Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac AS31 User manual

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
6
Dionex IonPac AS31 Columns
155007 Revision 01 •December 2018
User Manual

Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 2 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Product Manual
for
Dionex IonPac AS31 Analytical Column
Analytical Column, 2 × 250 mm (Item # 303147)
Dionex IonPac AG31 Guard Column
Guard Column, 2 × 50 mm (Item # 303148)

Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 3 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
© 2018 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 01, December 2018, Original Publication.

Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 4 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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 IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 5 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Contents
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................8
1.1 Dionex IonPac AS31/Dionex IonPac AG31 Column Packing Specifications .................................................. 8
2. Installation ...........................................................................................................................................................10
2.1 Thermo Scientific Dionex High Pressure Ion Chromatography Systems ....................................................... 10
2.2 System Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 System Void Volume............................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Column Start-Up ............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.4 Eluents............................................................................................................................................................. 12
2.4.1 Eluent Generation .................................................................................................................................... 12
2.5 Dionex IonPac Guard Columns....................................................................................................................... 12
2.6 Trap Columns .................................................................................................................................................. 12
2.6.1 Thermo Scientific Dionex Continuously Regenerated Anion Trap Columns
(Dionex CR-ATC 500) for Use with Dionex EG Cartridges (Dionex EGC 500) .................................... 12
2.7 Sample Concentrators ..................................................................................................................................... 13
3. Operation .............................................................................................................................................................14
3.1 General Operating Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 General Operational Precautions ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Quality Assurance Reports .............................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Chemical Requirements and Solvent Compatibility ....................................................................................... 15
3.5 Eluent Preparation ........................................................................................................................................... 16
3.5.1 Manually Prepared Eluents ...................................................................................................................... 16
3.5.2 Making Eluents that Contain Solvents..................................................................................................... 16
3.6 Regenerant Preparation for the Thermo Scientific Dionex Chemically Regenerated Suppressor
(Dionex CRS 500) ........................................................................................................................................... 17
3.7 Recommendations for Method Development .................................................................................................. 17
4. Example Applications .........................................................................................................................................18
4.1 Recommendations for Optimum System Performance ................................................................................... 18
4.2 Isocratic Elution With and Without a Guard Column ..................................................................................... 19
4.3 Effect of Temperature on the Dionex IonPac AS31 Selectivity ...................................................................... 20
4.4 Separations of Various Inorganic and Organic Anions on Dionex IonPac AS31 Column ............................. 21
4.5 Separation and Detection of 9 Haloacetic Acids, Bromate, and Dalapon using IC Method
and EPA Method 557 Laboratory Synthetic Sample Matrix ........................................................................... 22
4.6 Analysis of Municipal Drinking Water using Dionex IonPac AS31 column .................................................. 23
Separation and Detection of 9 HAAs, Bromate, and Dalapon using IC-MS/MS ............................................ 24
4.7 Separation and Detection of 9 HAAs, Bromate, and Dalapon using IC-MS/MS ............................................ 24
4.7.1 System, Conditions, and Consumables .................................................................................................... 25

