Waters Micromass LCT Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters Micromass LCT is a high-performance orthogonal acceleration reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (oa-TOF-MS), originally engineered for high-resolution, accurate-mass LC/MS analysis in pharmaceutical, proteomics, and metabolomics laboratories. Designed around a dual-stage reflectron geometry and pulsed orthogonal ion acceleration, the LCT delivers sub-5 ppm mass accuracy (RMS) under routine operation—enabled by its integrated LockSpray™ calibration interface. This architecture decouples calibration infusion from sample introduction, eliminating ion suppression effects on mass calibration stability. The system employs Waters’ proprietary Z-Spray™ atmospheric pressure ionization source, supporting both electrospray ionization (ESI) and nanospray ionization (nano-ESI) modes. Its orthogonal TOF design ensures high transmission efficiency and robust duty cycle performance, making it particularly suited for coupling with high-duty-cycle liquid chromatography systems such as the Waters Alliance HT 2795 HPLC platform.

Key Features

• Orthogonal acceleration reflectron TOF analyzer with high mass resolution (>10,000 FWHM at m/z 500) and sub-5 ppm mass accuracy using LockSpray™ internal calibration
• Z-Spray™ API source compatible with standard ESI and low-flow nano-ESI configurations (flow rates down to 20–200 nL/min)
• LockSpray™ functionality enables real-time, continuous mass calibration independent of analyte signal—critical for long-duration LC/MS runs and quantitative reproducibility
• Integrated with Waters 2795 Separations Module (HT-capable HPLC) and Waters 2488 Tunable Absorbance Detector for synchronized LC/MS data acquisition
• Refurbished and functionally validated by SpectraLab Scientific—including vacuum integrity verification, detector gain calibration, and mass axis alignment
• Comprehensive hardware refurbishment: ion optics cleaning, MCP replacement (if required), source component reconditioning, and firmware update to latest supported version

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Micromass LCT supports a broad range of polar and thermally labile compounds, including peptides, oligonucleotides, small-molecule pharmaceuticals, and natural product extracts. Its nanospray capability extends sensitivity into the low-femtomole range for peptide mapping applications. The instrument meets essential regulatory expectations for analytical method development and validation workflows: raw data files are timestamped and structured in Waters’ proprietary .RAW format, supporting audit trail generation when used with compliant data systems (e.g., Empower 3 FR or third-party 21 CFR Part 11-compliant platforms). While the LCT predates modern electronic signature requirements, its output is fully compatible with GLP/GMP-aligned data management practices when deployed with appropriate procedural controls and metadata documentation.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are performed using MassLynx™ 4.x software (included), which provides full control over TOF parameters—including pusher pulse timing, reflectron voltage ramping, and spectral averaging. MassLynx supports centroid and profile mode acquisition, lock mass correction, and post-acquisition recalibration. Peak detection, deconvolution (MaxEnt1), and elemental composition assignment (AutoSpec algorithm) are embedded. Raw data export is available in NetCDF and mzXML formats for interoperability with open-source tools (e.g., MZmine, XCMS) and commercial platforms (e.g., Progenesis QI, Skyline). All refurbished units ship with licensed, activation-verified copies of MassLynx and associated plug-ins; no dongle or hardware key is required for operation.

Applications

• High-accuracy mass determination for structural elucidation of unknown metabolites and degradation products
• Peptide mass fingerprinting and top-down protein characterization in proteomics core facilities
• LC/MS-based impurity profiling per ICH Q3B(R2) guidelines
• Method development for bioanalytical assays requiring mass confirmation (e.g., ligand-binding assay support)
• Academic research in natural product chemistry, where isotopic pattern fidelity and exact mass discrimination are critical
• Requalification of legacy LC/MS methods during instrument fleet transitions

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This Micromass LCT has been comprehensively refurbished and performance-validated by SpectraLab Scientific—a certified independent service provider specializing in legacy Waters instrumentation. Refurbishment includes full vacuum system inspection, ion optic cleaning, detector characterization, and functional testing across the mass range 50–10,000 Da.
Does the system include MassLynx software and valid licenses?
Yes—the system ships with MassLynx 4.1 (or latest compatible version), pre-installed and activated with a permanent node-locked license. No additional dongle or subscription is required.
Can the LCT be interfaced with modern UHPLC systems?
While originally designed for Alliance-class HPLC, the LCT’s analog trigger inputs and standard RS-232/USB interfaces allow integration with contemporary UHPLC systems via external triggering modules or data synchronization adapters. Typical configuration uses a TTL pulse from the UHPLC pump or autosampler to initiate MS acquisition.
What consumables and spare parts are included?
The package includes all original source components (capillary needles, cones, skimmer plates), one set of calibrated LockSpray reference compounds (e.g., leucine enkephalin), and a complete set of interconnect tubing and fittings verified for leak-free operation.
Is remote diagnostics support available post-purchase?
SpectraLab Scientific provides 6 months of complimentary remote technical support—including MassLynx troubleshooting, basic method optimization guidance, and interpretation of calibration reports. On-site service contracts are available upon request.