Waters ACQUITY UPLC System with QDa Mass Detector
| Brand | Waters |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Instrument Type | Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) Coupled with Single-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer |
| Model | ACQUITY UPLC + QDa |
| Detection Principle | Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Single-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry |
| Sample Introduction | LC-coupled ESI source |
| Mass Range | m/z 50–1200 |
| Detection Mode | Full Scan, SIM, AutoMS/MS (optional) |
| Data Acquisition Rate | Up to 10 Hz |
| Software Platform | MassLynx v4.2 or later (with QuanLynx, TargetLynx, and ChromaLynx modules) |
| Compliance | FDA 21 CFR Part 11 ready (audit trail, electronic signature support), GLP/GMP-compatible workflow |
| Warranty | 6 months limited hardware warranty |
| Operational Age | 4–5 years in active service (manufactured ~2013), total system age ≈ 7 years |
| Condition | Refurbished, fully tested and qualified per SpectraLab Scientific QC protocol |
Overview
The Waters ACQUITY UPLC System with QDa Mass Detector is a fully integrated, benchtop ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) platform engineered for routine quantitative and qualitative analysis in regulated and research laboratories. Built upon Waters’ proprietary ACQUITY UPLC architecture, the system leverages sub-2-µm particle column technology and high-pressure gradient delivery (up to 15,000 psi) to achieve superior chromatographic resolution, peak capacity, and analysis speed compared to conventional HPLC systems. The QDa detector employs electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with a compact single-quadrupole mass analyzer, delivering unit-mass resolution, stable mass accuracy (< 0.1 Da), and robust signal reproducibility across diverse compound classes—including small molecules, peptides, metabolites, and synthetic intermediates. Unlike traditional triple-quadrupole or high-resolution MS systems, the QDa operates without requiring operator-level tuning or method-specific optimization; its pre-calibrated ion optics and automated gain control enable consistent spectral output directly from LC eluent—making it functionally analogous to an optical detector in ease of use while providing molecular weight confirmation and selective detection.
Key Features
- ACQUITY UPLC Binary Solvent Manager (BSM) or Quaternary Solvent Manager (QSM): Delivers precise, low-dead-volume gradient formation with < 1% RSD retention time repeatability over 100 injections.
- ACQUITY Sample Manager with Flow-Through Needle (SM-FTN): Minimizes carryover (< 0.005%) and supports injection volumes from 0.1–100 µL with programmable needle wash protocols.
- ACQUITY Column Oven: Maintains temperature stability ±0.1 °C (range: 5–90 °C), critical for retention time precision and method transferability.
- ACQUITY QDa Detector: Integrated ESI source with real-time mass calibration, dual-mode polarity switching (positive/negative), and automatic dynamic range extension for wide-concentration sample analysis.
- Full system compatibility with Waters ACQUITY UPC², Alliance HPLC, and preparative LC/SFC platforms—enabling seamless detector interchange without hardware modification.
- Refurbishment includes full mechanical inspection, pump seal replacement, autosampler syringe calibration, ESI source cleaning and alignment, vacuum system leak testing, and mass axis validation using standard tuning compounds (e.g., sodium formate, reserpine).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ACQUITY UPLC/QDa configuration accommodates aqueous-organic mobile phases (e.g., water/acetonitrile or water/methanol with 0.1% formic acid), volatile buffers (ammonium acetate, ammonium formate), and common LC-grade solvents. It supports reversed-phase, HILIC, and ion-pairing separations across pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, and academic applications. All firmware and software components meet current regulatory expectations for analytical instrumentation: MassLynx v4.2+ provides comprehensive audit trail logging, user access controls, electronic signatures, and data integrity features aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Routine operation complies with ASTM D7867 (LC-MS for residual solvent analysis), USP (chromatography), and ICH Q2(R2) validation guidelines when implemented within documented SOPs.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and processing are performed using Waters MassLynx software suite, including QuanLynx for quantitative workflows, TargetLynx for targeted screening, and ChromaLynx for untargeted profiling. Raw data (.raw files) are stored in vendor-native format with embedded metadata (instrument parameters, sequence logs, calibration records). Export options include .csv, .txt, and .mzML (via third-party converters) for integration with LIMS or statistical analysis platforms (e.g., Simca, R, Python-based chemometrics tools). Backups are supported via network-attached storage or local RAID arrays; raw file integrity is verified via checksum hashing during archival.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical quality control: Assay, impurity profiling, and degradation product identification per ICH Q3B/R2 guidelines.
- Generic drug development: Method transfer from HPLC-PDA to UPLC-QDa for enhanced specificity and reduced analysis time.
- Academic metabolomics: Rapid screening of polar/nonpolar metabolites in biofluid extracts without derivatization.
- Environmental analysis: Quantification of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors in wastewater at ng/L levels using SIM mode.
- Food authenticity testing: Detection of adulterants (e.g., melamine, Sudan dyes) and natural product markers (e.g., curcuminoids, flavonoids).
FAQ
Is this system compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—the MassLynx software version installed supports electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control as required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Full validation documentation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ templates) are available upon request.
What is included in the 6-month warranty?
The warranty covers all core hardware components: pumps, autosampler, column oven, QDa detector electronics and vacuum system, and integrated PC with licensed MassLynx software. Exclusions include consumables (columns, ESI tips, frits) and damage resulting from improper operation or environmental conditions.
Can the system be upgraded to support tandem MS functionality?
No—the QDa is a single-quadrupole instrument and does not support MS/MS fragmentation. For structural elucidation requiring product ion scans, Waters Xevo TQ-S or Vion IMS QTof platforms would be appropriate alternatives.
Is method transfer support provided?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific provides post-installation application support, including method translation from legacy HPLC methods to UPLC-QDa, system suitability testing, and initial qualification reports.
Are original certificates of calibration and maintenance logs available?
All refurbished units ship with a Certificate of Reconditioning, full test report (including pressure decay, flow accuracy, mass calibration, and sensitivity verification), and historical service log extract (where available).
