Metrohm 861 Advanced Compact IC - Manual (Page 76)

4 Notes - Maintenance - Faults
861 Advanced Compact IC / Instructions for Use 8.861.1033
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4 Notes - Maintenance
- Faults
4.1 Practical notes on ion chromatography
4.1.1 Separating columns
Separation efficiency
The attainable quality of analyses with the 861 Advanced Compact IC
depends to a large extent on the separation efficiency of the column
used. When purchasing an IC column you should ensure that the sepa-
ration efficiency suffices for the analysis problems at hand. Ascertain
the characteristic data of the IC column on the standard chroma-
togram enclosed with the column such as capacity factors, selectivity,
plate number and resolution and check these data with your own meas-
urements. If any difficulties arise, you should always first check the
quality of the column by recording a standard chromatogram.
Detailed information about the separating columns available from Me-
trohm can be found in the data sheet accompanying your separating
column, in the Metrohm IC Column Catalog, which is available from
your local Metrohm agency, or on the Internet under http://www.met-
rohm.com in the ion chromatography product sector. Information about
special IC applications can be found in the relevant "Application Bul-
letins" or "Application Notes"; these are available on the Internet un-
der http://www.metrohm.com in the applications sector, or can be re-
quested free of charge from your local Metrohm agency.
Protection
To protect the column against foreign particles which could have an
adverse influence on the separation efficiency, we advise you to subject
both the eluents and all samples to microfiltration (0.45 µ m filter) and
to siphon the eluent through the 6.2821.090 Aspirating Filter.
To avoid contamination by abrasive particles arising from piston seals
of the IC Pump, it is advantageous to install an in-line filter between
the pump and the injection valve. In the 861 Advanced Compact IC a
6.2821.120 Filter unit PEEK is already mounted for this purpose (see
Section 2.3.6).
The use of readily interchangeable precolumns serves to protect the
actual separating columns and increase their service life appreciably.
The precolumn that is suitable for your separating column can be found
in the Metrohm IC Column Catalog which is available from your local
Metrohm agency, the data sheet accompanying your separating co-
lumn, the product information about separating columns that can be
found under http://www.metrohm.com , ion chromatography products,
or let your agency advise you directly.