Contents
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 6 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
4.7.2 Targeted SIM Inclusion List .................................................................................................................... 25
4.7.3 Example Chromatograms ........................................................................................................................ 26
4.7.4 Signal to Noise Comparison .................................................................................................................... 27
4.8 System Setup ................................................................................................................................................... 27
5. Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................................29
5.1 High Back Pressure ......................................................................................................................................... 30
5.1.1 Finding the Source of High System Pressure .......................................................................................... 30
5.1.2 Replacing Column Bed Support Assemblies ........................................................................................... 31
5.1.3 Filter Eluent ............................................................................................................................................. 32
5.1.4 Filter Samples .......................................................................................................................................... 32
5.2 High Background ............................................................................................................................................ 32
5.2.1 Preparation of Eluents ............................................................................................................................. 32
5.2.2 A Contaminated Trap Column................................................................................................................. 32
5.2.3 Contaminated Dionex CR-ATC 500 Column .......................................................................................... 32
5.2.4 A Contaminated Guard or Analytical Column ........................................................................................ 33
5.2.5 Contaminated Hardware .......................................................................................................................... 33
5.2.6 A Contaminated Suppressor .................................................................................................................... 33
5.2.7 Contaminated Regenerant Water ............................................................................................................. 33
5.3 Inconsistent Retention Times .......................................................................................................................... 33
5.3.1 Drifting to Shorter Retention Time .......................................................................................................... 34
5.3.2 Drifting to Longer Retention Time .......................................................................................................... 34
5.3.3 Oscillating Retention Times .................................................................................................................... 34
5.4 Poor Peak Resolution ...................................................................................................................................... 35
5.4.1 Loss of Column Efficiency ...................................................................................................................... 35
5.4.2 Analyte Specific Efficiency Loss ............................................................................................................ 37
5.4.3 Shortened Retention Times ..................................................................................................................... 37
5.4.4 Loss of Front-End Resolution .................................................................................................................. 38
5.5 Spurious Peaks ................................................................................................................................................ 38

Contents
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 7 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
6. Column Care........................................................................................................................................................39
6.1 Recommended Operation Pressures ................................................................................................................ 39
6.2 Column Start-Up ............................................................................................................................................. 39
6.3 Column Storage............................................................................................................................................... 39
6.4 Chemical Purity Requirements........................................................................................................................ 39
6.4.1 Inorganic Chemicals ................................................................................................................................ 40
6.4.2 Deionized Water ...................................................................................................................................... 40
6.4.3 Solvents ................................................................................................................................................... 40
6.5 Column Cleanup ............................................................................................................................................. 41
6.5.1 Choosing the Appropriate Cleanup Solution ........................................................................................... 42
6.5.2 Column Cleanup Procedure ..................................................................................................................... 43
7. Quality Assurance Report ..................................................................................................................................44
8. Additional Information.......................................................................................................................................45
8.1 General Information on PEEK™ Tubing ........................................................................................................ 45

1–Introduction
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 8 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
1. Introduction
The Dionex IonPac® AS31 2-mm Analytical and IonPac AG31 2mm Guard Columns are
hydroxide-selective anion-exchange columns designed for faster separation of several
environmental ions including haloacetic acids (HAAs), dalapon, and bromate in drinking water.
The Dionex IonPac AS31 column is a low bleed column designed to be used for ion
chromatography separations coupled with Mass Spectrometry (IC/MS), or (IC/MS/MS). It is a
high capacity column, which allows relatively large injection volumes. Water samples can be
directly injected into an ion chromatography system coupled to a mass spectrometer for sensitive
detection. The use of a Dionex IonPac AS31 column for IC-MS and IC-MS/MS eliminates the
need for sample pretreatment and preconcentration that is typically needed to eliminate sample
matrix effects on analyte peak efficiency and resolution such as in HAA determination or other
environmental ions in relatively high matrix samples.
The high capacity and compatibility of this column with mass spectroscopy makes it useful with
Reagent Free Ion Chromatography (RFICTM) systems for several environmental ions. The Dionex
IonPac AS31 is compatible with pH 0-14 eluents and samples. The Dionex IonPac AS31 can be
used with any suppressible ionic eluent that does not exceed the capacity of the suppressor. The
Dionex IonPac AS31 has nominal efficiency of at least 4500 plates/column for bromide using
Quality Assurance test conditions. The maximum operating pressure should be less than 5,000 psi
(34.47 MPa).
1.1 Dionex IonPac AS31/Dionex IonPac AG31 Column Packing Specifications
Resin Characteristics:
Nominal Particle Size: 6 µm (Analytical Column*)
Nominal Particle Size: 11 µm (Guard Column**)
Particle Cross-linking: 55%
Ion exchange capacity: 116 µeq per 2 × 250 mm column
1.5 µeq per 2 × 50 mm column
Functional Characteristics:
Functional Group: Alkanol quaternary ammonium ion
Hydrophobicity: Low
*Analytical Column resin composition: supermacroporous ethylvinylbenzene polymer cross-linked with divinylbenzene.
**Guard Column resin composition: microporous ethylvinylbenzene polymer cross-linked with divinylbenzene.

