Waters ZQ-2000 Used Single Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer

Overview

The Waters ZQ-2000 is a robust, second-hand single quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC/MS) engineered for reliable routine qualitative analysis in regulated and research laboratory environments. Based on quadrupole mass filtering technology operating under vacuum conditions (typically 1 × 10⁻⁵ Torr), the ZQ-2000 delivers high-fidelity mass spectra across a broad mass-to-charge (m/z) range of 2–2000 Da—expandable to 4000 Da via firmware configuration. Its core architecture integrates seamlessly with Waters Alliance 2695 or 2795 HPLC systems, enabling precise coupling of chromatographic separation with real-time mass detection. Designed for molecular weight determination, impurity profiling, and structural characterization of small organic molecules, the instrument supports applications requiring regulatory-compliant data acquisition—including method validation workflows aligned with ICH Q2(R2), USP , and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with appropriate audit trail and electronic signature controls.

Key Features

• Z-Spray™ dual orthogonal electrospray ionization (ESI) source with heated nebulizer and desolvation gas—optimized for high sensitivity (1 pg reserpine, S/N ≥ 50:1 in ESI+ full-scan mode) and low chemical noise
• APCI source option available; ESCi™ upgrade path enables simultaneous ESI/APCI operation within a single LC run, facilitating rapid polarity switching without hardware reconfiguration
• MKII Z-shaped interface ensures stable vacuum integrity during extended operation and tolerates common volatile mobile phase additives (e.g., formic acid, ammonium acetate)
• Integrated syringe pump (1–500 µL/min, software-controlled) supports direct infusion, post-column derivatization, and calibration standard delivery
• Fast polarity switching (< 1 second) and real-time scanning (up to 10,000 Da/sec) accommodate gradient elution profiles from UHPLC-compatible Alliance systems
• Compact footprint (72 cm W × 61 cm D × 56 cm H) minimizes bench space requirements while maintaining service accessibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZQ-2000 accommodates a wide range of sample types—including pharmaceutical actives, metabolites, environmental contaminants, food additives, and petrochemical fractions—provided they are soluble in LC-compatible solvents and thermally stable enough for ESI or APCI vaporization. It complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 general requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories when operated under documented SOPs. While the instrument itself does not carry CE or UL certification in its used configuration, all safety interlocks, vacuum shutoffs, and high-voltage monitoring circuits remain fully functional per original factory specifications. Routine maintenance logs, calibration records, and source cleaning history are provided with each unit to support GLP/GMP traceability.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by MassLynx 4.1 or later (Windows XP/7 compatible), the system provides integrated acquisition, processing, and reporting tools. Key modules include QuanLynx for quantitative analysis (with internal standard correction and matrix-matched calibration), MaxEnt1 for deconvolution of complex spectra, and Expression for spectral library searching (NIST/EPA/NIH libraries supported). All raw data files (.raw) retain full metadata—including instrument parameters, sequence logs, and user annotations—for retrospective reprocessing. When deployed on validated Windows platforms with enabled audit trail functionality, MassLynx meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including user access control, event logging, and immutable data archiving.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical R&D: Identification of synthetic intermediates, degradation products, and extractables/leachables
• Clinical toxicology: Rapid screening of drugs of abuse and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in plasma/urine
• Environmental analysis: Quantification of pesticides, PAHs, and endocrine disruptors in water and soil extracts
• Food safety: Detection of mycotoxins, veterinary drug residues, and adulterants using LC/MS-selected ion monitoring (SIM)
• Academic research: Structural elucidation of natural products and reaction monitoring in organic synthesis

FAQ

Is the ZQ-2000 compatible with modern HPLC systems beyond Waters Alliance?
Yes—the instrument features analog and digital I/O ports supporting third-party LC controllers (e.g., Shimadzu CBM-20A, Agilent 1260) via TTL-triggered acquisition and external valve control.
What level of technical support is included post-purchase?
A 6-month limited hardware warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship; remote troubleshooting and application consultation are provided at no additional cost during this period.
Can the system be upgraded to support tandem MS capabilities?
No—the ZQ-2000 is a single quadrupole platform and cannot be retrofitted with collision cell hardware or RF-driven ion guides required for MS/MS functionality.
Are consumables and spare parts still available?
Yes—Waters continues to supply critical spares including ESI capillaries, APCI probes, quadrupole rods, and vacuum pump oils; third-party vendors also offer validated alternatives for spray needles and O-rings.
Does the unit include a working computer and licensed software?
Yes—each system ships with a dedicated OEM-configured PC preloaded with MassLynx 4.1 (or later) and valid activation keys; backup installation media and license certificates are included.