Tools for simulation and optimization of separations in ion chromatography

Users of ion chromatography (IC) are faced with lengthy method development times because of the relatively slow equilibration of IC columns to each new eluent. Method development becomes even more demanding when multistep elution profiles (containing sequential isocratic and gradient steps) are used. Given that modern IC instruments are designed to generate these multistep elution profiles, computer-based methods to simulate separations for a wide range of analytes, columns, and eluents are highly desirable. The tools available for computer-assisted method development are discussed here.