Patent ID: 9664655
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: B01D,G01N

Claim:
1. A method of using an integrated suppressor and eluent generator apparatus for ion chromatography comprising a suppressor chamber comprising ion exchange material and including an inlet and an outlet, a first electrode chamber comprising a first electrode and including an inlet and an outlet, a second electrode chamber comprising a second electrode and including an inlet and an outlet, an eluent generator chamber comprising flow-through ion exchange material and including an inlet and an outlet, a first barrier preventing significant liquid flow, but permitting transport of ions of only one charge, positive or negative, disposed between said eluent generator chamber and said second electrode chamber, a second barrier preventing significant liquid flow, but permitting transport of ions of only one charge, positive or negative, disposed between said suppressor chamber and said eluent generator chamber, and a third barrier preventing significant liquid flow, but permitting transport of ions of only one charge, positive or negative, disposed between said first electrode chamber and said suppressor chamber, said method comprising (a) flowing an eluent stream comprising separated ionic species of one charge, positive or negative, through said suppression chamber to suppress said eluent, (b) recycling said suppressed eluent from said suppressor chamber, directly or indirectly, to said eluent generator chamber, (c) passing a current between said first and second electrodes through said suppressor chamber and said eluent generator chamber during suppression in step (a) for suppression and eluent generation, and (d) flowing an aqueous rinse solution through said first and second electrode chambers and between them.