1–Introduction
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 9 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Table 1 Dionex IonPac AS31/Dionex IonPac AG31 Operating Parameters
Column(s)
Typical Back Pressure
psi (MPaa), 15°Cb
Standard
Flow Rate
mL/min
Maximum
Flow Rate
mL/minc
Dionex IonPac AS31
2 mm Analytical column
~ 3000 (20.68)
0.30
0.40
Dionex IonPac AG31
2 mm Guard column
~ 200 (1.38)
0.30
0.40
Dionex IonPac AG31 and AS31
2 mm columns
~ 3200 (22.06)
0.30
0.40
Note: 1MPa = 145.04 psi
b Total backpressure at standard flow rates
c In all cases, flow rate should not result in pressures over 5,000 psi
For assistance, visit Unity Lab Services online at www.unitylabservices.com.
From the U.S., call the Customer Care Center for Dionex Products at 1-800-346-6390.
Outside the U.S., call the nearest Thermo Fisher Scientific office.
NOTE
!

2–Installation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 10 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
2. Installation
Read the instrument manuals. This manual assumes that you are using Thermo Scientific
Dionex instrumentation and are familiar with the installation and operation of the Thermo
Scientific Dionex Ion Chromatograph (IC). If you do not understand the operation of the
system, take the time to familiarize yourself with the various system components before
beginning an analysis.
The proper configuration of an Ion Chromatography System (ICS) is dependent on the column
format. Although they can typically use the same system, the use of a 2 mm or 4 mm column
requires different set up to ensure optimum performance. The selected format and analysis type
will affect the type of pump recommended. A gradient pump is designed to blend and pump
isocratic, linear, or gradient mixtures of up to four mobile phase components at precisely
controlled flow rates. An isocratic pump is for applications not requiring gradient or multi-eluent
proportioning capabilities. For high pressure applications (over 3000 psi), the use of high-pressure
consumables, components and fittings is required.
2.1 Thermo Scientific Dionex High Pressure Ion Chromatography Systems
A minimum of a Dionex High Pressure Ion Chromatography (HPIC) System is recommended
when running Dionex IonPac AS31 columns due to the higher backpressures generated at typical
operational flow rates. Systems should have the capability to operate up to at least 5000 psi.
Standard IC systems, with an upper limit of 3000 psi, are insufficient for proper column operation.
All systems should allow 100% metal-free operation to prevent column damage. This includes
pump heads and all flow paths.
Care should always be taken not to exceed the maximum operating pressure of the system
components. IC systems with lower backpressure capabilities are not recommended as
reduced flow rates may result in loss of performance.
Contact your local representative for information on how to customize your system to
your application needs.
2.2 System Requirements
The Dionex IonPac Columns are designed to run on Dionex Ion Chromatographs equipped with
suppressed conductivity detection. We recommend the use of ferrules and fittings rated with a
pressure of >5000 psi. The use of Thermo Scientific Dionex IC PEEK ViperTM fittings is
recommended to achieve consistent low dead volume connections and ensure optimum
chromatographic performance. Dionex IC PEEK Viper fittings are available in convenient kits
for Dionex ICS-5000+ and ICS-6000 systems with conductivity detectors (Item # 088803).
NOTE
!
WARNING
!
NOTE
!

