Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-900 User manual

Dionex ICS-900 Ion Chromatography System
Installation and Quick Start Instructions
Document No. 065214
Revision 02
January 2012

© 2012 by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights
reserved.
Chromeleon, Dionex AMMS, and Dionex CMMS,
are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher
Scientific Inc. in the United States.
Microsoft, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and 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 2008
Revision 02 released January 2012
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic
procedures.

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 1
Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start
Instructions
This manual provides instructions for the initial
installation of the Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-
900 Ion Chromatography System.
An Installation Checklist is provided at the end of
this manual (see page 21). While performing the
installation, record each completed step on the
checklist. When you finish, use the checklist to
verify that all steps were performed.
Facility Requirements
Additional Documentation
This manual provides installation and plumbing
instructions for the Thermo Scientific Dionex
suppressor and columns, and setup instructions for
Displacement Chemical Regeneration (DCR). For
additional information (operation,
troubleshooting, applications, etc.), refer to the
appropriate product manual. The manuals are
provided on the Thermo Scientific Reference
Library DVD (P/N 053891), located in the Dionex
ICS-900 Ship Kit (P/N 067768).
For details about suppressor operating pressure
requirements, refer to the flier Backpressure Coil
Pressure Test for Dionex Suppressors (Document
No. 031759) (shipped with the suppressor).
Unpack the Dionex ICS-900
1. Open the shipping box and remove the foam
and the shipped items (bottles, Certificate of
Conformity, Ship Kit, etc.) from the top of the
box (see Figure 1).
2. Using the cardboard side handles, carefully
lift the Dionex ICS-900 out of the box (see
Figure 2) and set it on the workbench.
Main Power 90 to 265 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz
(Auto-sensing power supply;
no manual voltage or
frequency adjustment
required)
Operating
Temperature 10 to 35 °C (50 to 95 °F)
Humidity 5% to 95% relative humidity,
noncondensing
Site Draft-free, away from air
conditioning and heating vents
Workbench Sturdy, vibration-free. Allow
at least 15 cm (6 in) behind the
Dionex ICS-900 for power
connections and ventilation
Deionized Water ASTM Type I (18-megohm)
filtered, deionized water for
eluent and regenerant
Figure 1. Opened shipping box
Figure 2. Removing the Dionex ICS-900 from the box

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
2Doc. 065214-02 1/12
3. Remove the cardboard and foam cradle.
4. Remove the polyethylene bag.
5. Inspect the Dionex ICS-900 for any shipping
damage.
Connect a Thermo Scientific
Dionex AS Autosampler
(Optional)
1. Place the AS to the left of the Dionex ICS-900
on the workbench.
2. Route the needle seal line that extends from
the inject port in the AS through the
autosampler right side slot (see Figure 3) and
then through the Dionex ICS-900 left side
slot to the Dionex ICS-900 injection valve.
3. Connect the needle seal line to port Son the
injection valve (see Figure 4).
4. Notice the green waste line connected to port
Won the injection valve. This line is routed to
the Dionex ICS-900 rear panel through the
tubing chase. It must be shortened and
rerouted to the AS drip tray:
a. Pull the green waste line back through the
tubing chase to the front of the Dionex
ICS-900.
b. Cut this line to shorten it to 30 cm (12 in).
c. Bend the shortened line about 5 mm
(0.2 in) from the end (to ensure it stays in
the AS drip tray). When bending the
tubing, be sure not to restrict the inner
diameter.
d. Push the end into the small round opening
on the right side of the AS drip tray (see
Figure 3).
NOTE After the AS is configured for use with the
Dionex ICS-900 (see page 9), all AS injec-
tion types are supported. In addition, all
injection valve commands (whether issued
from Chromeleon™, Chromeleon Xpress,
or the AS front panel) can control the injec-
tion valve.
Figure 3. AS Autosampler drip tray
The needle seal line from the
autosampler inject port to the
Dionex ICS-900 injection valve is
specially constructed. It consists of
two tubes (one inside the other) that
are sealed at the end. This seal must
be maintained.
In addition, the line is calibrated for
use with the Dionex ICS-900. To
ensure correct autosampler
function, do not cut this line or
replace it with a different line.
Insert the waste line
from the Dionex
ICS-900 injection
Route autosampler
needle seal line to
Dionex ICS-900
injection valve
Figure 4. Dionex ICS-900 injection valve
Make sure the injection valve waste
line is not elevated above the
injection valve at any point between
the valve and the autosampler drip
tray.
Autosampler
Needle Seal
Line
Waste Line

