Contactless Conductivity Systems

Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity (C4D)

C4D is a technique for detection of chemical species that cannot be detected with standard chromatography detectors, for example inorganic ions commonly found in water. eDAQ supplies several products for Capacitively-Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection (C4D) which can be used for:

  • Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)
  • Microchip Electrophoresis (MCE)
  • Ion Chromatography (IC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • Flow Injection Analysis (FIA)

How does C4D work?

C4D detects changes in the conductivity of the solution containing the analytes without getting in contact with the electrolyte. The technique offers several advantages:
  • Contactless – no fouling of electrodes
  • Small size – can be adapted to thin capillaries or microchips
  • Does not interfere with flow
  • Detects inorganic ions

Edaq Powerchrom System An excitation voltage from 10V to 200Vpp at a frequency from 50 to 1500KHz is applied to input electrodes. This signal couples capacitively to the detection electrodes through the solution under test. The amplitude of the detected signal will depend on the conductivity of the solution in the volume between the excitation and detection electrodes. Variations in solution conductance due to different analytes passing will result in variation of the detected current.
Edaq Powerchrom System

The detected signal is an AC signal with an amplitude depending on the sample conductivity, as well as on the buffer conductivity and the stray capacitance between the electrodes and between electrodes and ground.
The AC signal is demodulated in the signal processing electronics to a DC signal, which is recorded and analysed like any other chromatography detector signal.

Edaq Powerchrom System

As analyte ions pass into the detection region they cause small changes to the overall sample conductivity. Continous monitoring of the conductivity signal will show a series of peaks, the areas (or heights) of which are related to analyte concentration. The signal is processed like a conventional chromatogram.

The C4D electrodes do not make direct contact with the sample. Thus they are electrically isolated from the sample (ideal for electrophoresis detection), and electrode fouling is eliminated.

Since the the vast majority of analytes for CE are ionic, a C4D system functions as a 'universal' method of detection requiring minimal sample preparation. The technique can also be used in parallel with UV-visible absorbance or fluorescent detection. Sensitivity is typically similar to UV-visible absorption detection.

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  1. ER225 Contactless Conductivity Data System
    Contactless Conductivity Data System for Electrophoresis and Chromatography
    • Contactless conductivity detector and data recorder
    • Used with a range of electrophoresis and chromatography techniques
    • No programming required – just plug and play
    • Includes software for data collection and analysis
    • Connects to chip or capillary headstages
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  2. ER815 Contactless Conductivity Detector
    Contactless Conductivity Detector
    • For electrophoresis and chromatography techniques
    • Works with both eDAQ and third-party software
    • Wide settings range for optimum conductivity detection
    • Connects to chip or capillary headstages
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  3. ER825 8-Channel Contactless Conductivity Detector
    Multichannel Contactless Conductivity Detector
    • Multichannel Configurable Chemistry Workstation
    • One to eight input channels
    • Use with either third-party or eDAQ software
    • Measure pH, temperature or other detector signals
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  4. C4D Headstage for Capillary Electrophoresis
    C4D Headstage for Capillary Electrophoresis
    • Compatible with most capillary electrophoresis instruments
    • Use with silica or plastic capillary (350 to 385 μm OD)
    • Compatible with all eDAQ C4D units
    • Internal electrodes never require maintenance or cleaning
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  5. General Purpose C4D Monitor Headstage
    General Purpose C4D Monitor Headstage
    • General purpose conductivity monitor
    • Measures a wide range of conductivities
    • Made to fit tubing with 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) outer diameter
    • Compatible with all eDAQ C4D units
    • Internal electrodes never require maintenance or cleaning
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  6. IC/HPLC C4D Detector Headstage
    C4D Headstage for Ion Chromatography, HPLC
    • Conductivity detector for IC, HPLC and FIA
    • Conductivity range: 150 µS/cm to 15 mS/cm
    • Excellent peak resolution
    • Made to fit tubing with 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) outer diameter
    • Compatible with all eDAQ C4D units
    • Internal electrodes never require maintenance or cleaning
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