Thermo Scientific 500 User manual

Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Scientific
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500
Suppressor
Product Manual
P/N: 032661-12 March 2015

Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 2 of 22
032661-12
Product Manual
for
Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated Suppressor for ICE 500
(Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 (9 mm), P/N 084715)
(Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 (4 mm), P/N 084714)

Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 3 of 22
032661-12
© 2015 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 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.
For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.
Revision History:
Revision 11, October, 2014, Rebranded for Thermo Scientific.
Revision 12, March, 2014, Updated backpressure caution statement on page 22 (quick start guide).

Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 4 of 22
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Safety and Special Notices
Make sure you follow the precautionary statements presented in this guide. The safety and
other special notices appear in boxes.
Safety and special notices include the following:
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, could result in damage to
equipment.
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 information of general interest.
IMPORTANT Highlights information necessary to prevent damage to software, loss of data, or invalid test
results; or might contain information that is critical for optimal performance of the system.
Tip Highlights helpful information that can make a task easier.
SAFETY
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
!
NOTE
!

Contents
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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032661-12
Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Shipment and Storage ....................................................................................................................................9
1.1.1 Shipment ...............................................................................................................................................9
1.1.2 Storage ..................................................................................................................................................9
2. Installation............................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 System Requirements...................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Eluent Line Connections..............................................................................................................................10
2.3 Back Pressure Coils for the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500...................................................................................11
2.3.1 Assembly.............................................................................................................................................11
2.4 Regenerant Line Connections to and from the Regenerant Reservoir .........................................................12
3. Operation............................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Chemical Purity Requirements ....................................................................................................................14
3.1.1 Inorganic Chemicals............................................................................................................................14
3.1.2 Solvents...............................................................................................................................................14
3.1.3 Deionized Water..................................................................................................................................14
3.1.4 Regenerant ..........................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Start Up........................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Determining Eluent and Regenerant Concentrations...................................................................................16
3.4 Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 Storage ..................................................................................................................16
3.4.1 Routine Use Storage (1 to 5 days).......................................................................................................17
3.4.2 Short Term Storage (1 to 3 Weeks).....................................................................................................17
3.4.3 Long Term Storage (More than 3 Weeks)...........................................................................................17
4. Troubleshooting Guide......................................................................................................... 18
4.1 High Background Conductivity ...................................................................................................................18
4.2 Drifting Baseline..........................................................................................................................................19
4.3 Decreased Sensitivity...................................................................................................................................19
4.4 System Back Pressure Increases Over Time................................................................................................20
4.5 Liquid Leaks................................................................................................................................................20
5. Cleanup.................................................................................................................................. 21
5.1 Organic Contaminants or Precipitates..........................................................................................................21
6. Appendix – Quick Start Guide ............................................................................................ 22
6.1 Important Information..................................................................................................................................22
6.2 Safety...........................................................................................................................................................22
6.3 Configuration...............................................................................................................................................22
6.4 Getting Started.............................................................................................................................................22

1– Introduction
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 6 of 22
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1. Introduction
The Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Anion Chemically Regenerated Suppressor for ICE (Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500) replaces the Thermo Scientific Dionex AMMS-ICE 300 suppressor product
line. The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is designed with exterior hardware changes that allow the
suppressor to be more pressure tolerant than previous generation suppressor devices. The
suppressor flow pathway has been redesigned to optimize band dispersion, and improve the
flow and sealing properties. The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 continues to use the same cleaned ion
exchange components (screens and membranes) as the Dionex AMMS-ICE 300 suppressor
device; however the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 eluent channel uses an ion exchange resin bed as
opposed to a gasketed screen.
The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is available in both 9 mm and 4 mm formats for use with 9 or 4 mm
Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac columns respectively.
Figure 1 Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated Suppressor for ICE
(Dionex ACRS-ICE 500)
Regenerant In
Regenerant Out
Eluent In
Eluent Out

