Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 120 High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (Rental Unit)

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 120 is a high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system engineered for robustness, operational simplicity, and analytical reproducibility in regulated and research laboratory environments. At its core lies the Orbitrap mass analyzer—a Fourier-transform-based electrostatic trap that achieves high mass resolution and sub-ppm mass accuracy without magnetic field stabilization. The instrument operates on the principle of ion trapping, radial ejection, and image current detection, delivering consistent performance across extended acquisition sequences. Designed for routine qualitative and quantitative workflows—including method development, stability-indicating assays, impurity profiling, and isotopic ratio analysis—the Exploris 120 integrates seamlessly with UHPLC systems and supports both electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). Its m/z 40–3000 mass range, 120,000 resolution (FWHM at m/z 200), and <1 ppm internal lock-mass calibration stability over 24 hours make it suitable for complex biological matrices, pharmaceutical formulations, and environmental extracts where spectral fidelity and dynamic range (>5000:1 in a single scan) are critical.

Key Features

• Orbitrap HRAM detection with up to 120,000 resolution (FWHM at m/z 200) and <1 ppm mass accuracy using internal lock-mass calibration
• Full-scan acquisition rate of >1.4 Hz (dual-polarity, 60,000 resolution) and targeted SIM (tSIM) rate of >1.6 Hz
• Single-point calibration valid across entire m/z 40–3000 range—eliminating repeated recalibration during multi-method runs
• EASY-IC (Electronically Activated Internal Calibration) enabling ≤1 ppm RMS mass error for ≥5 days without manual recalibration
• Intuitive drag-and-drop user interface for rapid method setup and parameter optimization
• Preconfigured, application-specific method templates for small molecules, peptides, lipids, and metabolites
• Integrated isotopic ratio analysis capability via Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris Isotope Solution—preserving intramolecular isotope distribution under soft ESI conditions
• Modular architecture supporting optional upgrades including advanced fragmentation (HCD), polarity switching, and analog signal inputs (±10 V, dual channel)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Orbitrap Exploris 120 accommodates diverse analyte classes—including polar and non-polar small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and post-translationally modified species—across varied sample matrices such as plasma, tissue homogenates, cell lysates, formulated drugs, and environmental water extracts. Its hardware and software architecture comply with industry-standard regulatory frameworks: data integrity is enforced through audit-trail-enabled software (Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer and TraceFinder), supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with appropriate IT controls. The system meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for testing laboratories and aligns with ASTM E2914–22 (Standard Guide for LC–HRMS Data Acquisition and Processing) and USP <1225> validation principles for identification and quantification procedures.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by Thermo Scientific Tune and Xcalibur software platforms, the Exploris 120 enables real-time instrument monitoring, automated calibration verification, and batch processing of raw files. Data acquisition supports multiple file formats (RAW, mzML) and interoperability with third-party tools including Skyline, MZmine, and OpenMS. All software modules incorporate electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails—essential for GLP/GMP-compliant operations. Instrument logs, method versions, calibration history, and user activity are timestamped and exportable for internal audits or regulatory submissions. Optional cloud-connected telemetry allows remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance scheduling without compromising data sovereignty.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Residual solvent analysis, extractables/leachables screening, forced degradation product identification
• Clinical research: Biomarker discovery in biofluids, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), endogenous metabolite profiling
• Environmental analysis: PFAS detection, pesticide residue confirmation, microplastic additive characterization
• Academic proteomics: Label-free quantitation, PTM mapping, intact protein analysis with top-down compatibility
• Isotope ratio applications: Position-specific isotope enrichment studies (e.g., ¹³C-glucose tracing), natural abundance isotope pattern deconvolution

FAQ

What rental terms are available for the Orbitrap Exploris 120?
Short-term leasing (1–6 months), rent-to-own agreements (12–36 months with purchase option), and lease-to-own structures (with title transfer upon final payment) are supported.
Does the rental unit include installation and training?
Yes—standard rental packages include on-site installation, vacuum pump commissioning, system qualification (IQ/OQ), and two-day operator training conducted by Thermo-certified engineers.
Can the instrument be integrated into an existing LIMS or ELN environment?
Yes—via standard APIs and vendor-supported middleware, the system exports metadata and results in ASTM E1468-compliant formats for seamless LIMS/ELN ingestion.
Are consumables and service contracts included in the lease?
Consumables (columns, solvents, calibration standards) are billed separately; preventive maintenance contracts and extended warranty coverage can be added as optional add-ons.
How is data security managed during the rental period?
All data remains the sole property of the lessee; no telemetry or remote access is enabled without explicit written consent, and local storage complies with GDPR and HIPAA data residency requirements.