Shimadzu AA6800 Used Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Shimadzu AA6800 is a high-performance, dual-mode atomic absorption spectrophotometer engineered for precise quantification of trace metals in liquid samples. Utilizing flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) and optional graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), the system operates on the fundamental principle of measuring absorbance of ground-state atoms in the gaseous phase—generated via thermal atomization in an air-acetylene or nitrous oxide-acetylene flame (FAAS) or electrothermal heating in a graphite tube (GFAAS). Designed and manufactured in Japan, the AA6800 features a double-beam optical system with deuterium background correction, a high-stability hollow cathode lamp power supply, and automatic wavelength selection across the 190–900 nm spectral range. Its robust mechanical design, thermally stabilized monochromator, and low-noise photomultiplier detector ensure high signal-to-noise ratio and long-term measurement reproducibility—critical for regulatory-compliant environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical impurity testing, and food safety screening.

Key Features

• Dual-atomization capability: Integrated flame and graphite furnace modules (furnace optional but commonly configured in refurbished units) enable detection limits from sub-ppb (GFAAS) to low-ppb (FAAS) for over 70 elements.
• Automated optical alignment and lamp recognition: Reduces operator dependency and improves method transfer consistency across laboratories.
• Double-beam compensation architecture: Minimizes drift from source intensity fluctuations and lamp aging, enhancing baseline stability during extended batch runs.
• Programmable temperature control for graphite furnace: Supports up to 30-step ramping profiles with real-time cooling monitoring—essential for matrix-matched calibration and complex sample digestion workflows.
• Compliance-ready hardware interface: Equipped with RS-232 and USB ports for secure instrument control and audit-trail-capable data export, supporting alignment with GLP/GMP documentation practices.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AA6800 accommodates aqueous solutions, acid-digested environmental matrices (e.g., soil, sludge, wastewater), biological digests (urine, serum, tissue homogenates), and food extracts prepared per EPA Method 200.2, ISO 11885, or ASTM D1688. Its flame system supports aspiration rates of 5–8 mL/min with standard nebulizer-burner configurations; the graphite furnace variant accepts 5–40 µL sample volumes with integrated platform-assisted pyrolysis. All refurbished units undergo full functional validation—including wavelength accuracy verification (±0.1 nm), photometric linearity assessment (0–2.0 A), and repeatability testing (<1.0% RSD at 10× detection limit)—in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.1 for used equipment requalification.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Shimadzu’s dedicated AA-Wizard software (v3.x or later), the AA6800 supports method development, multi-point calibration (linear, quadratic, weighted), QC check standards, and automated drift correction. Raw absorbance/time and absorbance/wavelength data are stored in proprietary .aas files, exportable to CSV or ASCII formats for LIMS integration. Audit trail functionality records user logins, parameter changes, calibration events, and result approvals—meeting foundational expectations of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records when deployed with appropriate IT governance controls.

Applications

• Environmental labs: Quantification of Pb, Cd, As, Cr, and Hg in drinking water (EPA 7000B), leachates (TCLP), and airborne particulates.
• Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Residual catalyst metal analysis (e.g., Pd, Pt, Ni) in active pharmaceutical ingredients per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
• Food and agriculture: Monitoring of toxic elements in infant formula (ISO 17272), rice (Codex Alimentarius STAN 193), and dietary supplements (USP ).
• Academic and contract research: Teaching instrumentation principles, method validation studies, and inter-laboratory comparison exercises.

FAQ

Is this AA6800 unit fully refurbished and performance-validated?
Yes. Each unit undergoes comprehensive recalibration, optical alignment, gas flow verification, and detection limit confirmation using NIST-traceable standards prior to shipment.
Does the system include graphite furnace capability?
Graphite furnace modules are available as configured options; configuration details are provided per unit and verified during pre-shipment inspection.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
A full refurbishment report, calibration certificate (with uncertainty statements), operation manual, and software license key are included.
Can the AA6800 be integrated into a modern LIMS environment?
Yes—via ASCII/CSV export and timestamped audit logs; API-level integration requires third-party middleware compliant with HL7 or ASTM E1384 standards.
Is technical support available post-purchase?
One-year warranty includes remote diagnostics, application troubleshooting, and priority access to Shimadzu-certified field service engineers for on-site interventions.