PerkinElmer NexION 300X ICP-MS System (Refurbished)

Overview

The PerkinElmer NexION 300X is a high-performance, triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer engineered for ultra-trace elemental analysis in demanding environmental, clinical, geochemical, and semiconductor applications. Unlike conventional single-quadrupole ICP-MS systems, the NexION 300X implements a true three-stage mass filtering architecture — comprising an ion deflector quadrupole, a universal collision/reaction cell (UCT™), and a final mass-resolving quadrupole — enabling simultaneous interference removal and isotopic resolution without mode switching or hardware reconfiguration. Its patented Triple Cone Interface minimizes pressure differentials across the interface region, reducing polyatomic oxide formation and enhancing long-term signal stability (>4-hour RSD <2.5% for 100 ng/L In). The system operates at plasma RF power from 1,000–1,600 W, supports both aqueous and organic solvent introduction (with optional HMI or Apex-Q desolvation), and delivers detection limits below 0.1 fg/mL (e.g., <0.08 fg/mL for ²³⁸U) under optimized conditions.

Key Features

• Triple Quadrupole Architecture: First quadrupole acts as an ion lens and kinetic energy filter; second serves as the Universal Cell (UCT™) for on-the-fly collision/reaction gas selection (He, H₂, O₂, NH₃, CH₄); third provides high-resolution mass separation (0.3–10 Da).
• Triple Cone Interface: Reduces cone clogging and thermal load while maintaining >85% ion transmission efficiency across m/z 5–270.
• No Mode Switching Required: Seamless transition between standard, kinetic energy discrimination (KED), and reaction cell modes via software control — no mechanical actuation or vacuum venting.
• Integrated Collision/Reaction Gas Delivery: Precision mass flow controllers ensure ±0.5% gas flow repeatability; UCT™ enables real-time optimization of reaction pathways (e.g., NH₃ for As removal, O₂ for Se oxidation).
• Robust Vacuum Architecture: Dual turbomolecular pumps (260 L/s + 300 L/s) maintain base pressure <5×10⁻⁸ Torr in the analyzer region, critical for low-background operation and isotope ratio precision.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The NexION 300X accommodates liquid samples introduced via standard nebulizers (e.g., PFA MicroFlow, Meinhard A3), laser ablation (with NWR213 or UP213 systems), and hydride generation (for As, Se, Sb, Bi). It meets performance verification requirements per EPA Method 6020B, ASTM D5673 (trace metals in water), and ISO 17294-2. All refurbished units undergo full functional validation including sensitivity calibration (≥100 Mcps/ppm for ²³⁸U), oxide rate (<1.5% for CeO⁺/Ce⁺), doubly charged ion ratio (<2.0% for Ba²⁺/Ba⁺), and background equivalent concentration (BEC) verification across 10 isotopes. Systems are configured to support GLP/GMP workflows with full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance enabled in Syngistix software.

Software & Data Management

Syngistix for ICP-MS v3.5 provides intuitive method development, automated tuning, and comprehensive data reduction. Key capabilities include: real-time interference correction algorithms (e.g., mathematical correction for ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl on ⁷⁵As); isotope dilution quantitation (IDMS) with multi-point spike calibration; customizable reporting templates aligned with ISO 14855 or USP /; and full electronic audit trail with user-defined roles, password policies, and session logging. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in vendor-neutral format compatible with third-party chemometrics platforms (e.g., MATLAB, Python pandas).

Applications

• Environmental Monitoring: Quantification of ultra-trace heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, U) in drinking water per WHO guidelines and EU Directive 2020/2184.
• Clinical Research: Multi-element analysis of serum, urine, and tissue digests for biomonitoring (e.g., Zn/Cu ratios, Pt-based chemotherapy tracking).
• Geochemistry: High-precision isotope ratio measurements (e.g., ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb) using standard-sample bracketing with NIST SRM 981.
• Materials Science: Impurity profiling of high-purity silicon wafers (sub-ppt detection of Fe, Cr, Ni) and battery cathode materials (Li, Co, Ni, Mn).
• Nuclear Safeguards: Isotopic fingerprinting of uranium and plutonium compounds with <0.05% relative standard deviation on minor isotope ratios.

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished and performance-validated?
Yes — each NexION 300X undergoes complete disassembly, cleaning, replacement of consumables (cones, torch, sampler/skimmer), recalibration against NIST-traceable standards, and 24-hour stability testing prior to shipment.
Does the 6-month warranty cover labor and parts?
Yes — the warranty includes onsite service labor, replacement parts, and remote diagnostics support by factory-trained engineers.
Can the system be upgraded to support newer software versions?
All units ship with Syngistix v3.5 and are eligible for firmware and software updates through PerkinElmer’s official support channel (requires active maintenance contract).
Are original documentation and certificates of calibration included?
Yes — each instrument ships with its original factory certificate of conformance, full calibration report, and test data package compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.2.
What installation requirements must be met prior to delivery?
Required infrastructure includes stable 208–240 VAC / 30 A power, dedicated exhaust (≥150 CFM), argon supply (99.999% purity, ≤0.1 ppm O₂/H₂O), and lab temperature control (20–25°C ±2°C).