Agilent 5973N MSD (G2576A) Used Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer Detector

Overview

The Agilent 5973N Mass Selective Detector (MSD), model G2576A, is a robust, benchtop single-quadrupole mass spectrometer engineered for high-sensitivity detection and identification of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) workflows. As a legacy but widely validated instrument, the 5973N operates on electron ionization (EI) principles at 70 eV, delivering reproducible, library-searchable mass spectra compatible with NIST/EPA/ Wiley spectral libraries. Its architecture integrates a high-capacity vacuum system—either a 90 L/s oil diffusion pump or a 250 L/s turbomolecular pump paired with a rotary vane backing pump—to maintain stable operating pressure (<1 × 10⁻⁵ Torr) during extended GC runs. The independently heated EI ion source (up to 300 °C) and hyperbolic quadrupole mass filter (heated to 200 °C) minimize condensation artifacts and enhance signal stability across temperature-programmed analyses. Designed exclusively for seamless coupling with Agilent 6890 Series gas chromatographs, the 5973N features a dedicated, temperature-controlled GC/MS interface that ensures efficient analyte transfer and retention time reproducibility.

Key Features

• High-efficiency vacuum architecture: Configurable with either diffusion or turbomolecular pumping for optimal sensitivity and uptime in routine QC or environmental screening labs.
• Thermally isolated, independently heated ion source and quadrupole analyzer—reduces memory effects and improves long-term mass calibration stability.
• High-energy dynode (HED) electron multiplier detector providing wide dynamic range (>10⁶) and low-picoamp detection limits for trace-level analysis.
• Integrated front-panel control interface enabling local operation: method execution, tune verification, vacuum status monitoring, and error diagnostics without host PC dependency.
• Full compatibility with Agilent ChemStation software (G1701DA revision or later), supporting automated tuning, full-scan and SIM acquisition, spectral deconvolution, quantitative batch processing, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails when deployed in validated environments.
• Rigorous pre-delivery functional validation performed per ASTM E2072-20 (Standard Practice for Calibration of GC–MS Systems), including mass axis calibration, resolution verification at m/z 502, and sensitivity assessment using decafluorotriphenylphosphine (DFTPP).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 5973N MSD is optimized for analysis of small-to-medium molecular weight organic compounds (typically < 600 Da) amenable to GC volatility and thermal stability. It supports direct injection, split/splitless, and cold-on-column inlet configurations via Agilent 6890 GC. Applications span regulated testing under EPA Methods 502.2, 524.2, 8260C, 8270D, and ISO 17993 for water, soil, air, and food matrices. While not natively compliant with GLP/GMP electronic record requirements, the system supports configuration for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when operated with validated ChemStation builds, secure user access controls, and enabled audit trail logging. All refurbished units undergo full leak-checking (helium leak rate < 1 × 10⁻⁸ atm·cm³/s), filament emission testing, and detector gain calibration prior to shipment.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are managed through Agilent ChemStation software, which provides three core modules: Tune, Data Acquisition, and Data Analysis. The Tune module performs automatic optimization of ion optics voltages, mass calibration, and resolution adjustment using standard reference compounds. Data Acquisition supports both full-scan (1.5–10 scans/sec, m/z 10–650) and selective ion monitoring (SIM) modes with up to 100 target ions per group. The Data Analysis module enables peak integration, spectral library matching (NIST MS Search 2.0g), relative and absolute quantitation (internal/external standard), and customizable reporting templates. Raw data (.D files) are stored in vendor-native format with embedded metadata (instrument parameters, tune file ID, operator log). Backups and archival follow ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.5.2 guidelines for data integrity.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Pesticide residue screening in drinking water (EPA 508.1), VOCs in groundwater (EPA 524.2), PAHs and PCBs in sediment (EPA 8270D).
• Pharmaceutical impurity profiling: Residual solvents (ICH Q3C), extractables/leachables from packaging, and degradation product identification.
• Forensic toxicology: Confirmation of controlled substances (e.g., amphetamines, benzodiazepines) in biological fluids via SIM and library match.
• Food safety: Mycotoxin verification (e.g., aflatoxins B1/B2/G1/G2), flavor compound profiling, and adulterant detection.
• Academic research: Reaction monitoring, natural product isolation support, and method development for novel GC–MS workflows requiring cost-effective, field-proven hardware.

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished and tested prior to shipment?
Yes. Each Agilent 5973N (G2576A) undergoes comprehensive functional validation—including vacuum integrity, ion source performance, mass calibration accuracy, detector response linearity, and GC interface thermal stability—per documented SOPs aligned with ASTM E2072-20.
Does the system include original Agilent ChemStation software and license?
The instrument ships with a licensed copy of ChemStation G1701DA (or equivalent revision), including installation media and activation key. Software validation documentation and installation qualification (IQ) support files are provided upon request.
What consumables and spare parts are included?
Standard delivery includes one set of EI filaments, two GC/MS interface ferrules, one diffusion pump oil kit (if applicable), and a complete set of O-rings and gaskets for vacuum manifold servicing.
Can this MSD be integrated with non-Agilent GC systems?
While designed for Agilent 6890 GCs, mechanical and electronic interfacing with other GC platforms (e.g., Thermo Trace 1300, Shimadzu GC-2010) is possible using third-party interface kits; however, full software synchronization and automated method triggering are not supported outside the Agilent ecosystem.
Is remote technical support available after purchase?
Yes. Buyers receive 6 months of complimentary remote engineering support for startup assistance, basic troubleshooting, and method transfer guidance—available Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00 EST.