1– Introduction
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 permits continuous operation while adding a minimum of dead
volume to the analytical system. As with any suppressor, the primary function of the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 suppressor is the reduction of background conductivity combined with an
increase in the analyte signal. Background conductivity is the sum of the specific conductances
of the eluent anion and regenerant cation.
The ICE suppression mode is based on a mechanism which is a reversal of what is traditionally
seen in the suppression of acidic eluents. In the ICE system the eluent is an acid, while the
analytes are anionic. The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 removes the hydronium ion present in the
eluent and any other counterions of the analytes, from the eluent stream and replaces them with
tetrabutylammonium ion (TBA+). Since the hydronium ion is the main source of conductance,
this greatly reduces the background conductivity of the system. In addition, this mechanism
forces the ionization of the weak acid analytes, greatly increasing sensitivity.
The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is also useful for applications in which weak acids, such as fatty
acids, are separated by ion suppression. This mode uses a weak acid eluent that can easily be
suppressed with the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 suppressor.
Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) is the recommended regenerant for use with the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500. Since TBA+cannot be produced electrolytically, a chemical regenerant
is necessary to provide the TBA+for this process (see Figure 2, “Chemical Suppression with the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500”).
For assistance, contact Technical Support for Dionex Products. In the U.S., call 1-800-
346-6390. Outside the U.S., call the nearest Thermo Fisher Scientific office.
NOTE
!

1– Introduction
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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Figure 2 Chemical Suppression with the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500
Chemical Suppression with the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 lowers the conductivity of the eluent by
removing a highly conductive eluent cation (H+) and replacing it with a less conductive cation
(TBA+). This process is carried out across the cation exchange membranes. Hydronium ions in
the eluent cross the membranes and combine with the hydroxide ions in the regenerant to form
water. At the same time, tetrabutylammonium ions cross the membranes into the eluent stream
replacing the hydronium ions.
Waste
Analyte (A )
in
Eluent
Cation
Exchange
Membrane
Cation
Exchange
Membrane
To
Detector
in
H O
2
Waste
H
+
Cl -
+
H+OH-
OH -OH -
OH - TBA+OH -
TBA+
-
H+H+
TBA+
TBA+
H O
2
H O
2
+
H+ OH-
A- TBA
+
A- TBA
+
+Cl-
TBA
+
Cl-
TBA
+
+
A- TBA
+
Cl- TBA
+
&

1– Introduction
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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1.1 Shipment and Storage
1.1.1 Shipment
The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 should not be subjected to temperatures above 50°C for
extended periods of time during shipment, storage or operation
, or for short durations
above 80°C.
1.1.2 Storage
Ensure the suppressor is stored in a temperature controlled environment away from direct
exposure to sunlight or other sources of heat. Do not store the suppressor in an
environment where temperatures in excess of 50°C may be experienced, such as a parked
car.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!

2– Installation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 10 of 22
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2. Installation
2.1 System Requirements
The Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated Suppressor for ICE (Dionex ACRS-ICE 500) is
designed to be run on any Thermo Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatograph (IC) equipped with a
Dionex IonPac ICE column set and suppressed conductivity detection.
The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is installed in the column compartment of the chromatography
module immediately after the analytical column and before the conductivity detector cell.
The Thermo Scientific Dionex Chemically Regenerated Suppressor Installation Kit (P/N
038018) contains all of the components needed to install and operate the suppressor with
pressurized regenerant reservoirs. The kit includes the Thermo Scientific Dionex Chemically
Regenerated Suppressor Installation Parts Kit (P/N 039055), a 25 psi pressure regulator (P/N
038201), and a four liter regenerant reservoir (P/N 039164).
During the course of installing and using the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500, it may be necessary to
assemble new liquid line fittings. Assembly procedures for various liquid line fittings used with
the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 can be found in the document, “Thermo Scientific Dionex Liquid
Line Fittings” (P/N 031432) found on the Dionex Reference Library CD-ROM.
2.2 Eluent Line Connections
A. Install the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 in the first slot inside the Chromatography Module.
B. Use a short piece of PEEK 0.010" i.d. tubing with a PEEK 10-32 ferrule/bolt fitting on
the end of the tubing that will connect to the ELUENT IN port of the Dionex ACRS-
ICE 500 (see Figure 1). On the other end of this eluent tubing, place another PEEK 10-
32 ferrule bolt fitting. Connect this end to the outlet end of the analytical column. Refer
to “Thermo Scientific Dionex Liquid Line Fittings” for instructions on the assembly of
these fittings. To avoid adding dead volume to the system, make the length of all eluent
lines as short as practically possible.
C. Use a short piece of PEEK 0.010" i.d. tubing with a PEEK 10-32 ferrule/bolt fitting on
the end of the tubing that will connect to the ELUENT OUT port of the Dionex ACRS-
ICE 500 (see Figure 1). On the other end of this eluent tubing, place another PEEK 10-
32 ferrule bolt fitting. Connect this end to the inlet end of the conductivity cell. Refer
to “Dionex Liquid Line Fittings” for instructions on the assembly of these fittings. To
avoid adding dead volume to the system, make the length of all eluent lines as short as
practically possible.
D. Be sure to install the correct number of back pressure coils in the waste line depending
on your application requirements (See Table 1, “Coils for Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 Back
Pressure Requirements”).