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 3
Connect a Thermo Scientific
Dionex AS40 Automated
Sampler (Optional)
1. Place the AS40 to the left of the Dionex
ICS-900 on the workbench.
2. Route the outlet line from the AS40 through
the Dionex ICS-900 left side slot to the
injection valve.
3. Connect the outlet line from the AS40 to
port S on the injection valve (see Figure 5).
4. Locate the relay control cable (P/N 047946)
supplied with the AS40.
5. Remove the 2-position connector plug from
the pair of wires labeled LOAD on the relay
control cable.
6. Locate the 12-position connector plug
(P/N 923686) in the Dionex ICS-900 Ship Kit
(see Figure 6).
7. Attach the red wire from the relay control
cable to the first position on the plug, and
attach the green wire to the second position.
To attach a wire to the plug, strip the end of
the wire (if necessary), insert it into the plug,
and use a screwdriver to tighten the locking
screw.
When attaching wires to the connector
plug, be careful not to allow stray
strands of wire to short to the adjoining
position on the connector.
8. Plug the 12-position connector plug into the
TTL and relay connector on the Dionex
ICS-900 rear panel (see Figure 7). Make sure
the wires connect to the RELAY OUT 1 pins.
9. Plug the AS40 relay control cable's 10-
position connector plug into the RELAY
CONTROL connector on the AS40 rear panel
(see Figure 7).
Unpack the PC
(If supplied by Thermo Fisher
Scientific)
1. Remove the PC and all documentation from
the PC box and place them on a workbench.
2. Follow the instructions in the PC installation
guide to connect the PC components.
Figure 5. Dionex ICS-900 injection valve
Figure 6. 12-position connector plug
AS40
Sample
Outlet Line
Locking
Screws
Connect green wire here
Connect red wire here
Figure 7. Example AS40 Automated Sampler
connection
Relay Control Cable
RELAY CONTROL
READY OUT
GND
F2
LOAD
GND GND
CBL PRESENT
GND
+5VDC<50Ma
GND
AS40 Rear Panel
ICS-900 Rear Panel
TTL/Relay Connector
red
green
1
2
(+)
TTL OUT
1
2
TTL GND
(-)
1
2
3
4
TTL IN
(+)
1
2
RELAY
OUT
red green
Load

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
4Doc. 065214-02 1/12
Install the Software
If you purchased Chromeleon or Chromeleon
Xpress and a PC from Thermo Fisher Scientific,
omit this section and go directly to “Start the
Chromeleon Server” on page 5.
1. Refer to http://www.thermoscientific.com./
dionex to verify that the PC meets current
system specifications.
2. For a local PC: Log onto Windows®XP or
Windows®2000 as an administrator.
For a network PC: Log on as a user with local
PC administrator privileges.
3. Verify that at least 250 MB of free disk space
is available on the drive on which you plan to
install Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress.
Chromeleon only: More than 250 MB may
be needed to store the large amounts of data
that Chromeleon can generate. Data can also
be stored at a different location (for example,
on a network).
4. Insert the Chromeleon CD-ROM into the PC
drive.
5. On the Chromeleon Setup screen (see
Figure 8), click Install Chromeleon and
follow the on-screen instructions.
If the Setup screen does not appear
automatically, go to the Autorun folder on the
Chromeleon CD-ROM and double-click
autorun.
6. When asked whether to add the Server
Monitor program to the Startup group, select
Yes if the PC will be physically connected to
devices or No if the PC will never be
connected to devices.
7. After installing the software, restart the PC.
Install the Software License
Dongle
If your software license is provided through a
Chromeleon License Server, omit this section.
Instead, follow the instructions in the Chromeleon
Help to install the software license. Then, go on to
“Connect to the PC” on page 6.
1. If your software license is issued with a USB
dongle, plug the dongle into a USB port on the
PC. Always connect the USB dongle to the
PC, not to a Dionex module.
2. Microsoft Windows automatically detects the
Dionex ICS-900 and launches the Found New
Hardware Wizard (see Figure 9).
3. Complete the wizard by selecting the
following options:
a. If asked whether Windows can connect to
Windows Update to search for software,
select No, not this time.
Figure 8. Chromeleon Setup screen
Figure 9. Found New Hardware Wizard

