Abstract:
In an ion chromatographic method, a sample is passed through a separation column (158) and the effluent passed to a suppressor (162) and subsequently to a conductivity cell (168) for analysis. To regenerate the suppressor, deionized water is passed from a tank (176) through the suppressor (162) while a power supply (164) electrolyzes the deionized water to form ions which regenerate the suppressor (162).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus using suppression of eluents for the analysis of anions or cations in ion chromatography. The invention relates to the intermittent use of the electric field during electrochemical suppression to minimize background noise during detection of the ionic species caused by the application of an electric field using an electrolytic membrane suppressor. Using this intermittent electrochemical suppression system allows the detection of the analyte in the absence of the electric field. The system finds particular benefit in reducing background noise created during electrochemical suppression, and in reducing the baseline interference when analyzing organic solvent-containing samples.