Second hand ICP and ICPMS

The core of the second-hand ICP and ICPMS liquid phase liquid quality system is the 2695 separation unit and its integrated solvent and sample management functions, ensuring consistent performance and high reproducibility between systems.

The second-hand ICP-OES and ICP-MS markets are "treasures" for mature laboratory users and start-up laboratories, but they are also full of "traps". For users with strong technical strength, budget sensitivity, and acceptable risk tolerance, second-hand ICP-OES is a low-risk and return option. For users who pursue top-level performance but lack budget, second-hand ICP-MS provides an attractive opportunity, but the selection process must be as rigorous as a "physical examination", thoroughly inspecting the core components.

Analysis of Second hand ICP-MS Selection

1. Advantages:

Get top-level performance at a lower cost: With the budget to purchase a new ICP-OES, you can buy an ICP-MS from a few years ago and achieve a leap in capability.

The "gold rush" under rapid technological iteration: models with collision/reaction pool (CRC) technology from a few years ago are still mainstream and functional.

2. Risk and Key Checkpoints (more stringent):

Vacuum system:

This is the core checkpoint. Check the operating hours of the turbo molecular pump and inquire whether it has undergone major repairs or replacements. Check the oil condition of the mechanical pump.

Conduct a vacuum leak test to observe whether the instrument can achieve and maintain ultra-high vacuum (usually better than 10 Torr) within a reasonable time.

Detector:

Electron multiplier (EM) is a lifespan component. Inquire about the total pulse count, which is equivalent to the "odometer" of the detector. The replacement cost of a detector approaching the end of its lifespan.

Interface cone (sampling cone, truncation cone):

Check the taper hole for wear, corrosion, or blockage. This directly affects sensitivity and stability.

Collision/Reaction Cell (CRC):

For models with CRC, it is necessary to test their ability to eliminate interference (such as using CeO+/Ce+to investigate the efficiency of helium collision mode).

Quality analyzer and calibration:

Perform quality axis calibration and resolution calibration to confirm that the stability and resolution of the quality axis meet the requirements.

Matrix tolerance and memory effects:

Run a high substrate sample (such as 1% NaCl), then run a blank and observe the cleaning speed and memory effect level.

Software, data, and regulatory compliance:

Like ICP-OES, software authorization and access permissions are crucial.

If used for compliance testing (such as EPA methods), it is necessary to confirm that the historical data of the instrument is complete and can be traced through auditing.

4、 General purchasing suggestions

Clarify requirements and budget: Firstly, determine whether ICP-OES or ICP-MS is needed based on detection limit, flux, and sample type. Then set a total budget that includes purchase, installation, one-year maintenance, and potential consumables replacement.

Choose reliable suppliers: Priority should be given to factory certified second-hand equipment, large independent second-hand instrument dealers, or agents with a good reputation. They usually provide refurbishment, warranty, and performance verification services.

Persist in on-site demonstrations and acceptance testing: never purchase untested second-hand ICP instruments. Require the seller to demonstrate performance according to the standards (such as USP, ASTM) or the SOP you provide, with key indicators including:

Stability: Continuously measure the RSD (relative standard deviation) of a standard solution (such as 10 ppb).

Detection limit (DL): Measure the standard deviation of blank solution and calculate the detection limit of elements.

Long term stability (especially important for ICP-MS): stability testing for 4 hours or longer.

Oxide/Double Charge Interference Level (ICP-MS): CeO+/Ce+<3%, Ba?? /Ba? < 3%。

Review instrument history: Understand the previous user unit, main types of analyzed samples (high substrate samples can accelerate instrument wear), annual usage hours, and maintenance records.

Consider follow-up support: confirm whether spare parts, consumables, and technical support can be obtained. Inquire about the engineer's response time and service contract fees.

The core of the system is the 2695 separation unit and its integrated solvent and sample management functions, ensuring consistent performance and high reproducibility between systems.

Solvent management

The solvent management system of this unit is designed to degas and mix the four chromatographic solvents in precise proportions without pulsation, ensuring stable solvent transport; It has the following characteristics:

The serial flow path with only two inlet valves reduces complexity and downtime due to malfunctions

Vacuum degassing adopts effective second-generation polymer membrane technology

Accurate low-pressure quaternary solvent mixing (first out), providing reproducible gradients throughout the entire flow rate range

No need to use pulse dampers, the independently driven plunger generates a non pulsating solvent flow

Fixed hysteresis volume (not changing with system backpressure) to obtain consistent and predictable chromatography

Programmable flow rate range covers two orders of magnitude (from 50 µ L/min to 5mL/min) without the need for hardware replacement

Routine maintenance of plungers, gaskets, and gasket cleaning devices can be performed without the need for tools

Automatic cleaning of plunger sealing gasket

Sample Management

Up to 120 industrial standard sample bottles can be placed on each of the five sample trays of 2695. Quick sample sequence setup - whether it's a single sample or a sample sequence from multiple methods by different analysts.

Reproducible injection volumes ranging from 1 to hundreds of microliters, compatible with LC chromatography columns of any analytical scale

The injection volume is variable, so there is no need to replace the quantitative ring to adapt to the analysis method

Cross contamination is managed through programmable needle washing cycles and effective needle washing solutions (no need to place needle washing solution injection bottles)

The height of the injection needle can be programmed to accommodate sample bottles of different sizes, while taking into account the thickness of the bottle bottom

The sampling rate of the syringe can be programmed to accommodate samples/solvents of different viscosities

Five independent sample trays allow users to prepare the next sequence of samples on another tray while running samples on one tray. New samples/sample trays can be added to the system without interfering with the running sample sequence

Sampling program compatible with automated reference peak addition or automated pre column derivative program

It is easy to remove the low-level needle washing port or replace the syringe without the need for tools, making it convenient for daily maintenance