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 5
b. Accept the default option (Install the
software automatically) and click
Next>. It is not necessary to insert a
hardware installation CD-ROM.
4. After installing the software, the wizard
displays a screen similar to the example in
Figure 10.
5. Click Finish to exit the wizard.
6. Store the Chromeleon CD-ROM in a safe
place, away from heat and moisture.
Install the Software License
To activate the licensed features in Chromeleon,
enter the license key code (an alphanumeric
series) provided on the Software License key code
sheet. Store the key code sheet in a safe place.
1. Click Start on the Windows taskbar and select
All Programs (or Programs) > Chromeleon
> Chromeleon to start the Chromeleon client.
2. On the Help menu, select About
Chromeleon (or About Chromeleon
Xpress).
3. Click the Preferences button and select the
License tab (see Figure 11).
4. Under Copy Protection Location, select
Dongle and then enter the key code, exactly as
it appears on the key code sheet. Click OK.
5. The Client screen should now display the
following information:
•The serial number of the dongle.
•All purchased license features (devices
controlled, number of timebases, and
software options) should be labeled On.
6. Click OK to close the screen.
Start the Chromeleon Server
Check the Chromeleon Server icon on the
Windows taskbar to determine if the server is
already running:
•If the icon is crossed out in red , the server
is not running. Right-click the icon and select
Start Server.
•If the icon is gray , the server is already
running.
Figure 10. Found New Hardware Wizard complete
Figure 11. Chromeleon License

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
6Doc. 065214-02 1/12
If the Server Monitor icon is not on the Windows
taskbar, follow these steps to start the Chromeleon
server:
1. Click Start on the Windows taskbar and select
All Programs (or Programs)> Chromeleon
> Server Monitor. The Server Monitor
window opens (see Figure 12).
2. Click Start to start the server.
3. Click Close to close the Server Monitor
window.
The Server Monitor icon appears on the
taskbar.
NOTE Clicking the Quit Monitor button quits (or
exits) the Server Monitor program, but
does not stop the server. To stop the server,
click the Stop button.
Connect to the PC
Select one of the following methods for
connecting the Dionex ICS-900 to the PC on
which Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress is
installed:
•Connect the Dionex ICS-900 directly to a
USB port on the PC.
•Connect the Dionex ICS-900 to an external
USB 2.0 hub and connect the PC to the hub.
To connect the Dionex ICS-900 directly to the
PC:
1. Locate the USB cable (P/N 960777) provided
in the Dionex ICS-900 Ship Kit.
2. Plug the USB cable’s “A” connector into the
USB port on the PC (see Figure 13).
3. Plug the “B” connector into the USB
receptacle on the Dionex ICS-900 rear panel
(see Figure 14).
Figure 12. Chromeleon Server Monitor window
Before connecting the USB cable
and turning on the Dionex ICS-900
power, verify that Chromeleon or
Chromeleon Xpress is installed on
the PC (see page 4).
Figure 13. Example connections:
One Dionex ICS-900 connected to the PC
Figure 14. Dionex ICS-900 rear panel
USB Cable
A
B
ICS-900
PC
USB
Receptacle