2–Installation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 11 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
2.2.1 System Void Volume
When using 2 mm columns, it is particularly important to minimize system void volume. The
system void volume should be scaled down to at least 1/4 of the system volume in a standard 4
mm system. For best performance, all tubing installed between the injection valve and detector
should be 0.005" i.d. PEEK tubing. In order to reduce system backpressure at higher flow rates,
0.007" i.d. PEEK tubing may be used for connections before the injection valve, but peak
efficiency will be compromised if used for post injector connections, which may also result in
decreased peak resolution. Minimize the lengths of all connecting tubing and remove all
unnecessary switching valves and couplers.
2.3 Column Start-Up
The column is shipped using sodium bicarbonate as the storage solution.
Prepare the eluent shown on the Quality Assurance Report. To remove the storage solution, flush
the column to waste with the 80 mM KOH eluent for at least 45 minutes and then 15 minutes with
QAR eluent before attaching the column outlet to the suppressor. Install the column in the column
module and test the column performance under the conditions described in the QAR. Continue
making injections of the test standard until consecutive injections of the standard give
reproducible retention times. Equilibration is complete when consecutive injections of the
standard give reproducible retention times.
IMPORTANT
When making any tubing connections, first turn off the pump. This will avoid any slippage
of the ferrule under high pressure conditions.

2–Installation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 12 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
2.4 Eluents
2.4.1 Eluent Generation
It is recommended that Dionex IonPac columns are used with Dionex HPIC Systems equipped
with a Thermo Scientific Dionex Eluent Generator (EG). The use of eluent generation provides a
more stable baseline, improved performance, and increased reproducibility over the use of
manually prepared eluents.
The Dionex Eluent Generator is used to automatically produce eluents either isocratically or as
gradients from deionized water. Please refer to the Dionex EG manual for information on the
operation of the Dionex eluent generators.
Only Dionex Eluent Generator Cartridges (EGCs) rated for 5,000 psi or higher should be
used when running Dionex IonPac AS31 column due to the higher backpressures
generated at typical operational flow rates.
2.5 Dionex IonPac Guard Columns
A Dionex IonPac AG31 Guard Column is normally used with the Dionex IonPac AS31 Analytical
Column. A guard is placed in front of the analytical column to prevent sample contaminants from
damaging the analytical column. It is easier to clean or replace the guard column than it is the
analytical column. Placing a guard column in front of the analytical column will cause retention
times to increase by approximately 1.5% under isocratic test conditions. Replacing the guard
column at the first sign of peak efficiency loss or decreased retention time will prolong the life of
the analytical column.
2.6 Trap Columns
For gradient operation a trap column is installed between the gradient pump and the injection
valve and takes the place of the gradient mixer if present. The trap column is filled with high
capacity ion exchange resin which helps to minimize the baseline shift caused by increasing ionic
contaminants as the eluent ionic strength increases over the course of gradient analysis.
2.6.1 Continuously Regenerated Anion Trap Columns for Use with Eluent Generator Cartridges
For applications using eluent generation on a Dionex ICS-5000+ HPIC system, a Dionex CR-ATC
500 Continuously Regenerated Anion Trap Column (Item # 075550) should be installed at the
Dionex EGC 500 eluent outlet to remove trace level ionic contaminants from the carrier deionized
water. For applications using eluent generation on a Dionex ICS-6000 HPIC system, use a Dionex
CR-ATC 600 (Item # 088662). See the Dionex Continuously Regenerated Trap Column Product
Manual (Document No. 079684) for instructions.
As an alternative to a Dionex CR-ATC 500, a Thermo Scientific Dionex ATC 500 Trap Column
(Item # 079018) can be installed between the pump outlet and the inlet of the Dionex EGC 500 to
remove anionic contaminants from the carrier deionized water. Note that use of the Dionex ATC
500 will require off-line regeneration. See the Dionex Anion Trap Columns Product Manual
(Document No. 032697) for instructions.
CAUTION
!