2– Installation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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2.3 Back Pressure Coils for the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500
All detector cells require enough back pressure to prevent eluent in the cell from degassing due
to abrupt volume changes between the small inner diameter of the connecting tube and the
relatively larger volume of the cell. Degassing creates bubbles in the cell and disrupts detector
responsiveness. Back pressure coils help to prevent gases coming out of solution and forming
bubbles in the detector cell.
Back pressure coil components are located in the detector ShipKit's Back Pressure Coils Kit,
P/N 045825. For 9 mm systems, locate assembly P/N 045877. Alternatively, lengths and
diameters of tubing necessary for proper back pressure are given in Table 1, “Coils for Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 Back Pressure Requirements.”
2.3.1 Assembly
A. Slip PEEK liquid line bolts and ferrules onto the ends of the tubing. Refer to Table 1,
“Coils for Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 Back Pressure Requirements,” and determine the
correct number of coils required for your application based on the eluent flow rate.
B. After assembly of the coils, place the completed coils and couplers between the
conductivity cell and the waste container.
Table 1 Coils for Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 Back Pressure Requirements
Dionex ACRS-
ICE 500 Type
Flow Rate
i.d. of
Tubing
Length of
Each Coil
Number
of Coils
4 mm
0.25 – 0.75 mL/min
0.005” (Red)
12 in.
1
9 mm
0.75 – 1.5 mL/min
0.010” (Black)
30 in.
2
9 mm
1.5 – 3.0 mL/min
0.010” (Black)
30 in.
1
The correct amount of back pressure for optimum operation is 40–50 psi. Back pressure
over 450 psi after the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 can cause irreversible damage!
CAUTION
!

2– Installation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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2.4 Regenerant Line Connections to and from the Regenerant Reservoir
Refer to the
pressurizable plastic reservoir manual (Document No. 032677) for complete
installation instructions.
A. Install the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 in the slot inside the chromatography module. Use a
coupler (P/N 039056) to connect one end of the 30" tubing assembly (P/N 035727) that
comes in the Installation Kit to the regenerant reservoir. Push a slip-on filter (P/N
038260) on the end of the line that goes inside the reservoir. Connect the other end of
this tubing to the REGEN IN port of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 (see Figure 1).
B. Using a coupler (P/N 034056) and a 1/8" o.d. piece of tubing that comes in the
Installation Kit, connect one end of this line to the REGEN OUT port of the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 (see Figure 1). Direct the other end of the line to waste.
C. Install a restrictor to the regenerant flow by connecting a piece of 0.012" i.d. tubing to
the end of the waste line that is approximately 12" long (see Figure 3).
D. Install the regulator (P/N 038201) on the helium or nitrogen supply line. The
regenerant flow rate is regulated by two factors: the pressure applied to the regenerant
reservoir and the length of the 0.012" i.d. tubing connected to the waste line.
E. Prepare the regenerant. Fill the regenerant reservoir. Make sure that the O-ring is inside
the cap of the reservoir before screwing the cap onto the reservoir. Screw the cap onto
the reservoir tightly and place the reservoir near the chromatography module. Refer to
Section 3.2.
F. Adjust the reservoir pressure (0–25 psi) to deliver a regenerant flow rate of 2–3
mL/min.
A safety relief valve on the reservoir regulator prevents pressure greater than 25 psi from
being applied to the regenerant reservoir.
NOTE
!
NOTE
!

2– Installation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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Figure 3 Configuration of the Pressurized Regenerant Reservoir with the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500
Regenerant
Regen
IN
Regen
OUT
Eluent
OUT
Eluent
IN
Injection
Valve
Guard
Column
Analytical
Column
Waste
Cell
Gas Pressure
25 psi max
Coil #1
Coil #2

