-
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:13 pm
I am currently a junior studying for a B.A. in chemistry and am currently progressing through my CHM 410 Instrumental Analysis course. The laboratory component of this course involves taking on a course-long project of some instrumental sort and my particular project involves the title of this post. The Shimadzu that was entrusted to my care was donated to my school an unknown number of years ago and the condition in which it was left or degree to which it was used by its previous owner is lost knowledge. After obtaining all necessary instruction manuals and powering the instrument up, I noticed a severe leak under the pump and replaced according to intstructions. Presently, the instrument is up and running right next to me and sounds great. I have a couple questions about this instrument and the general method of Ion Chromatography.
The instrument came with an Alltech Suppressor Module and as I found out a few minutes ago, all electrical components which may have come with it...are gone. Naught remains but the two ion exchange columns on the front face. Question #1: Are these columns made in such a way that they won't go bad if left untouched for years? Instructions for the unit indicate that they are good when gold colored and turn magenta when spoiled. They are currently gold.
Question #2 I intend to perform research on the Bonneville Salt Flats...salt composition and wanted to use this instrument to determine the composition of various Na/Mg...salts which may comprise this geographic wonder. Reading the Suppressor Module instructions, it seems that the ion exchange columns will remove many of the ions I'm looking for; i.e. Na2SO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3 and NaCl. Is it possible to use this instrument to isolate and quantitate these ions???
Your help and time is greatly appreciated!
JD