2–Installation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 13 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Only trap columns rated for 5,000 psi pressure should be used when running Dionex
IonPac AS31 columns due to the higher backpressures generated at typical operational
flow rates.
2.7 Sample Concentrators
The function of a concentrator column is to strip ions of interest from a measured volume of a
relatively clean aqueous sample matrix. This process “concentrates” the desired analyte species
onto the concentrator column, lowering detection limits by 2-5 orders of magnitude. The
concentrator column is used in lieu of the sample loop at the start of the analysis.
Dionex Concentrator columns or the Dionex IonPac Guard Column can be used for trace anion
concentration work with Dionex IonPac columns. A pump is used to load the sample onto the
concentrator column in the OPPOSITE direction of the eluent flow. Once concentration is
complete the eluent flow is then directed through the concentrator to the analytical column. When
using concentration techniques, care should be taken not to overload the concentrator column by
concentrating an excessive amount of sample. If an excessive amount of sample is used,
inaccurate results may be obtained. It is possible during the concentration step for the stronger
binding polyvalent ions to elute the weakly retained ions from the concentrator column. For more
detailed information on sample concentration techniques for high sensitivity work and a detailed
discussion of concentration techniques refer to the appropriate concentrator manual for your
application.
Dionex IonPac Concentrator Columns are designed for use with specific eluent systems.
Use only concentrator columns designed for the eluent system you are using.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!

3–Operation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 14 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
3. Operation
3.1 General Operating Conditions
The following conditions should be used as a starting point towards method development.
Injection Volume: 2.5 µL (QAR)
100 µL (EPA Method 557)
Column: Dionex IonPac AG31 2-mm Guard Column + Dionex IonPac
AS31 2-mm Analytical Column
Eluent: 24 mM KOH
Eluent Source: Dionex EGC 500 KOH cartridge with Dionex CR-ATC 500
(Dionex ICS-5000+) or Dionex CR-ATC 600 (Dionex ICS-6000)
Eluent Flow Rate: 0.30 mL/min
Temperature: 15 ºC
Suppressor: Dionex ADRS 600 Anion Dynamically Regenerated Suppressor,
AutoSuppression, External Water Mode
Expected Background
Conductivity: < 1 µS
Long-term Storage Solution (> 1 week): 100 mM sodium bicarbonate
Short-term Storage Solution (< 1 week): Eluent
For assistance, visit Unity Lab Services online at www.unitylabservices.com.
From the U.S., call the Customer Care Center for Dionex Products at 1-800-346-6390.
Outside the U.S., call the nearest Thermo Fisher Scientific office.
NOTE
!

3–Operation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 15 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
3.2 General Operational Precautions
The following precautions should always be adhered to when using Dionex IonPac columns.
•Samples and manually prepared eluents should always be filtered and degassed to protect
the system and column from particulates and ensure a stable background.
•Eluents and samples used should be used within the allowable limits for the column.
•Do not exceed the operational pressure of the system.
•Take care not to exceed the maximum operational flow rate and pressure of the column.
If the pressure approached the maximum allowed pressure, reduce the operational flow
rate.
Table 2 Operational Limits for the Dionex IonPac AS31 Column
Eluent pH
Between 0 and 14
Sample pH
Between 0 and 14
Maximum Flow Rate for 2 mm columns
0.40 mL/min
Maximum Operating Pressure
5,000 psi (34.47MPa)
3.3 Quality Assurance Reports
Each column is qualified to ensure it meets specifications. Example copies of these Quality
Assurance Reports (QARs) can be found in Section 7. The QAR supplied with the column should
be used as a guide to ensure system performance.
3.4 Chemical Requirements and Solvent Compatibility
Chemical purity can influence separation performance. Only chemicals of the highest purity
should be used. Refer to Section 6.4, Chemical Purity Requirements for more details.
Some solvents may be used for cleaning or eluent modification.
Adding solvent to the aqueous eluent can reduce the peak response by up to half due to
increased eluent viscosity, decreased ionization of organic acids, and lower peak
efficiencies. Therefore, only use solvent in the eluent when needed for improved resolution
of analytes of interest.
Table 3 Typical HPLC Solvents for Cleaning and Use with Dionex IonPac Columns
Solvent
Maximum Operating Concentration
Acetonitrile
100%
Methanol
100%
2-Propanol
100%
Tetrahydrofuran
20%*
*Higher concentrations may only be used for limited duration applications such as column clean-
up at pressures < 4000 psi.
NOTE
!