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 7
To connect the Dionex ICS-900 to an external
hub:
The Dionex ICS-900 Ship Kit includes one USB
cable
(P/N 960777). An external hub and a second USB
cable are required for this configuration.
Refer to Figure 15 to connect the Dionex ICS-900,
the PC, and any additional devices (for example,
an AS) to the external USB hub.
Connect the Power Cord
1. Verify that the main power switch on the rear
panel of the Dionex ICS-900 is turned off.
(The main power switch may be turned on
accidentally when the module is unpacked.)
2. Connect the power cord (IEC 320 C13) from
the main power receptacle on the rear panel
(see Figure 14) to a grounded power source.
Figure 15. Example connections:
Multiple devices connected to an external hub
The USB standard limits the USB
cable length to 5 m (5.5 yds). Each
USB device can be separated from
the PC by no more than five hubs.
Thus, each USB device can be
located no more than 30 m (32 yds)
from the PC.
Carefully secure all USB cables, the
external hub, and the hub power
cable so that they cannot be
accidentally disconnected.
B
B
B
B
A
A
A
A
USB Cables
USB
Device
(Ex: AS
Autosampler)
USB
Device
ICS-900
USB 2.0 Hub
APC
SHOCK HAZARD—To avoid electrical
shock, use a grounded receptacle. Do
not operate the Dionex ICS-900 or
connect it to AC power mains without
an earthed ground connection.
The power supply cord is used as the
main disconnect device. Make sure the
socket-outlet is located near the
Dionex ICS-900 and is easily
accessible.
Operation at AC input levels outside of
the specified operating voltage range
may damage the Dionex ICS-900.
DANGER D'ÉLECTROCUTION—Pour
éviter toute électrocution, il faut utiliser
une prise de courant avec prise de
terre. Ne l'utilisez pas et ne le branchez
pas au secteur C.A. sans utiliser de
branchement mis à la terre.
Le cordon d'alimentation principal est
utilisé comme dispositif principal de
débranchement. Veillez à ce que la
prise de base soit située/installée près
du module et facilement accessible.
STROMSCHLAGGEFAHR—Zur
Vermeidung von elektrischen Schlägen
ist eine geerdete Steckdose zu
verwenden. Das Gerät darf nicht ohne
Erdung betrieben bzw. an
Wechselstrom angeschlossen werden.
Das Netzkabel ist das wichtigste Mittel
zur Stromunterbrechung. Stellen Sie
sicher, daß sich die Steckdose nahe
am Gerät befindet und leicht
zugänglich ist.

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
8Doc. 065214-02 1/12
Install the Dionex ICS-900 Device
Driver
1. If you have not already done so, turn on the
PC power.
2. For a local PC: Log onto Windows XP or
Windows 2000 as an administrator.
For a network PC: Log on as a user with local
PC administrator privileges.
3. Turn on the power switch on the rear of the
Dionex ICS-900. Also turn on the power
switch on the rear of the AS Autosampler (if
installed).
4. The Found New Hardware Wizard appears
(see Figure 16). Use the wizard to install the
Dionex ICS-900, as described below:
a. If asked whether Windows can connect to
Windows Update to search for software,
select No, not this time.
b. Accept the default option (Install the
software automatically) and click
Next>. It is not necessary to insert a
hardware installation CD-ROM.
c. When the wizard reports that the software
for the module has been installed, click
Finish.
The Chromeleon USB Auto
Configuration Wizard appears (see
Figure 17).
d. Accept the default option (Create a new
timebase) and click OK.
The Auto Configuration dialog box opens
(see page 9).
5. If you are installing an AS in addition to the
Dionex ICS-900, ignore the Auto
Configuration dialog box for now and repeat
Step b and Step c for the AS.
Troubleshooting Tip
If a Microsoft Windows message box asks for the
USB configuration file (cmwdmusb.inf), it
indicates that you connected the Dionex ICS-900
to the PC and turned on the Dionex ICS-900
power before installing Chromeleon or
Chromeleon Xpress. See page 20 for how to
resolve the problem.
Before turning on the Dionex
ICS-900 power, verify that
Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress
is installed. If the chromatography
software is not installed first, the
Windows operating system will be
unable to identify the new USB
device.
Figure 16. Found New Hardware Wizard
Figure 17. USB Auto Configuration Wizard

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 9
Create a Timebase
The USB Auto Configuration Wizard (see
Figure 18) appears automatically when you power
up a USB device that is not already assigned to a
timebase. Use the wizard to create a new timebase
for your Dionex ICS-900.
1. Review the names displayed in the
Unassigned USB Devices Detected list.
Clear the check mark before the name of any
device that you do not want to configure at
this time.
2. In the Mode window, select a predefined
configuration template for the new timebase.
3. (Optional) Select the Launch Server
Configuration upon closing this wizard
check box. The check box is disabled if the
Server Configuration program is already
running.
4. Click Accept to create a new timebase.
If you selected the Launch Server Configuration
upon closing this wizard option, the Server
Configuration automatically opens when you
close the wizard (see Figure 19). If the Server
Configuration was already open, it is updated with
the new configuration information.
Configure Devices
When a device is added to a timebase, default
configuration properties are selected. You can
verify that the default settings are correct for your
system and select other settings, if needed.
1. In the Server Configuration, right-click the
Dionex ICS-900 device in the timebase and
select Properties.
2. Verify that the correct device is assigned to
control the injection valve in the Dionex
ICS-900.
a. On the Dionex ICS-900 Properties dialog
box, click the Inject Valve tab.
b. For Pump_InjectValve, verify the
Controlled By setting:
If the timebase includes an AS, the
Controlled By setting must be AS (see
Figure 20).
Figure 18. USB Auto Configuration Wizard:
Creating a timebase
Figure 19. Server Configuration
Figure 20. Dionex ICS-900 Properties:
Inject valve controlled by AS

