Improved Resolution
The Cetac AN series of IC columns represent a significant advance in the analysis of inorganic anions. AN1 and AN300 columns show classical selectivity for anions, with important improvements. The unique properties of these resins allow resolution of fluoride and other early eluting anions away from the water dip, without extending the retention of late eluting species like sulfate. This provides a means of determination of fluoride and other early-eluting anions with a degree of reliability previously unavailable. The latest addition to the Cetac AN series, the ANSC column, is organic-solvent compatible, allowing greater flexibility in selection of eluents and in sample preparation. All Cetac AN columns have direct, plug-in compatibility with Dionex, Waters, and Wescan IC systems.

Cetac AN300 for EPA 300.0
The AN300 provides rapid separations and is well suited for water analysis as per EPA method 300.0, where the common anions are baseline resolved in under 8 minutes. The AN300 resolves early eluting anions, including formate and acetate, away from fluoride and chloride, allowing greater accuracy in quantitation of these ions. The “real world” significance of this improvement is really quite dramatic. 

Cetac AN1 for High Capacity
The AN1 column is a high efficiency column with very high capacity. For example, sulfate is retained almost 16 minutes using standard eluent conditions. Compared to the AN300 or Dionex AS4A, the AN1 column provides enhanced resolution, and is well suited for trace analysis of one ion species in the presence of high concentrations of adjacent-eluting species. On other IC columns, large peaks can “swamp out” adjacent peaks. The increased capacity and retention of the AN1 provides “more room” in the chromatogram for large peaks, allowing greater resolution and more accurate quantitation of all peaks. If resolution is more important than speed for a particular analysis, the AN1 column is highly recommended.

Cetac ANSC for Solvent Compatibility
The Cetac ANSC column contains a specially formulated resin which provides outstanding solvent compatibility. Standard IC columns have limited resistance to organic components in either samples or eluents. The ANSC column is useful where either samples are present in organic-rich media or where an organic eluent modifier is required to achieve a separation. ANSC columns can be used with common solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile in concentrations up to 100%.

Unique AN Resins
The AN series of IC columns takes advantage of recent advances in polymer and ligand technology. The packing used in AN columns is based on a highly cross-linked, modified styrene divinylbenzene resin, formulated to optimize surface area, mass-transfer kinetics, flow rate, and durability. The resins are derivatized with alkyl-ethanol ammonium functionalities through a bonding process that makes these ligands highly resistant to hydrolysis. The chemical and structural durability of AN resins translates into extended column lifetimes.  Top of Page

New GUARD-DISC™ prolongs column life
To further extend column lifetime, all AN columns are now shipped with an integral GUARD-DISC™. The patented Cetac GUARD-DISC™ is a device which essentially makes the top 1mm of the column bed completely replaceable. Contamination of the very top of the column is a common cause of column failure. GUARD-DISCs contain the same packing material used in the AN separator column encapsulated in a membrane surrounded by a polymeric ring. The GUARD-DISC™ sits above the column frit, and can be replaced without disturbing the surface of the column bed. Unlike guard columns, the GUARD-DISC™ can be visually inspected for discoloration and contamination. GUARD-DISCs are typically used in combination with AN guards as an extra layer of column protection. Cetac AN columns are the only IC columns available with the unique GUARD-DISC.

Use Suppressed or Non-Suppressed Detection Methods
Cetac AN columns are designed for use with Dionex or Waters SPR-H™ suppressed conductivity detection systems. Standard eluents are carbonate/bicarbonate or hydroxide based.

The AN series can also be used with non-suppressed conductivity detection using borate or PHBA based eluents. The Cetac AN2 column is specially formulated for use with non-suppressed detection and salicylic (Tris) eluents.

GUARD Cartridges & Columns
Guard columns act to trap organic and ionic contaminants and greatly extend IC column lifetime. AN guards are placed in-line between the injector and the analytical separator column. Both “cartridge” style and “standard” style guard columns are available. AN guard columns contain a very high surface area, high capacity material designed specifically to trap contaminants, making these guard columns much more effective than competitive models. Importantly, these products are compatible with all ion chromatographs, and use of AN guard columns on a competitors IC system, such as Dionex, will not void that systems warranty. The AN guard systems are also compatible with Dionex AS4A™ columns.

The cartridge guard system is comprised of a reusable 100% PEEK guard cartridge holder and replaceable guard cartridges, as shown in the figure at right. AN guard cartridges are composed of 100% PEEK tubing and PEEK frits. The entire system is readily installed in minutes without requiring any special tools. Cartridges are a fraction of the cost of standard guard columns yet provide similar column protection. 

Standard guard columns look like short separator columns. A short length of 1/16” tubing is used to connect the guard systems to the separator column.