3– Operation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
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3. Operation
This section provides instructions for the start up and operation of the Dionex Anion Chemically
Regenerated Suppressor for ICE (Dionex ACRS-ICE 500).
3.1 Chemical Purity Requirements
Obtaining precise and accurate results requires eluents that are free of ionic impurities.
Chemicals and deionized water used to prepare eluents must be of the purities described below.
Low trace impurities and low particulate levels in eluents and regenerants also help protect your
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 and system components from contamination. Thermo Fisher Scientific
cannot guarantee proper Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 performance when the quality of the chemicals
and water used to prepare eluents has been compromised.
3.1.1 Inorganic Chemicals
Reagent Grade inorganic chemicals should always be used to prepare ionic eluents. Whenever
possible, inorganic chemicals that meet or surpass the latest American Chemical Society
standard for purity (universally accepted standard for reagents) should be used. These inorganic
chemicals will detail the purity by having an actual lot analysis on each label.
3.1.2 Solvents
Since solvents used with the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 are added to ionic eluents to modify the
ion exchange process or improve sample solubility, the solvents used must be free of ionic
impurities. However, since most manufacturers of solvents do not test for ionic impurities, it is
important that the highest grade of solvents available be used. Currently, several manufacturers
are making ultrahigh purity solvents that are compatible for HPLC and spectrophotometric
applications. These ultrahigh purity solvents will usually ensure that your chromatography is not
affected by ionic impurities in the solvent. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we have obtained
consistent results using High Purity Solvents manufactured by Burdick and Jackson and
Optima®Solvents by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
3.1.3 Deionized Water
The deionized water used to prepare eluents should be degassed Type I Reagent Grade Water
with a specific resistance of 18.2 megohm-cm. The deionized water should be free of ionized
impurities, organics, microorganisms and particulate matter larger than 0.2 µm. It is good
practice to filter eluents through a 0.2 µm filter whenever possible. Bottled HPLC-Grade Water
should not be used since most bottled water contains an unacceptable level of ionic impurities.
Finally, thoroughly degas all deionized water prior to preparing any eluents or regenerants.
3.1.4 Regenerant
For ease of regenerant preparation and guaranteed purity, use Thermo Scientific Dionex Cation
Regenerant Solution, 0.1 N tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), P/N 039602.
Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) is the recommended regenerant for use with the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500.

3– Operation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 15 of 22
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3.2 Start Up
The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is installed in the chromatography module right after the analytical
column and before the conductivity cell. On the ICS-1100, ICS-1600 and ICS-2100 instruments,
the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 mounts on the tabs on the component panel. Orient the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 with the Eluent In port at the top. On the ICS-5000+instrument, the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 mounts on the tabs on the conductivity detector inside the DC. Orient the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 with the Eluent In port at the left. Align the slots on the back of the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 with the tabs on the instrument. Press in, and then down or to the right,
to lock the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 in place. Lift up and pull out to remove the Dionex ACRS-
ICE 500. Make sure the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is plumbed properly. Refer to Section 2,
“Installation,” for complete installation instructions.
The membranes and screens in the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 must be completely hydrated to
maintain liquid seals and chromatographic performance. To accomplish this, keep the
regenerant chambers filled with regenerant solution. This will ensure that the membranes
and screens remain properly hydrated.
The correct amount of back pressure for optimum operation is 40–50 psi. Be sure to install
the correct number of back pressure coils depending on your flow rate. Back pressures over
450 psi after the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 can cause irreversible damage!
A. Connect the eluent line from the ELUENT IN port of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 to the
analytical column and the eluent line from the ELUENT OUT port of the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 to the conductivity detector cell.
B. Connect the regenerant line from the REGEN IN port of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 to
the regenerant reservoir and the waste line from the REGEN OUT port of the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 to the waste container.
C. Turn on the column eluent flow. Adjust the reservoir pressure to establish the
regenerant flow through the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500.
D. Pump approximately 5 mL of eluent through the ELUENT IN port and 5 mL of
regenerant through the REGEN IN port of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 respectively.
E. Let the suppressor sit for at least 20 minutes to ensure that the membranes and screens
are fully hydrated.
F. Restart operation. Allow the system to equilibrate before beginning analysis.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!