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
10 Doc. 065214-02 1/12
If the timebase includes an AS40 or no
autosampler, the Controlled By setting
must be Dionex ICS-900 (see Figure 21).
c. To change a Controlled By setting, select
the Pump_InjectValve name, press F2,
and select the device.
3. Check the detection limits, standby flow rate,
and inactivity time-out period settings.
a. On the Dionex ICS-900 Properties dialog
box, click Options (see Figure 22).
b. Under Set Detection Limits, verify that
the default conductivity range (0 to
500 S) is selected. The larger range (0 to
10,000 S) is used only for specialized
applications.
c. To have the pump flow rate automatically
reduced after a period of inactivity, select
a Standby Flow Rate and an Inactivity
Time Out Period. To disable this feature,
select 0 (Off).
4. Select the TTL and relay output settings:
a. On the Dionex ICS-900 Properties dialog
box, click State Devices.
b. Select the check boxes for the TTL and
relay outputs you plan to use; clear the
check boxes for those you do not plan to
use.
c. If an AS40 is installed, verify that
Pump_ECD_Relay_1 is selected (see
Figure 23).
5. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.
6. On the File menu, click Save Installation.
7. You can ignore the “no inject device installed”
warning, if it appears. This simply means that
the timebase does not include an autosampler.
This message appears if you are using an
AS40 autosampler or manual injections. Click
Close.
8. Exit the Server Configuration program.
Figure 21. Dionex ICS-900 Properties:
Inject valve controlled by Dionex ICS-900
Figure 22. Dionex ICS-900 Properties: Options
Figure 23. Dionex ICS-900 Properties: State Devices

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 11
Connect to the Panel Tabset
1. Click Start on the Windows taskbar and select
All Programs (or Programs) > Chromeleon
> Chromeleon to start the Chromeleon client.
2. If Chromeleon is installed, select View >
Default Panel Tabset on the toolbar to
display the panel tabset.
If Chromeleon Xpress is installed, the panel
tabset displays automatically when you start
the client.
3. Click the Dionex ICS-900 tab on the panel
tabset to view the Dionex ICS-900 Control
panel (see Figure 24).
NOTE When the Dionex ICS-900 Control panel is
opened as part of the panel tabset, controls
for an AS40 Automated Sampler are
included, even if one is not present. If you
are using manual injections, you may
ignore the AS40 controls.
If an AS Autosampler is installed, a sepa-
rate Control panel for the autosampler is
included in the tabset.
Figure 24. Dionex ICS-900 Control panel on the panel tabset

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
12 Doc. 065214-02 1/12
Prepare Eluent
1. Rinse the eluent bottle with deionized water.
2. Prepare 2 L of eluent. Refer to the instructions
in the column manual.
3. Fill the eluent bottle with the prepared eluent,
insert the stopper assembly tubing into the
bottle, and hand-tighten the cap.
4. Place the bottle in the tray on the top of the
Dionex ICS-900.
Prepare Regenerant
1. Verify that you have the correct regenerant
bottle assembly (P/N 068222 for anion
analyses; P/N 068223 for cation analyses):
•For anions, verify that the cap is labeled
ANION and the REGEN BOTTLE OUT line
extends to the bottom of the bottle.
•For cations, verify that the cap is labeled
CATION and the REGEN BOTTLE OUT line
extends only about 1 cm (0.4 in) into the
bottle.
2. Rinse the regenerant bottle with deionized
water.
3. Fill the bottle about halfway with deionized
water.
4. Determine the regenerant concentration
required for the application. See the following
guidelines; also refer to the Displacement
Chemical Regeneration (DCR) kit and column
manuals.
Guidelines for regenerant concentration
The optimal regenerant concentration can be
estimated for a known eluent strength by:
Anion Regenerant Concentration = (mM eluent) x 2
Cation Regenerant Concentration = (mM eluent) x 5
For example, if you are using 20 mM methane
sulfonic acid (MSA) as the eluent for cation
analysis, use a regenerant concentration of
100 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide
(TBAOH).
5. Empty the required amount of concentrate
(TBAOH for cations; sulfuric acid for anions)
into the bottle.
For acid concentrates (such as the
anion regenerant), always pour the
concentrate into deionized water, not
into the empty bottle.
Pour les concentrés acides (comme le
régénérant anionique), versez toujours
le concentré dans de l'eau désionisée
et non dans le réservoir vide.
Gießen Sie bei säurehaltigen
Konzentraten (beispielsweise dem
Kationenelutionsmittel) das Konzentrat
immer in entionisiertes Wasser und
nicht in den leeren Behälter.
6. Fill the bottle almost to the top with deionized
water and then place the bottle in the tray on
the top of the Dionex ICS-900.
NOTE To avoid staining the Dionex ICS-900, be
careful not to spill TBAOH on the instru-
ment.
7. Using the concentrate bottle, pour additional
deionized water into the bottle until it is
completely filled to the top. If a few drops
spill over, then it is full enough.
The regenerant bottle must be filled
all the way to the top at all times.
8. Insert the stopper assembly tubing into the
bottle and hand-tighten the cap.
9. Invert the bottle 3 or 4 times to disperse the
concentrate.
After analysis begins, do not mix the
contents of the regenerant bottle.

