Varian 240-MS Gas Chromatography–Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Varian 240-MS is a robust, benchtop gas chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometer (GC-ITMS) originally engineered by Varian, Inc. (now part of Agilent Technologies) for high-sensitivity qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis in environmental, pharmaceutical, forensic, and petrochemical laboratories. This refurbished system operates on the principle of electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI), enabling flexible compound identification and structural elucidation through tandem MS/MS capability inherent to its 3D quadrupole ion trap architecture. The instrument couples with either the Varian 431 or 450 gas chromatograph—both featuring precision pneumatic control, programmable temperature ramping, and split/splitless injection—to deliver reproducible retention time alignment and peak resolution across complex matrices. Its compact design, low helium consumption, and stable ion optics make it especially suitable for laboratories requiring reliable, cost-effective GC-MS performance without compromising spectral fidelity or duty cycle.

Key Features

• Ion trap mass analyzer with full scan, selected ion monitoring (SIM), and MSⁿ (n ≤ 3) acquisition modes
• Dual ionization source: interchangeable EI and CI sources mounted on a single source housing for rapid method switching
• Mass range: m/z 10–800 with unit mass resolution and <0.1 Da mass accuracy (calibrated with perfluorotributylamine, PFTBA)
• Integrated vacuum system with dual-stage turbomolecular pump (≥200 L/s) and backing pump ensuring stable operating pressure (<5 × 10⁻⁶ Torr) during extended runs
• GC-MS interface optimized for capillary column coupling (0.1–0.53 mm ID), featuring heated transfer line (up to 350 °C) and adjustable ion source temperature (150–300 °C)
• Refurbishment includes full recalibration, detector gain optimization, filament replacement, and leak-checked vacuum integrity verification
• Complies with essential instrumentation requirements for GLP-compliant workflows when operated under documented SOPs and audit-trail-enabled software configurations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Varian 240-MS accommodates volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs/SVOCs) across diverse sample types—including water extracts (EPA Method 524/8260), soil leachates, essential oils, residual solvents, and reaction intermediates—provided they are amenable to GC separation. It supports derivatization protocols (e.g., silylation, acylation) for polar analytes. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, the system can be configured for regulated environments via third-party electronic lab notebook (ELN) integration or validated data acquisition platforms supporting audit trails, user access controls, and electronic signatures. All refurbished units undergo functional testing per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.4.3 (verification of equipment suitability) and include calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards.

Software & Data Management

The system ships with Varian MS Workstation v6.x or later (license-included), providing comprehensive tools for method development, real-time spectral deconvolution (via AutoQuant), library searching (NIST/EPA/NIH libraries), and quantitative report generation. Raw data files (.msd) are fully compatible with open-format conversion utilities (e.g., msConvert) for downstream processing in Python-based chemometrics pipelines or commercial platforms such as Compound Discoverer and Sieve. Data backup, version-controlled method storage, and automated QC checklists (e.g., tuning report validation, retention time stability logs) are supported through configurable project templates. Optional upgrades include remote monitoring modules enabling secure SSH-based instrument status polling and alert notifications.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: PAHs, PCBs, chlorinated pesticides, and petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and aqueous samples
• Pharmaceutical impurity profiling and residual solvent quantitation per ICH Q3C guidelines
• Forensic toxicology screening for drugs of abuse and metabolites using retention index–matched libraries
• Food flavor and fragrance characterization via headspace-GC/MS and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA)
• Polymer additive identification and degradation product monitoring in accelerated aging studies
• Academic research in natural product isolation, reaction mechanism studies, and isotopic labeling experiments utilizing CI-generated [M+H]⁺ adducts

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This is a professionally refurbished system performed by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified service engineers following Varian OEM technical bulletins and calibration specifications.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts and labor?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, labor, and on-site support (where geographically feasible) or return-to-lab repair logistics.
Can the system be upgraded to support modern networking or LIMS integration?
Absolutely; Ethernet connectivity, OPC-UA server compatibility, and CSV/XML export modules are available as post-purchase options.
Are original consumables (filaments, liners, columns) included?
A starter kit containing two EI filaments, five GC inlet liners, and one standard 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm DB-5ms column is included with each unit.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
You will receive a full refurbishment report, calibration certificate, operational test log, safety compliance checklist, and digital copy of the user manual and service guide.