The Dionex ICS-3000 is a highly versatile, modular Ion Chromatography (IC) system engineered for high-performance analytical and capillary scale separations. Highly regarded for its reliability and configuration flexibility, the ICS-3000 offers options for dual or single pump setups, electrolytic eluent generation, advanced thermal control, and a suite of sensitive detection options including conductivity, electrochemical, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. It is fully integrated with Chromeleon software to deliver robust and compliant analytical workflows for research and industrial laboratories.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesUSB (internal and external hub connections)
DisplayModule-front LED status indicators
Leak Detection MethodOptical sensor

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, auto-sensing
Operating Temperature4 to 40 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)Single-width module: 224 x 421 x 564 mm; Double-width module (DC): 447 x 421 x 564 mm
Weight18.1 kg (SP) / 22.7 kg (DP) / 19.1 kg (EG) / 36.3 - 40.8 kg (DC) (module-dependent)

System Configuration & Pump Specifications

ParameterValue
Pump ConfigurationSingle (SP) or Dual (DP) serial dual-piston analytical pump
Flow Rate Range0.001 to 10.000 mL/min
Flow Rate Accuracy< 0.1%
Flow Rate Precision< 0.1% RSD
Maximum Operating Pressure35 MPa (5000 psi)
Pressure Ripple< 1.0% (at 1.0 mL/min)
Flow Rate Resolution0.001 mL/min
Wetted MaterialsChemically inert PEEK, Tefzel, Teflon, ceramic, and sapphire (completely metal-free flow path)
pH Range Compatibility0 to 14
Vacuum Degasser Channels2 channels (SP) or 4 channels (DP)
Vacuum Degasser ControlAutomatic, microprocessor-controlled
Piston Seal Wash SupportAutomated, active wash system
Delay Volume< 400 µL (without EG), < 1.0 mL (with EG)

Eluent Generation & Conditioning

ParameterValue
Eluent Generator TypeElectrolytic Eluent Generation (EG module)
Eluent Concentration Range0.1 to 100 mM (KOH, NaOH, LiOH); 0.1 to 80 mM (Methanesulfonic Acid)
Concentration Increments0.01 mM
Maximum Flow Rate for Eluent Generation3.0 mL/min
Maximum Pressure for Eluent Generation21 MPa (3000 psi)
Eluent Cartridge Capacity0.75 equivalents
Carbonate/Bicarbonate Generator SupportYes (using EGC Carbonate cartridge and Carbonate Mixer)
Continuously Regenerating Trap Column (CR-TC) SupportYes (CR-CTC or CR-ATC)

Injection & Autosampler Specifications

ParameterValue
Injection Valve Type2-position, 6-port Rheodyne valve, electrically actuated
Autosampler CompatibilityDionex AS Autosampler
Autosampler CapacityUp to 120 vials (1.5 mL) or 81 vials (10 mL)
Injection Volume Reproducibility< 1.0% RSD (using full loop injection)
Sample Carryover Percentage< 0.01%

Column Temperature Control

ParameterValue
Column Oven Temperature Range10 to 70 °C (upper zone/column chamber)
Column Oven Temperature Stability±0.1 °C
Column Oven Temperature Accuracy±0.5 °C
Detector Compartment Temperature Range10 to 40 °C (lower zone)
Column CapacityUp to 4 columns (up to 250 mm length each)
Pre-column Eluent Heater SupportYes (integrated in DC module)

Suppression Technology

ParameterValue
Suppressor Type SupportElectrolytic or Chemical suppression
Electrolytic Suppressor CompatibilityDionex SRS, AES, and CES suppressors
Chemical Suppressor CompatibilityDionex MMS suppressors
Suppressor Regeneration ModesRecycle, External Water, or Chemical Regenerant
Maximum Electrolytic Suppression Current500 mA (for 4 mm suppressors)

Conductivity Detector Performance

ParameterValue
Conductivity Detector TypeMicroprocessor-controlled digital signal processor (CD)
Conductivity Measurement Range0 to 15,000 µS
Electronic Resolution0.0023 nS
Electronic Noise< 0.1 nS
Drift< 2 nS/°C
Cell Volume1.0 µL
Cell Temperature Control Range5 °C above ambient to 55 °C
Cell Temperature Stability< 0.01 °C
Maximum Operating Pressure of Cell10 MPa (1450 psi)
Temperature Coefficient Range0.0% to 10.0% per °C (user adjustable)

Alternative & Auxiliary Detectors

ParameterValue
Electrochemical Detector CompatibilityYes (ED module)
Electrochemical Detector ModesDC Amperometry, Pulsed Amperometry (PAD), Integrated Pulsed Amperometry (IPAD)
ED Potential Range-2.0 to +2.0 V in 1 mV steps
UV-Vis Detector CompatibilityYes (VWD or PDA modules)
Mass Spectrometer (MS) Coupling SupportYes (MSQ Plus or other MS interfaces)

Software & Digital Communication

ParameterValue
Control Software CompatibilityChromeleon Chromatography Management System
Communication InterfaceUSB
GLP/GMP Compliance SupportFull audit trails, electronic signatures, and system wellness monitoring

Physical & Environmental Specifications

ParameterValue
Single-Width Module WeightDP: 24 kg (53 lbs); SP: 19 kg (42 lbs); EG: 19 kg (42 lbs)
Double-Width Module WeightDC: 39 kg (86 lbs)
Operating Humidity Range5% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Regulatory ComplianceCE, TUV, UL, RoHS

Power

ParameterValue
DP/SP Module Power ConsumptionDP: 250 VA max; SP: 150 VA max
EG Module Power Consumption150 VA max
DC Module Power Consumption500 VA max
AS Module Power Consumption150 VA max

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
DC Module TTL Inputs4
DC Module Relay Outputs4
DP/SP Module TTL Inputs2
DP/SP Module Relay Outputs2
EG Module TTL Inputs2
EG Module Relay Outputs2
AS Module TTL Inputs4
AS Module Relay Outputs4

Operating Requirements

ParameterValue
Gas Pressure Requirement34 - 55 kPa (5 - 8 psi) recommended for eluent reservoirs

Chromatography

ParameterValue
Auxiliary Valve OptionsUp to 2 optional 6-port or 10-port high-pressure valves (DC module)

Flow Path

ParameterValue
Degasser Membrane MaterialTeflon AF

Autosampler

ParameterValue
Autosampler Syringe Sizes100 µL, 250 µL, 500 µL, 1000 µL, 5000 µL
Autosampler Injection Volume Range0.1 to 1000 µL (standard) / up to 5000 µL (with 5.0 mL syringe and loop)

Eluent Generator

ParameterValue
Eluent Generator Cartridge CompatibilityEluGen EGC KOH, EGC NaOH, EGC LiOH, EGC MSA, EGC K2CO3

Electrochemical Detector

ParameterValue
Electrochemical Detector Working ElectrodesGold, Platinum, Silver, Glassy Carbon
Electrochemical Detector Reference ElectrodesAg/AgCl, pH-Ag/AgCl, Palladium (Pd)

Technology

Ion Chromatography

Applications

Chemical and biological analysis of ionic species and polar compounds