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 13
Connect Bottle Lines
Connect the liquid lines from the Dionex ICS-900
to the corresponding lines exiting the eluent and
regenerant bottles (see Figure 25).
Hydrate the Suppressor
1. Remove the suppressor from the box.
2. Remove the fitting plugs from all ports on the
suppressor.
3. Use a syringe to push the following types and
amounts of fluid into the suppressor ports:
•AMMS™ 300: Push about 3 mL of
100 mM H2SO4through the ELUENT OUT
port and about 5 mL of 100 mM H2SO4
through the REGEN IN port.
•CMMS™ 300: Push about 3 mL of
200 mM NaOH through the ELUENT OUT
port and about 5 mL of 200 mM NaOH
through the REGEN IN port.
4. Allow the suppressor to sit for at least 20
minutes to fully hydrate it.
Set Up Waste Lines
1. Untape the coiled waste and liquid lines from
the rear panel.
2. Verify that a DCR waste backpressure tubing
assembly (P/N 060214) is installed on the
REGEN OUT waste line (see Figure 26).
The tubing assembly provides backpressure to
help compress any air bubbles formed in the
suppressor’s regenerant chamber.
If you shorten or replace the REGEN
OUT waste line, always reinstall the
DCR waste backpressure tubing
assembly. Otherwise, baseline
spikes occur.
3. Place the ends of the waste lines into a waste
container.
4. Check the waste lines periodically to be sure
they are not bent, pinched, or elevated at any
point.
Figure 25. Liquid lines connected to bottles
ELUENT
Bottle Out
REGEN
Bottle Out
REGEN
Bottle In
Figure 26. DCR waste backpressure tubing assembly
REGEN OUT
Coupler
Waste Line DCR Waste
Backpressure
Tubing

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
14 Doc. 065214-02 1/12
Set the Eluent Level
On the Dionex ICS-900 Control panel, move the
Eluent Remaining slider to indicate the volume
of liquid in the bottle (see Figure 27).
The Dionex ICS-900 determines the eluent usage
by monitoring the flow rate and the length of time
the pump is on. As the eluent is used up, the
Dionex ICS-900 updates the Eluent Remaining
slider and gauge.
Verify Communication
While observing the Dionex ICS-900 front panel
LEDs, click the Disconnect and then the
Connect button on the Dionex ICS-900 Control
panel. If Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress is
communicating with the Dionex ICS-900, the
LEDs appear as follows:
•The Power and Ready LEDs are on when the
Dionex ICS-900 is connected (see Figure 28).
•Only the Power LED is on when the Dionex
ICS-900 is disconnected.
Prime the Pump
The priming procedure for a new pump consists of
two parts:
•Starting the priming with a syringe.
•Completing the priming with the Prime
command.
To start priming with a syringe:
1. Verify that the pump is turned off.
2. Disconnect the waste line from the luer fitting
on the secondary (left) pump head and
connect a 10 mL syringe (P/N 054578) to the
luer fitting (see Figure 29).
3. Open the waste valve on the secondary pump
head by turning the knob one-half turn
counterclockwise.
4. Draw the syringe back to begin removing air
from the flow path.
5. When a small amount of liquid enters the
syringe, remove the syringe from the luer
fitting, and reconnect the waste line.
NOTE When the liquid lines and pump heads
contain liquid, it is difficult to draw the
syringe back. In this case, use the Prime
command alone to remove any air in the
lines.
Figure 27. Setting the eluent level
For the eluent level on the Control
panel to be accurate, you must enter
the level each time the bottle is filled.
Figure 28. Dionex ICS-900 LEDs:
Connected and disconnected states
Figure 29. Priming the eluent lines
Secondary
Pump Head
10 mL
Syringe
Luer Fitting
Waste Valve
(Open)