3– Operation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 16 of 22
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3.3 Determining Eluent and Regenerant Concentrations
A. Unlike packed bed suppressor columns, which entail periodic shutdowns for
regeneration, the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 has the ability to provide continuous
suppression.
B. The operation of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 requires a constant flow of the regenerant
over the membrane, in a direction that is countercurrent to the flow of the eluent. A
standard regenerant flow rate of 2–3 mL/min is recommended. This flow rate is
adequate for most applications. For applications that require stronger than typical
eluent strengths, the regenerant flow rate may be increased up to a maximum of 5
mL/min.
C. The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is compatible with acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, and
isopropanol. The maximum solvent level is 90%. For more information about solvent
compatibility, call the Thermo Scientific Dionex Technical Services Hotline.
Do not use THF solvent in the eluent.
D. 5 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) is the recommended regenerant for
use with the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide or potassium
hydroxide may be used as alternate regenerants, but cause higher background
conductivity and therefore compromise total system performance. For ease of
preparation and guaranteed purity, use Dionex Cation Regenerant Solution (P/N
039602).
E. For the best signal to noise ratio and overall performance, Dionex recommends that the
Cation Regenerant Solution (P/N 039602) be pressurized with nitrogen or helium. Do
not use air.
Use nitrogen or helium to pressurize the Regenerant Reservoir.
3.4 Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 Storage
The Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is shipped with an acidic eluent and TBAOH regenerant as the
storage solution. The suppressor’s storage solution should be the eluent acid
(Heptafluorobutyric acid or HCl) at the same concentration used in the application without
solvent. If the suppressor will not be used for more than one week, prepare it for storage. The
screens and membranes in the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 must be completely hydrated to maintain
liquid seal and chromatographic performance.
NOTE
!
NOTE
!

3– Operation
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 17 of 22
032661-12
3.4.1 Routine Use Storage (1 to 5 days)
A. Plug all Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 fitting ports.
B. To resume operation, connect the suppressor to the system. Allow the system to
equilibrate before starting analysis.
If the eluent last used contained organic solvents, flush the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 with
deionized wate
r for 10 minutes through eluent and regen chambers before plugging the
fitting ports.
3.4.2 Short Term Storage (1 to 3 Weeks)
A. Pump 10 mL of 0.2–2 mM Heptafluorobutyric acid or HCl eluent (without solvent) at
1.0 mL/min through the eluent chamber.
B. Fill the regen chambers with TBAOH regenerant.
C. Plug all Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 fitting ports.
D. To resume operation, connect the suppressor to the system. Allow the system to
equilibrate before starting analysis.
3.4.3 Long Term Storage (More than 3 Weeks)
A. Pump 10 mL of 0.2–2 mM Heptafluorobutyric acid or HCl eluent (without solvent) at
1.0 mL/min through the eluent chamber.
B. Fill the regen chambers with TBAOH regenerant.
C. Plug all Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 fitting ports.
D. On starting, perform the procedure outlined in Section 3.2, “Start Up.”
NOTE
!

4– Troubleshooting
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 18 of 22
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4. Troubleshooting Guide
The purpose of the Troubleshooting Guide is to help you solve operating problems that may
arise while using the Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated Suppressor for ICE (Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500). For more information on problems that originate with the Ion Chromatograph
or the specific anion exchange column set in use, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide in the
appropriate Installation Manual. If you cannot solve the problem on your own, contact the
nearest Thermo Scientific Dionex Regional Office (see, “Thermo Scientific Dionex Worldwide
Offices”).
4.1 High Background Conductivity
A. Check that the regenerant is flowing from the waste line at the proper flow rate.
1. If there is no flow from the waste line, disconnect the 0.012" i.d. tubing connected
to the waste line.
If the regenerant lines and the suppressor are filled with regenerant and there are no
restrictions in the regenerant line, the regenerant should flow freely from the 1/8"
o.d. waste line.
If there is no flow, make sure the reservoir cap is tight and that there are no audible
air leaks. Also make sure that the regenerant reservoir is pressurized. If it is
pressurized, trace the regenerant lines backward from the reservoir to find and
remove any blockage.
2. If there is flow from the waste line, but it is less than the desired flow rate, increase
the flow rate by shortening the 0.012" i.d. waste line tubing or by increasing the
reservoir pressure. If the flow rate is correct, go on to the next step.
3. If the regenerant is flowing at the desired rate, either the selected regenerant flow
rate is too slow or the regenerant is too dilute to suppress the eluent concentration
at the set eluent flow rate. Increase the regenerant flow rate or increase the
regenerant concentration. Most applications require 10 mM TBAOH regenerant or
less.
B. Check for eluent flow out of the suppressor ELUENT OUT port.
1. If there is no flow out of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 ELUENT OUT port, make
sure that eluent is entering the suppressor at the ELUENT IN port. If there is no
flow at this point, trace the eluent flow path backward through the system to find
and remove the blockage.
2. If there is flow into the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500, but not out, and there are no
visible leaks from the side seam of the suppressor, a break in the membrane is
probably allowing eluent to leak into the regenerant. If this is the case, then the
Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 must be replaced.
Do not disassemble the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500.
WARNING
!