3–Operation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 16 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
The Dionex ADRS 600 must be operated in the AutoSuppression External Water Mode
when using eluents containing organic solvents. Refer to the Suppressor Product Manual
(Document No. 031956) for operation limitations in the electrolytic mode (power on).
3.5 Eluent Preparation
A Dionex Eluent Generator (EG) is recommended for use with Dionex IonPac columns.
When preparing eluents manually, ensure all chemicals and water are of the highest purity.
3.5.1 Manually Prepared Eluents
Eluents should be stored in plastic bottles under a helium atmosphere to ensure contamination
free operation and proper pump performance (nitrogen can be used if eluents do not contain
solvents). Contamination from carbon dioxide when basic eluents are exposed to the air can cause
performance variability such as retention time shifts.
3.5.2 Making Eluents that Contain Solvents
Mixing solvents with water should be done on a volume to volume basis. For example, if a
procedure requires an eluent of 40% acetonitrile, prepare the eluent by adding 400 mL of
acetonitrile to an eluent reservoir. Then add 600 mL of deionized water or eluent concentrate to
the acetonitrile in the reservoir. Using this procedure to mix solvents with water will ensure that
a consistent true volume/volume eluent is obtained. Premixing water with solvent will minimize
the possibility of outgassing.
When purging or degassing eluents containing solvents, do not purge or degas the eluent
excessively since it is possible that a volatile solvent will evaporate or be “boiled” off from
the solution under reduced pressure.
Always degas and store all eluents in plastic eluent bottles pressurized with helium. Only
helium can be used to purge and degas ionic eluents containing solvents, since nitrogen is
soluble in solvent containing eluents.
Acetonitrile (ACN) hydrolyzes to ammonia and acetate when exposed to basic solutions.
To prevent eluent contamination from acetonitrile hydrolysis, always add acetonitrile to
basic aqueous eluents by proportioning the acetonitrile into the basic eluent with the
gradient pump. Keep the acetonitrile in a separate eluent bottle containing only acetonitrile
and water.
Never add the acetonitrile directly to the basic carbonate or hydroxide eluent solutions.
CAUTION
!
NOTE
!
NOTE
!
NOTE
!
SAFETY
!

3–Operation
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 17 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
3.6 Regenerant Preparation for the Thermo Scientific Dionex Chemically
Regenerated Suppressor (Dionex CRS 500)
The Dionex Chemically Regenerated Suppressor requires the use of a regenerant solution. Refer
to the product manual (Document No. 031727) for operating instructions.
3.7 Recommendations for Method Development
The Dionex IonPac AS31 is designed for the determination of haloacetic acids in less than 35
minutes using a hydroxide gradient eluent delivered by a Dionex Eluent Generator. In any type
of gradient elution system, it is important to use eluents that produce a minimum shift in baseline
conductivity during the run as well as a fast equilibration time from one run to the next. Potassium
hydroxide is converted to water in the suppressor, making it the preferred source of eluent. As
long as the capacity of the suppressor is not exceeded, the eluent hydroxide concentration has
little effect on background conductivity. For example, a gradient run could begin at 17 mM KOH
and end at 85 mM KOH, with a resulting total baseline change of 1 to 2 µS.
Ensure that adequate equilibration time is allowed between runs. If a downward shift in the
baseline is observed during the isocratic section of the chromatogram, increase the equilibration
time.
You can increase the sensitivity of your system by using sample concentration techniques (see
Section 2.7, “Sample Concentrators”).
Carbon dioxide readily dissolves in dilute basic solutions, forming carbonate. Carbonate
contamination of eluents can affect the retention times of the anions being analyzed.
Eluents should be maintained under an inert helium atmosphere to avoid carbonate
contamination.
CAUTION
!

