Ion chromatographs

Metrohm IC instruments can be used for environmental, pharmaceutical, as well as water and wastewater analysis, in the food and beverage, chemical, and energy production industry as well as in research and academia.

The separation columns cover the most common separation mechanisms, i.e., ion exchange, ion exclusion, and ion pair formation, and disciplines in ion chromatography. The application field includes:

• anions and cations with or without suppression
• transition metals
• carbohydrates
• organic acids
• amines
• amino acids

We share over 1,700 downloadable application documents in the Application Finder. You can find more information in our blog, webinars, or in the Product Help Center.

Local experts can also be contacted for troubleshooting and to solve complex analytical problems either on-site or at one of their global application laboratories.

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Yes, ion chromatography has become widely accepted by the pharma industry and regulatory bodies for an expanded range of applications, such as water quality and chemical analysis. In recent years, IC has qualified to analyze pharmaceuticals.

The United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF), the driving standardization body for (bio)pharmaceutical products, increased IC's potential during their modernization approaches, establishing it as an appropriate and valid technique in their compendial General Chapters (e.g., USP General Chapter <1065> Ion Chromatography), assays, and impurity tests.

Blog: Ion chromatography for the pharmaceutical industry

Blog: Applying USP validated methods for separation column equivalency

White Paper: When HPLC fails: IC in food, water, and pharmaceutical analysis

Flyer: Bring your USP methods up to date (8.000.5436, PDF, 900 KB)

It depends on the instrument. For example, the 940 Professional IC Vario systems from Metrohm are upgradable at any time. These systems are designed with a modular and highly flexible architecture, which allows users to adapt them to evolving analytical requirements. Add as needed, for instance:

• Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation (MISP) techniques
• extension modules
• automation modules
• additional pumps
• advanced detection methods

Such modularity ensures that the system remains future-proof and can be upgraded to meet future demands.

Brochure: 940 Professional IC Vario and 942 Extension Module Vario (8.940.5003, PDF, 2.3 MB)

Yes, Metrohm IC systems can be used for applications compliant with EPA 300.0, EPA 300.1 parts A and B, or ISO 14911.

With the 930 Compact IC Flex, equipped with the 948 Continuous IC Module for automatic hydroxide eluent generation, an MiPT (Metrohm intelligent Partial Loop Injection Technique) setup for single-standard calibration, and the high-capacity Metrosep A Supp 21 column, Metrohm provides a reliable and economic setup to analyze water samples according to EPA Method 300.0 as well as EPA 300.1 Parts A and B in a single IC run.

Application Note: Drinking water quality by EPA 300.1

White Paper: Determination of anions in tap water in accordance with US EPA Method 300

Utilizing a Metrosep C 4 – 150/4.0 or a Metrosep C6 – 150/4.0 column in conjunction with a 940 Professional IC Vario allows for compliance with the requirements specified in ISO 14911. Furthermore, incorporating an 858 Professional Sample Processor and Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation options can enhance the speed of analysis while reducing manual workload.

Application Note: Cations in drinking water using Metrosep C 4 - 150/4.0 column according to ISO 14911

The ideal solution for high-throughput labs is a reliable, accurate IC system consisting of the following components:

• high-throughput autosampler (889 IC Sample Center or an 858 Professional Sample Processor)
• automatic eluent production (e.g., 941 Eluent Production Module or 948 Continuous IC Module, CEP)
• automated and integrated sample preparation (e.g., Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation)
• robust, high-capacity columns

Blog: Save time and money with Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation solutions

Blog: Boost your environmental analysis with Metrohm automated ion chromatography

Yes, for Metrohm IC instruments, eluent generation can be automated.

The 948 Continuous IC Module, CEP is the automated solution for the production of hydroxide eluents. With a direct connection to a water purification system (e.g., ELGA® PURELAB® flex 5/6), the IC can be operated unattended 24/7.

