Agilent 6850 II Gas Chromatograph with GC PAL Autosampler

Overview

The Agilent 6850 II Gas Chromatograph—paired with the GC PAL autosampler—is a robust, network-enabled single-channel GC system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and routine laboratory throughput. Based on the proven architecture of the Agilent 6890N platform, the 6850 II delivers comparable analytical performance in a more compact footprint (approximately half the width). Its core operation relies on capillary gas chromatography with electronic pressure control (EPC), enabling highly stable carrier gas flow and retention time reproducibility across method transfers. The system features a dual-line, six-button front-panel interface for local instrument control and real-time status monitoring, complemented by an integrated 10/100Base-T Ethernet port compliant with IEEE 802.3 standards—supporting remote operation via Agilent ChemStation or OpenLab CDS software over LAN/WAN environments. Designed for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs and GLP-compliant workflows, this refurbished unit undergoes full functional validation—including leak testing, temperature calibration, detector sensitivity verification, and EPC linearity assessment—prior to shipment.

Key Features

• Split/splitless capillary inlet with electronic pressure control: maximum operating temperature 375 °C; pressure range 0–100 psi (optional 0–150 psi); compatible with columns from 50 µm to 530 µm ID
• Programmable pressure pulse and “gas saver” mode to reduce carrier gas consumption without compromising resolution or analysis time
• Flame Ionization Detector (FID) with auto-ignition, flame-out detection, and automatic re-ignition; maximum operating temperature 375 °C
• FID sensitivity: <5 pg carbon/sec (using propane on N₂ carrier, 0.29 mm ID jet); linear dynamic range ≥10⁷ (±10%) with full-range auto-scaling
• Data acquisition rate up to 200 Hz; optimized for peak deconvolution and narrow-bandwidth peak capture
• Oven specifications: 202 × 200 × 10 mm (H × W × D); operating range: 5 °C above ambient to 350 °C; temperature resolution: 1 °C; column compensation enabled; maximum run time: 999.99 min
• GC PAL autosampler integration supports vial-based liquid injection (1–100 µL), programmable wash cycles, and multi-sequence batch processing with barcode support (optional)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 6850 II/GC PAL configuration accommodates a broad spectrum of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, including hydrocarbons, pesticides, residual solvents, flavor/aroma constituents, and environmental contaminants (e.g., EPA Method 8021B, 8260, 8270 analytes). It meets essential regulatory design criteria for use in pharmaceutical QC (USP , ICH Q2(R2)), environmental testing (ASTM D3699, ISO 10301), and food safety (AOAC 996.06). All refurbished units are verified against Agilent’s original factory specifications and include documentation traceable to NIST-traceable calibration standards. System suitability tests (SST) are performed per USP Chapter prior to release, ensuring compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when operated with validated OpenLab CDS software and audit trail enabled.

Software & Data Management

The system is fully compatible with Agilent OpenLab CDS (ChemStation Edition or CDS 2.x), supporting method development, sequence management, peak integration, reporting, and electronic signature workflows. Audit trail functionality—including user login history, method change logs, raw data integrity checks, and electronic record retention—is configurable to meet ALCOA+ principles and GxP data integrity expectations. Data files (.D, .MS) are stored in vendor-neutral formats and can be exported to LIMS via ASTM E1384 or HL7-compliant interfaces. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported through Agilent’s Secure Remote Access (SRA) protocol—configured only upon customer authorization and behind enterprise firewalls.

Applications

This refurbished Agilent 6850 II + GC PAL platform is routinely deployed in contract testing laboratories (CROs), university core facilities, and industrial QC labs for applications such as: residual solvent analysis in APIs per ICH Q3C; gasoline hydrocarbon profiling (ASTM D1319); pesticide screening in produce (EN 15662); VOC emissions testing from building materials (ISO 16000-6); and purity assessment of synthetic intermediates. Its reliability after 4–5 years of prior service—combined with SpectraLab Scientific’s refurbishment protocol—makes it especially suitable for budget-constrained labs requiring ISO 17025-aligned performance without new-instrument capital expenditure.

FAQ

Is this instrument fully calibrated and certified before shipment?
Yes. Each unit undergoes full operational validation, including oven temperature accuracy (±0.5 °C), inlet pressure linearity (±0.5 psi), FID response linearity, and system leak integrity (<1×10⁻⁸ atm·mL/s He). A Certificate of Conformance and test report are provided.
What software licenses are included?
A perpetual, node-locked license for Agilent OpenLab CDS ChemStation Edition is included. Optional upgrades to OpenLab CDS 2.x require separate licensing from Agilent.
Can this system be integrated into an existing LIMS environment?
Yes—via standard ODBC, ASTM E1384, or custom API connectors. Integration support documentation and configuration templates are available upon request.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts, labor, and on-site service?
The warranty covers all components and labor for defects in materials or workmanship. On-site service is available in North America and Western Europe; remote diagnostics and component replacement are standard elsewhere.
Are consumables and spare parts readily available?
All standard Agilent GC consumables—including inlet liners, septa, ferrules, FID jets, and column nuts—are stocked globally and supported under Agilent’s extended parts program (up to 10 years post-discontinuation).