Doc. 031880-04 1/12
If there is no input from the front panel for one hour, a “screen saver”
appears (see Figure 10). Press any key to display the default status screen.
3.3 Dionex RFC-10 Operation
The Dionex RFC-10 controls the suppressor by supplying current to the
device. The front panel LEDs indicate when the suppressor is on (current
is being supplied):
RFC ENABLED (on)
AES/SRS (solid light on, not flashing)
If either of these LEDs is off, current is not being supplied to the device
and the suppressor is off.
NOTE A flashing AES/SRS LED indicates the AES/SRS is
selected, but the pump flow is off.
Turning On the Suppressor
1. Start the pump flow. This turns on the RFC ENABLED LED.
•For a DX-320, DX-500, or DX-600 system, turn on the pump
flow from the module’s front panel or from the chromatography
software.
•For a DX-120 system, press the Pump button on the DX-120
front panel to turn on the pump flow and then press the SRS
button to turn on the suppressor.
2. If the AES/SRS LED is off, press the AES/SRS button to select the
device. The Dionex RFC is now supplying current to the suppressor.
Figure 10. Screen Saver

Operation
Doc. 031880-04 1/12 15
Turning Off the Suppressor
To turn off the suppressor, press the AES/SRS button or turn off the pump.
Turning off the pump automatically turns off the suppressor.
3.4 Dionex RFC-10 Setup
Before using the Dionex RFC-10 for the first time or after installing a
different suppressor type, follow the steps on page 15 to set the
suppressor type. The Dionex RFC then sets the upper limit for suppressor
current. After setting the type, set the flow rate (see page 16) and the
suppressor current (see page 17).
Setting the Dionex RFC-10 Suppressor Type
1. Press to display the suppressor type screen (see Figure 11).
NOTE The NONE suppressor type indicates that a type is
not selected.
2. Press ENTER.
The SUPP TYPE = entry field on the screen is highlighted (see
Figure 12).
When priming the pump, turn off the suppressor. During priming, the
pump is on and the Dionex RFC is enabled, but there is no flow to the
device.
Figure 11. Suppressor Type Screen
Figure 12. Setting the Suppressor Type

Dionex Reagent-Free Controller
16 Doc. 031880-04 1/12
3. Press or to select the installed suppressor type. Figure 13 shows
a 2-mm ASRS suppressor selected.
NOTE The SRSXCALC and AESXCALC types are not used
with the Dionex RFC-10.
4. Press ENTER to save the entry.
Setting the Dionex RFC-10 Flow Rate
The flow rate screen lets you enter the flow rate used in your application.
1. Press or until the pump flow rate screen (see Figure 14) is
displayed.
NOTE The flow rate range varies, depending on the type of
suppressor selected (see Table 1).
2. Press ENTER.
3. Press or until the pump flow rate for your application is
displayed.
Figure 13. Example Suppressor Type Selected
Figure 14. Pump Flow Rate Screen
Pump Flow Rate
Range of Flow
Rates Allowed