The 941 Eluent Production Module enables the production of eluents of any composition and concentration such as salts or diluted acids. Thanks to Inline Dilution and the patented Dosino technology, up to four eluents can be produced in parallel with just one module. Combined with a direct connection to a water purification system (e.g., ELGA® PURELAB® flex 3+), the IC can be operated unattended 24/7.

Webinar: Automatic hydroxide eluent preparation: Overcoming inefficiencies in anion analysis

Eluents are mixed using two or more high-pressure pumps. The Metrohm high-pressure gradient (HPG) system (e.g., 940 Professional IC Vario TWO/SeS/PP with IC Conductivity Detector and a 942 Extension Module Vario HPG for 3 eluents) uses three high-pressure pumps to mix eluents under pressure, allowing for various gradient profiles such as linear, stepwise, concave, and convex.

This system is particularly suitable for complex separations, including anions, cations, sugars, amino acids, and other polar substances.

Application Note: Biogenic amines besides other cations in red wine applying a high-pressure gradient

Application Note: Quality labels for novel foods

A Dose-in gradient is highly flexible and can be retrofitted to any Metrohm IC system (e.g., the combination of 940 Professional IC Vario and 800 Dosino for Dose-in Gradients).

It works in the low-pressure range using a high-pressure pump and a 6-port adapter to dose up to five eluents. This system supports both linear and stepwise gradients and is compatible with organic solvents. It is easy to install and operate, making it a practical choice for laboratories requiring adaptable and straightforward gradient capabilities.

Application Note: Metrohm IC Driver for OpenLab CDS: Anions with Dose-in Gradient and Dosino Regeneration

Application Note: Determination of sugars and sugar alcohols using pulsed amperometric detection and Dose-in Gradient

The hydroxide gradient by eluent generation creates hydroxide eluents electrochemically from a concentrated stock solution. This is done with the help of the eluent generator (948 Continuous IC Module, CEP) together with a supply of  ultrapure water, e.g., by a water purification system. The eluent and gradient generation process happens on-demand and inline, and the generated eluent is then delivered by a high-pressure pump. It has a higher precision and less noise than a high-pressure gradient.

Application Note: Water quality testing with EPA 300.1

Application Note: Trace haloacetic acids, dalapon, and bromate measurement in drinking water

The replacement as well as service intervals highly depend on the samples that are measured. Usually, regular maintenance can help to improve the lifetime of the suppressor and the column.

Further tips:

• Use of a pre-column – it protects the column and can be exchanged regularly, while the analytical column can sill be used.
• Use automated and integrated sample preparation, such as Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation techniques, to protect the whole system and increase its lifetime.

Learn more about the maintenance intervals for IC instruments

Yes, filtering samples for ion chromatography (IC) is generally recommended and often necessary.

Why do IC samples need to be filtered?

• Protecting the column and system: IC columns are sensitive and expensive. Particulates in unfiltered samples can clog the column or damage the resin, leading to poor performance and costly replacements.
• Preventing flow path blockages: Particulates can obstruct tubing, valves, and injectors, causing pressure spikes, inconsistent flow, or system failures.
• Improving detection quality: Suspended solids may interfere with detection or cause baseline noise, affecting quantification accuracy.
• Ensuring consistent pressure and flow: A clean sample helps maintain stable system conditions, which is critical for reproducible results.

The modular system is upgradable. In case you need cation suppression, an extension module can be added to the system. The 942 Extension Module Vario SeS/PP is an extension module for the Professional IC Vario line of instruments. It allows the integration of a complete sequential suppression with a peristaltic pump for suppressor regeneration.

Typical applications include:

• Sequential suppression for an additional analysis channel

Application Note: Metrohm IC Driver for OpenLab CDS – OpenLab controlled dual channel cation and anion analysis with automated Inline Eluent Production

Application Note: Metrohm IC Driver for OpenLab CDS: Anion and cation analysis in a soft drink

Application Note: Parallel anion (and cation) analysis applying the Metrohm IC Driver 2.0 for Empower

Application Note: Tap water analysis for anions using Metrohm intelligent Partial Loop Technique (MiPT)

Metrohm IC systems are controlled with our proprietary ion chromatography software MagIC Net. MagIC Net is a simple and intuitive software that controls the components of the intelligent Metrohm ion chromatography systems as well as their peripheral devices for Liquid Handling and automation. MagIC Net meets all FDA and GLP requirements.

