Thermo Fisher iCAP 6000 Used ICP-OES Spectrometer

Overview

The Thermo Fisher iCAP 6000 is a benchtop inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) engineered for robust, high-throughput multi-element analysis across trace and major concentration levels. Based on the fundamental principle of atomic emission spectroscopy, the instrument atomizes and excites sample aerosols in a high-temperature argon plasma (~6,000–10,000 K), enabling detection of element-specific emission lines across a broad UV-Vis spectral range (166–847 nm). Its echelle grating optical architecture—combined with a cross-disperser—delivers high spectral resolution and minimal line overlap, making it particularly suitable for analyzing complex matrices such as digested environmental waters, food extracts, pharmaceutical excipients, and metallurgical slags. As a pre-owned system, this iCAP 6000 unit retains full functional integrity and has undergone comprehensive performance verification, including wavelength calibration, plasma stability assessment, and detection limit validation per ASTM D1976 and ISO 11885 standards.

Key Features

• Echelle optical design with cross-dispersion for simultaneous wide-range spectral coverage and high resolving power (≤0.007 nm at 200 nm)
• 27.12 MHz solid-state RF generator with precise power control (750–1500 W), ensuring stable plasma ignition and tolerance to variable matrix loads
• High-quantum-efficiency back-thinned CCD detector offering wide linear dynamic range (6–7 decades) and low readout noise (<3 e⁻ RMS)
• Modular sample introduction: configurable concentric nebulizer and corrosion-resistant spray chamber (PTFE or quartz); optional ultrasonic nebulization support for low-volume or high-salt samples
• Four-channel peristaltic pump with independent speed control for optimized uptake, washout, and internal standard delivery
• Integrated air- or water-cooling options—enabling flexible lab deployment without dedicated chiller infrastructure
• Compact footprint (~0.27 m³) and weight (~80 kg), designed for standard laboratory bench installation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The iCAP 6000 accommodates liquid samples across diverse acid matrices (HNO₃, HCl, HF up to 3%), including EPA Method 200.7 and 6020B-compliant digests. It supports both axial and radial view configurations (depending on installed torch orientation), allowing method optimization for sensitivity versus interferences. All units undergo post-refurbishment verification against ISO/IEC 17025-relevant criteria, including long-term signal stability (RSD < 1.5% over 4 h), carryover < 0.1%, and calibration linearity (r² > 0.9999). The system meets essential regulatory expectations for GLP and GMP environments: audit trail logging, electronic signature capability, and secure user access controls are fully operational within iTEVA software, aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for data integrity and traceability.

Software & Data Management

iTEVA software provides a validated, role-based interface for method development, real-time spectral visualization, automated background correction (including polynomial and peak-fit algorithms), matrix-matched and internal standard calibration, and QC flagging (e.g., drift alerts, intensity thresholds). Raw spectral data are stored in vendor-neutral formats (.csv, .txt) alongside structured metadata (instrument parameters, sample IDs, timestamps). Audit trails record all user actions—including method edits, result overrides, and report generation—with immutable timestamps and operator attribution. Export modules support LIMS integration via ASTM E1384-compliant XML or direct ODBC connectivity. Software licenses are transferable upon formal Thermo Fisher authorization; extended maintenance plans include remote diagnostics and firmware updates.

Applications

• Environmental testing: Quantification of regulated metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg) in drinking water, wastewater, soil leachates, and airborne particulates per EPA and EU WFD directives
• Food & beverage safety: Monitoring of toxic elements (e.g., inorganic As in rice, Pb in wine) and nutritional minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn) per AOAC 993.14 and ISO 17294-2
• Pharmaceutical quality control: Residual catalyst analysis (Pd, Pt, Ni) in APIs and elemental impurities screening per ICH Q3D guidelines
• Materials science: Alloy composition verification, rare-earth element profiling in magnets, and dopant quantification in semiconductor precursors
• Geochemical research: Multi-element fingerprinting of rock digests, sediment cores, and hydrothermal fluids with interference-corrected line selection

FAQ

Is this iCAP 6000 unit certified for regulatory use?
Yes—each refurbished unit includes documented performance qualification (PQ) reports covering detection limits, precision, accuracy (via NIST SRM 1643e and 1640a), and software compliance with 21 CFR Part 11.

What consumables and spare parts are included?
Standard delivery includes one torch assembly, one nebulizer, one spray chamber, four peristaltic pump tubing sets, and a full set of O-rings and gaskets. Extended spares packages are available upon request.

Can the system be upgraded with newer software or hardware modules?
Yes—iTEVA v4.x is compatible; optional upgrades include advanced spectral deconvolution tools, automated QC charting, and remote monitoring via Thermo Connect platform.

Do you provide installation and training?
Comprehensive on-site installation—including gas line verification, plasma alignment, and baseline optimization—is included. Operator training (8 hours) covers method setup, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance protocols.

What warranty and service support is offered?
A 12-month parts-and-labor warranty is provided. Optional extended service contracts include priority response, preventive maintenance visits, and unlimited remote technical support.