4– Troubleshooting
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Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 19 of 22
032661-12
3. If there is flow from the ELUENT OUT port but no eluent suppression, the
membrane may have been contaminated. Try to restore system performance by
cleaning the membrane (see Section 5, “Cleanup”).
C. Remake the regenerant to be sure that the concentration is correct and that the solution
has been freshly prepared. Be sure that chemicals of the required purity were used to
make the regenerant (see Section 3.1). If the regenerant concentration is too high or too
old, it can cause high background conductivity. Dionex recommends the use of Dionex
Cation Regenerant Concentrate (P/N 039602) for the best performance.
D. Remake the eluent to be sure that the concentration is correct. Be sure that chemicals of
the required purity were used to make the eluent (see Section 3.1). If the eluent
concentration is too high, the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 will not be able to suppress it,
resulting in high background conductivity.
E. If the background conductivity remains high, and you cannot solve the problem on
your own, contact the Dionex Regional Office nearest you (see, “Dionex Worldwide
Offices”).
4.2 Drifting Baseline
A. Increase the regenerant flow rate by decreasing the length of the 0.012" i.d. restrictor
line on the regenerant waste line or by increasing the pressure on the reservoir.
B. Remake the regenerant to be sure that the concentration is correct and that the solution
has been freshly prepared. Be sure that chemicals of the required purity were used to
make the regenerant (see Section 3.1). If the regenerant has absorbed carbon dioxide
from the air, it can cause a drifting baseline.
4.3 Decreased Sensitivity
A. Check for leaks throughout the system. If a fitting is leaking, tighten it carefully until
the leak stops.
B. Ensure that the injection valve is operating correctly. Refer to the valve manuals that
accompany the chromatography module for troubleshooting assistance. Be sure to
check the slider port faces for damage.
C. Check the regenerant flow rate. If the flow rate has decreased from the selected setting,
reset it to the initial conditions.
D. If sensitivity remains low, clean the suppressor (see Section 5).
E. If cleaning the membrane does not restore sensitivity, the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 may
need to be replaced.
F. If you cannot solve the problem on your own, contact the Thermo Scientific Dionex
Regional Office nearest you (see, “Thermo Scientific Dionex Worldwide Offices”).

4– Troubleshooting
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for Dionex Anion Chemically Regenerated
Suppressor for ICE
Page 20 of 22
032661-12
4.4 System Back Pressure Increases Over Time
A. If the increased back pressure does not affect system performance, no maintenance is
necessary.
B. The most common cause of increasing system back pressure is a contaminated frit in
the analytical or guard column inlet end fitting. Before doing anything else, check the
inlet frits on these columns and replace them if necessary. The complete instructions
for replacing column bed support assemblies are in Document No. 032285. Recheck
the system back pressure. If it remains high, go on to the next step.
C. Bypass the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 by coupling the ELUENT IN and ELUENT OUT
eluent lines. If the back pressure decreases by less than 150 psi with the Dionex ACRS-
ICE 500 out of line, a blockage at another point in the system is causing the high
pressure. Find and eliminate the blockage.
D. If the back pressure decreases by more than 150 psi with the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500
out of line, the high pressure is caused by a blockage in the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500.
Reverse the direction of flow of both the eluent and the regenerant through the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500. Do not connect the line between the cell and the Dionex ACRS-ICE
500. If this inverted operation decreases the back pressure, reconnect the Dionex
ACRS-ICE 500 to the cell and use it in this position.
E. If reversing the flow through the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 does not decrease the
pressure, clean the membrane (see Section 5).
F. If cleaning the membrane does not reduce the pressure, the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500
must be replaced.
G. If you cannot solve the problem on your own, contact the Thermo Scientific Dionex
Regional Office nearest you (see, “Thermo Scientific Dionex Worldwide Offices”).
4.5 Liquid Leaks
A. If there is leakage around the ports of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500, carefully tighten the
fittings in the ELUENT and REGEN IN and OUT ports (see Figure 1). If tightening the
fittings does not stop the leak, replace the ferrule and bolt.
B. If there is leakage from the cover of the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500, check the system back
pressure.
1. If the back pressure is less than 100 psi with only the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 in-
line, the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 is defective and must be replaced. Do not
disassemble the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500 and attempt to repair it yourself.
2. If the back pressure is greater than 100 psi, the leaks are caused by excessive back
pressure downstream from the Dionex ACRS-ICE 500. Find and eliminate the
source of the pressure.