In addition, Metrohm IC systems can be fully controlled by OpenLab CDS from Agilent and Empower^TM from Waters^TM. They enable hyphenation of Metrohm IC with single quadrupole mass spectrometers and their operation in a single software. For hyphenation with ICP-MS, Metrohm developed a solution for single-software use of Metrohm IC and Agilent ICP-MS in ICP-MS MassHunter.

Brochure: MagIC Net 4 (8.102.5010, PDF, 1.4 MB)

Brochure: IC Driver for Agilent OpenLab CDS (8.102.5007, PDF, 1 MB)

Brochure: Metrohm meets Empower 3 (8.102.5004, PDF, 213 KB)

Brochure: IC Driver for ICP-MS MassHunter Software (8.000.5496, PDF, 1.25 MB)

Yes, you can use OpenLab CDS to control ion chromatographs from Metrohm. Supported Metrohm IC instruments include:

• 940 Professional IC Vario
• 930 Compact IC flex
• 858 Professional Sample Processor
• 889 IC Sample Center
• Dosinos for a wide variety of Liquid Handling options
• Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation, such as Ultrafiltration or Metrohm intelligent Partial Loop Injection Technique
• detectors for conductivity detection (IC Conductivity Detector), amperometric detection (Amperometric Detector), and UV/VIS detection (947 Professional UV/VIS Detector Vario as single or multi-wavelengths detector)

Additionally, you can control and operate both Metrohm IC and Agilent single quadrupole MS instruments within one software environment (OpenLab CDS), enabling IC-MS hyphenation.

Yes, OpenLab CDS can handle data from both Metrohm IC and Agilent MS instruments together when they are integrated in a hyphenated setup (IC-MS).

Data handling in OpenLab CDS supports synchronized acquisition and processing of data from both instruments. You can view chromatograms and mass spectra in a single interface, perform peak identification and quantification using both IC and MS data, and generate combined reports that include results from both systems.

The integration streamlines workflows for trace analysis, speciation, and complex matrix investigations. It eliminates the need to manually merge data from separate software platforms.

Requirements: You need the Metrohm IC Driver for OpenLab CDS and a compatible version of OpenLab CDS (2.3–2.8) including an Agilent license for non-Agilent Instrument Connection (for CDS 2.4+).

Yes, when Metrohm IC instruments are integrated into OpenLab CDS using the Metrohm IC Driver, the audit trail functionality remains fully supported.

• All actions involving Metrohm IC instruments (e.g., method changes, data acquisition) are logged in OpenLab’s audit trail.
• The integration does not interfere with audit trail integrity or regulatory compliance.

Requirements: A non-Agilent Instrument Connection license is required for OpenLab CDS 2.4+.

Brochure: IC Driver for Agilent OpenLab CDS – A perfect combination: Metrohm Ion Chromatography and OpenLab CDS Software (8.102.5007, PDF, 2.2 MB)

Yes, the MagIC Net software is audit-trail capable.

MagIC Net:

• automatically records all user activities, including the user name, client name, action performed, date, time, and time zone difference (UTC).
• tracks changes to data, including modifications to methods and results, with version control and mandatory comments for edits.

When 21 CFR Part 11 is activated in MagIC Net, all previous versions of the modified data are stored in the database.

MagIC Net supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, which includes audit trail requirements for electronic records and electronic signatures. This ensures traceability, accountability, and data integrity – key requirements for regulated environments like pharmaceutical or food testing labs.

Brochure: MagIC Net – Intelligent Software for Ion Chromatography (8.102.5010, PDF, 1.5 MB)

Webinar: Showcasing advanced functionalities of MagIC Net