Is it possible to use One IC for EPA 300.1, 326 and 218.6?

[pincer]

We plan to purchase an IC for analysis nitrite, nitrate, chlorite, bromate and chromium(VI). After reading the EPA method 300.1, 326 and 218.6, I notice the IC configuration for each method is different. In this forum, is there anyone run these analysis in one IC? If so, what is your configuration for your IC? If not, is it possible to one IC to cover all these analysis? I would much appreciate any input/advice.

[crosemeyer]

You could certainly use a modular setup for all of these, but you will need two detectors, a conductivity detector and a UV/VIS. You'd probably just have to move a few lines around for each different analysis. 300.1 can actually run concurrently with 326. I use a Dionex HPLC system to run two different eluents to either run 314.0 or 218.6.

Hope this helps.

[Markus Laeubli, Metrohm]

You may use one single system. But you need to make sure that the system is thoroughly rinsed before starting the new method. Especially if you need to switch to eluents with different components this might take some time (independant from instrument brand).
Depending on you sample load for the different methods multiple instruments or a multichannel instrument might be worth tinking about.

[pincer]

Thanks Markus and crosemeyer. Actually, I notice the volume for sample loop and reaction coil for 326 and 218 is different and of course the columns for these 2 methods are different too. For crosemeyer, do you just manually switch the loop, coil and columns as you run different methods? Does software has problem to control the instrument?

Thanks a lot!

[crosemeyer]

Thanks Markus and crosemeyer. Actually, I notice the volume for sample loop and reaction coil for 326 and 218 is different and of course the columns for these 2 methods are different too. For crosemeyer, do you just manually switch the loop, coil and columns as you run different methods? Does software has problem to control the instrument?

Thanks a lot!

My instrument is set up like two systems in the oven, with one gradient pump. I switch the pump between the two multiport valves. Also, I should have mentioned what Markus said, that it is important to flush any of the first method's eluent from the system before attaching to the second column set.

[pincer]

Thanks crosemeyer. As I understand, you have 2 IC systems by sharing the autosampler, PCR unit and UV ditector , one channel for 300.1/326, the other for 218. Do you use a tertiary pump or binary pump? Do you put 2 coils in the PCR heater? How you solve the different volume of sample loop as 326' is 225 ul and 218.7 is 1000 ul?

Also one more question, do you buy ASTM type I water or make your own water?

Thanks a lot!