4–Example Applications
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 18 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
4. Example Applications
4.1 Recommendations for Optimum System Performance
The chromatograms in this section were obtained using columns that reproduced section 4.2 (Isocratic Elution With
and Without a Guard Column) on optimized Ion Chromatographs. Different systems will differ slightly in performance
due to slight differences in column sets, system void volumes, liquid sweep-out times of different components, and
laboratory temperatures.
The Dionex IonPac AS31 is designed for the determination of haloacetic acids using a hydroxide gradient eluent
delivered by an Eluent Generator. In any type of gradient elution system, it is important to use eluents that produce a
minimum shift in baseline conductivity during the run as well as a fast equilibration time from one run to the next. The
best choice for an eluent is potassium hydroxide as it is converted to water in the suppressor. As long as the capacity
of the suppressor is not exceeded, the eluent hydroxide concentration has little effect on background conductivity. For
example, a gradient run can begin at 17 mM KOH and end at 85 mM KOH, with a resulting total baseline change of 1
to 2 µS.
Ensure that adequate equilibration time is allowed between runs. If a downward shift in the baseline is observed during
the isocratic section of the chromatogram, increase the equilibration time.
You can increase the sensitivity of your system by using sample concentration techniques. However, none have been
used for the test chromatograms.
Carbon dioxide readily dissolves in dilute basic solutions forming carbonate. Carbonate contamination of eluents can
affect the retention times of the anions being analyzed. Eluents should be maintained under an inert helium atmosphere
to avoid carbonate contamination.

4–Example Applications
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 19 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
4.2 Isocratic Elution With and Without a Guard Column
Isocratic elution of inorganic anions on the Dionex IonPac AS31 column has been optimized utilizing a hydroxide
eluent. By using this eluent, common inorganic anions can be used to test the performance (QAR) of the Dionex IonPac
AS31 column. The Dionex IonPac AS31 analytical column should always be used with the Dionex IonPac AG31 guard
column. An operating temperature of 15 °C is used to ensure reproducible resolution and retention. Note that the Dionex
IonPac AG31 guard column is packed with a microporous resin of proportionally lower capacity and contributes
approximately 1.5% increase in retention time when placed in-line prior to the analytical column under isocratic test
conditions.
Figure 1 Dionex IonPac AS31 With and Without Dionex IonPac AG31 Guard Column
Column: See Chromatogram
Eluent: 24 mM KOH
Eluent Source: Dionex EGC 500 KOH cartridge
Flow Rate: 0.30 mL/min
Inj. Volume: 2.5 µL
Temperature: 15˚C
Detection: SuppressedConductivity,
Dionex ADRS 600 (2 mm)
AutoSuppression,recyclemode
Peaks (Standard): mg/L
1. Fluoride 5.0
2. Sulfate 10.0
3. Chloride 10.0
4. Bromide 20.0
5. Thiosulfate 20.0
6. Nitrate 20.0
Dionex IonPac AS31
Dionex IonPac AG31 + AS31
0 510 15 20 25 30
-1
10
1
2 3
4 5 6
Minutes
µS
-1
10
1
2 3
4 5 6
µS

4–Example Applications
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 20 of 45
155007-01 For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
4.3 Effect of Temperature on the Dionex IonPac AS31 Selectivity
The following chromatograms demonstrate the effect of temperature on the Dionex IonPac AS31 selectivity. Notice
there is a greater effect on the divalent anions (sulfate and thiosulfate) relative to monovalent anions (fluoride, chloride,
bromide, and nitrate) when temperature is changed from 15ºC to 30ºC.
Figure 2 Effect of Temperature on Dionex IonPac AS31 Selectivity
Column: Dionex IonPac AG31/AS31,2mm
Eluent: 24 mM KOH
Eluent Source: Dionex EGC 500 KOH cartridge
Flow Rate: 0.30 mL/min
Inj. Volume: 2.5 µL
Temperature: See Chromatogram
Detection: SuppressedConductivity,
Dionex ADRS 600 (2 mm)
AutoSuppression,recyclemode
Peaks (Standard): mg/L
1. Fluoride 5.0
2. Sulfate 10.0
3. Chloride 10.0
4. Bromide 20.0
5. Thiosulfate 20.0
6. Nitrate 20.0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
-1
10
1
3
2
4 5
Minutes
µS
-1
10
1
2
3
4 5 6
µS
15˚C
30˚C
6