PerkinElmer DRC-e Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)
| Brand | PerkinElmer |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | DRC-e |
| Mass Analyzer Type | Quadrupole |
| Resolution (FWHM at m/z 202) | ≤ 0.8 amu |
| Detection Limit | sub-ppq ng·L⁻¹ |
| Sensitivity | Be ≥ 5 Mcps/(mg·L⁻¹), In ≥ 30 Mcps/(mg·L⁻¹), Bi ≥ 20 Mcps/(mg·L⁻¹) |
| Vacuum System | Dual mechanical pumps + dual turbo-molecular pumps (total pumping speed > 380 L/min) |
| Linear Dynamic Range | 9 orders of magnitude |
| DRC Gas Options | H₂, He, CH₄, NH₃, O₂, N₂O, CO₂ |
| Interference Reduction Efficiency | > 10⁷-fold |
| Chemical Resolution | > 150,000 |
| Isotopic Ratio Precision (¹⁰⁷Ag/¹⁰⁹Ag) | < 0.08% RSD |
Overview
The PerkinElmer DRC-e is a refurbished, high-performance quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) engineered for ultra-trace elemental and isotopic analysis in complex matrices. It represents the third-generation implementation of Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC) technology—originally pioneered with the ELAN 6100 DRC, winner of the Pittsburgh Conference Gold Medal—and integrates a dedicated reaction cell equipped with an axial field (AFT) ion guide to enhance ion transmission efficiency while suppressing polyatomic interferences. Unlike conventional single-quadrupole ICP-MS systems, the DRC-e employs a dual-quadrupole architecture: the front-end DRC functions as a chemically selective filter, enabling on-the-fly ion-molecule reactions prior to mass analysis by the main quadrupole mass analyzer. This configuration not only extends the operational lifetime of the primary mass filter but also significantly improves robustness in high-matrix applications such as geological digests, metallurgical slags, environmental leachates, and biological tissues.
Key Features
- Dual-quadrupole design with integrated Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC) featuring axial field technology for enhanced ion transport and reduced matrix-induced signal suppression
- AutoRes® resolution tuning: real-time, method-driven adjustment of mass resolution (0.3–3 amu) during acquisition to optimize sensitivity and interference removal per analyte
- PlasmaLok™ ICP-MS interface eliminates secondary arcing at the sampler interface, ensuring stable plasma coupling and extended cone lifetime
- AutoLens™ automated ion optics bias optimization for consistent transmission across wide concentration ranges without manual intervention
- GemClean® cross-flow nebulizer and Ryton® Scott-type double-pass spray chamber—chemically inert, HF-resistant, and validated for direct analysis of hydrofluoric acid-digested samples without HF removal
- Large-orifice Ni sampling and skimmer cones with optimized geometry for sustained operation with high-TDS solutions (>25% w/v salts)
- 40.68 MHz self-tuned RF generator with active power stabilization for stable plasma ignition and maintenance across diverse sample types (aqueous, organic, high-salt, or low-volume microsamples)
- EasyGlide® torch positioning system enables repeatable, reproducible plasma alignment without daily manual optimization
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRC-e supports routine analysis of aqueous standards, acid-digested solids (including EPA Method 200.8 and ISO 17294-2 compliant workflows), organic solvents (with oxygen- or nitrogen-mixed plasma), and high-salinity brines. Its DRC chemistry allows selective elimination of isobaric and polyatomic interferences—including 40Ar16O+/Ca+, 40Ar35Cl+/As+, 80Se+/40Ar216O+, and 87Rb+/87Sr+—without compromising analyte transmission. The instrument meets key regulatory requirements for trace metal analysis in environmental, clinical, and geochemical laboratories, including compliance with ASTM D5673, USP /, and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices. Full audit trail capability, user-access control, and electronic signature support align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when deployed within validated GLP/GMP environments.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via PerkinElmer’s Syngistix™ for ICP-MS software, the DRC-e provides comprehensive method development tools—including SimulScan™ synchronized scanning for simultaneous DRC and main quadrupole tuning—and integrated data reduction for isotope ratio calculations, spike recovery, and internal standard normalization. Raw data files are stored in vendor-neutral .raw format compatible with third-party processing platforms (e.g., Iolite, Glitter). All acquisition parameters, calibration history, and QC logs are timestamped and archived with full metadata retention. Software validation packages and IQ/OQ documentation templates are available upon request to support laboratory accreditation efforts.
Applications
- Ultra-low-level quantification of transition metals (e.g., Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) and rare earth elements (REEs) in seawater, groundwater, and porewater (detection limits routinely < 0.01 pg·L⁻¹)
- Isotopic fingerprinting of Pb, Sr, Nd, and Hf in zircon, basalt, and ore concentrates for geochronology and provenance studies
- Multi-element screening of heavy metals (Cd, As, Tl, U) in soil and sediment extracts per EPA SW-846 Methods 6020B and 6025A
- High-precision Ag, Cu, and Zn isotope ratio analysis in metallurgical process streams and recycled materials
- Trace contaminant profiling in semiconductor-grade chemicals and excipients used in pharmaceutical manufacturing
FAQ
Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This DRC-e system has undergone full functional refurbishment by an authorized PerkinElmer service partner, including replacement of critical consumables (cones, torch, lenses), vacuum system certification, and performance verification against original factory specifications.
Does the system include a collision/reaction gas delivery module?
Yes—the DRC-e is equipped with a fully integrated, mass-flow-controlled gas manifold supporting all seven certified DRC gases (H₂, He, CH₄, NH₃, O₂, N₂O, CO₂) with automated switching and pressure regulation.
What level of technical support is provided post-purchase?
Buyers receive 12 months of remote application and hardware support, including firmware updates, method troubleshooting, and access to PerkinElmer’s global knowledge base and application notes library.
Can the instrument be upgraded to accommodate newer software versions?
Yes—Syngistix™ software is backward-compatible with DRC-e hardware; upgrade paths to current Syngistix v5.x are supported with proper licensing and minimum system requirements.
Are calibration standards and QC protocols included?
A complete set of multi-element calibration standards (10 ppb–10 ppm), tuning solution (Li-Y-In-Tl-Bi), and documented QC procedures aligned with ISO 17294-2 are supplied with the system.