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 15
To complete the priming with the Prime
command:
1. With the waste valve open, click Prime on the
Dionex ICS-900 Control Panel (see
Figure 24). The pump will begin pumping at
approximately 3 mL/min.
2. Continue priming the Dionex ICS-900 until
no air bubbles are exiting the pump waste line.
3. Click Pump Off.
4. Close the waste valve. Do not overtighten.
Plumb the System
For reference, Figure 30 shows the system flow
schematic after all plumbing is completed.
Notes for 2-mm Column Users
•If you plan to use a 2-mm column, exchange
the tubing from the injection valve to the
guard column, guard column to the analytical
column, analytical column to the suppressor
with equivalent lengths of red 0.125-mm
(0.005-in) ID tubing. For details, see the
instructions in the Dionex ICS-900 Operator’s
Manual (P/N 065215).
•A microbore tubing kit (P/N 052324) is
available
•A smaller volume sample loop may also be
required. Refer to the column manual for
additional information.
Flush the System
1. Disconnect the line labeled GUARD IN from
the union connecting it to GUARD OUT (see
Figure 31, item ). The other end of GUARD
IN is connected to port C on the injection
valve.
2. Direct the GUARD IN line to a waste container.
3. On the Dionex ICS-900 Control panel, set the
flow rate to 1 mL/min.
4. Start the pump and let it run for 15 minutes.
Stop the pump.
Figure 30. System flow schematic
Eluent In Regen In
Regen Out Eluent Out
To Waste
L
LP
CW
S
To Waste
To MMS
Regen In
Pump
Heads
Primary
Secondary
Pulse Damper
Sample in
Eluent
Conductivity Cell
(in DS5 Detection Stabilizer)
Regenerant
Eluent in
from pulse
damper
MMS 300
To cell inlet
Backpressure Coil
(1 or 2, depending on
flow rate)
Injection
Valve
Pressure
Transducer
To pump inlet
From cell outlet
Figure 31. Dionex ICS-900 component panel
1
1
2
3
6
5
4

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
16 Doc. 065214-02 1/12
Flush the Columns
NOTE Flushing is required only for new guard
and separator columns.
To flush the guard column:
1. Remove the guard and separator columns
from their boxes.
2. Remove the fitting plugs from the ends of
each column.
3. Orient the guard column with the arrow on the
label pointing in the direction of flow (away
from the injection valve) and connect GUARD
IN to the inlet of the guard column.
4. Remove the union from GUARD OUT and
connect GUARD OUT to the guard column
outlet.
5. Disconnect COL IN from the union connecting
it to COL OUT (see Figure 31, item ).
6. Direct COL IN (the guard column outlet) to a
waste container.
7. On the Dionex ICS-900 Control panel, set the
flow rate to the recommended rate for the
column.
8. Start the pump and let it run for 15 minutes.
To flush the separator column:
1. Orient the separator column with the arrow on
the column label pointing toward the
conductivity detector cell and connect COL IN
to the separator column inlet.
2. Remove the union from COL OUT and connect
COL OUT to the separator column outlet.
3. Disconnect ELUENT IN from the union
connecting it to ELUENT OUT (see Figure 31,
item ).
4. Direct ELUENT IN to a waste container.
5. Start the pump and let it run for 15 minutes.
6. Reconnect ELUENT IN to the union on ELUENT
OUT.The column is now connected directly to
the cell inlet. This is a temporary connection.
Install the Columns
1. Push the guard column onto the clips (see
Figure 32).
2. Push the separator column onto the clips (see
Figure 32).
Connect Backpressure Coils
Connect backpressure coils between the
conductivity cell outlet and the regenerant bottle
inlet (see Figure 32).
1. Determine the number and type of
backpressure coils required for your system.
Standard bore systems: Use one or two
black backpressure coils (P/N 045877),
supplied in the Dionex ICS-900 Ship Kit.
2
3
Figure 32. Dionex ICS-900 with columns and
suppressor
Flow Rate Number of Coils
1.5 to 3.0 mL/min 1 (black)
0.5 to 1.5 mL/min 2 (black)
Separator
Column
Suppressor
Guard Column
Backpressure Coil
(Connect 1 or 2,
depending on flow rate)

Doc. 065214-02 1/12 17
Microbore systems: Use one or two red
backpressure coils (P/N 045878), supplied in
the microbore tubing kit (P/N 052324).
2. Remove the union connecting the green and
orange lines labeled CELL OUT (see Figure 31,
item ) and connect the backpressure coils.
Install the Suppressor
1. Install the hydrated suppressor onto the
brackets located below the conductivity cell
(see Figure 31, item ).
2. Remove the union connecting REGEN IN and
REGEN OUT (see Figure 31, item ) and
connect these two lines to the corresponding
ports on the suppressor.
Fill the Regenerant Line
1. Turn on the pump and allow it to run until
liquid fills the REGEN OUT line and begins
entering the suppressor REGEN IN port. Turn
off the pump.
2. Remove the union connecting ELUENT IN and
ELUENT OUT and connect these two lines to
the corresponding ports on the suppressor.
Equilibrate the System
1. Turn on the pump and run at the flow rate
recommended for the column.
2. Allow the system to equilibrate. During
equilibration, the Dionex ICS-900 Control
panel displays the background conductivity
(the conductivity of the eluent without the
offset performed by the autozero command).
3. Offset the background and zero the
conductivity reading by clicking the Autozero
button on the Control panel.
4. Monitor the system pressure to make sure it is
at the expected pressure for the installed
column (refer to the column manual for
details) and is stable. Column manuals
typically provide pressure specifications for
systems that do not include a guard column.
Expect the Dionex ICS-900 system pressure
(with a guard column) to be 15% to 20%
higher than the specification in the column
manual.
•If the pressure is less than expected, air
may be trapped in the system. Release the
air by removing the pump fitting (P) on
the injection valve (see Figure 5). Allow
the air to escape and then reconnect the
fitting.
•If the pressure is too high, there may be a
restriction in the system plumbing. Refer
to the Dionex ICS-900 operator’s manual
for troubleshooting information.
5. Check for leaks in the regenerant bottle.
6. Check that liquid is flowing out of the
suppressor REGEN OUT waste line.
7. Monitor the baseline conductivity. In general,
it should be <30 S for a system set up for
anion analyses, and <2 S for a system set up
for cation analyses. Equilibration time varies
and it can take some time to reach these
expected values.
Verify Operational Status
After the system has equilibrated, verify the actual
pump pressure and stability by monitoring the
pump pressure. Record the short-term pressure
fluctuations; they should be less than 0.13 MPa
(20 psi). If the pressure fluctuates by more than
this amount, prime the pump (see page 14).
Flow Rate Number of Coils
0.3 to 0.5 mL/min 1 (red)
Less than 0.3 mL/min 2 (red)
4
5
6

Dionex ICS-900 Installation and Quick Start Instructions
18 Doc. 065214-02 1/12
Set Up an Application
Application templates let you quickly get started
running. This section explains how to use an
application template to create a sequence (a list of
samples to be processed).
To start the Application Wizard:
1. On the panel tabset, click the Sequence
Control tab.
2. Under Prepare System, click Application
Wizard (see Figure 33).
3. On the Chromeleon Application Wizard, click
Application Template, and then select a
template from the list. See the example in
Figure 34.
4. Click Next>.
5. Under Generate program and method files,
click in a new sequence via Sequence
Wizard (see Figure 35).
6. Click Next>.
To define unknown samples:
1. Enter the following parameters to define an
unknown sample:
a. Select Use Template.
b. In the Template for Sample Name field,
type Sample, click the right arrow, and
select Sample Number #n.
c. In the Number of Vials field, type 1.
d. Accept default settings for the remaining
parameters on the page.
NOTE You can edit the sequence later, to add more
samples and select the injection parameters
appropriate for your application.
2. Click Apply.
Figure 33. Sequence Control panel on the panel tabset
Figure 34. Example Application Wizard:
Application Tool
Figure 35. Example Application Wizard:
Program and Method