Agilent 280FS Fast Sequential Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Agilent 280FS Fast Sequential Atomic Absorption Spectrometer is a high-performance, benchtop flame and graphite furnace AAS system engineered for precision elemental quantification in regulated and high-throughput laboratory environments. Based on the proven Agilent 200 Series platform, the 280FS employs fast sequential wavelength scanning—eliminating mechanical filter wheels and enabling rapid multi-element analysis without hardware reconfiguration. Its optical architecture features a high-efficiency Czerny-Turner monochromator with 1800 lines/mm grating, fused silica optics, and an ultraviolet-enhanced photomultiplier tube detector, delivering spectral resolution ≤ 0.2 nm at 200 nm and long-term photometric stability < ±0.002 absorbance units over 4 hours. The system supports both flame atomization (air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene) and electrothermal atomization via the integrated GTA 120 graphite tube atomizer—providing detection limits down to sub-pg/mL (e.g., 0.8 pg for Cd, 2.1 pg for Pb) under optimized conditions per ASTM D1688 and EPA Method 200.7.

Key Features

• Fast sequential operation: Full spectral scan across 190–900 nm in < 1.5 seconds per element, enabling true multi-element method execution without lamp rotation or manual intervention
• 8-lamp turret with automatic lamp selection and alignment; includes UltrAA™ lamp housing for enhanced intensity stability and reduced spectral noise
• D₂ background correction with real-time deuterium arc subtraction, supporting simultaneous measurement of analyte and background absorbance at the same wavelength
• Programmable gas control module with independent flow regulation for fuel, oxidant, and purge gases—fully synchronized with atomization cycles and method parameters
• GTA 120 graphite furnace system with integrated Zeeman background correction option (hardware-ready), temperature ramping up to 3000 °C, and programmable pyrolysis/atomization steps per ISO 11170
• Robust mechanical design compliant with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and CE marking for laboratory use in North America and EU markets

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 280FS accommodates aqueous solutions, digested environmental matrices (soil, sludge, water per EPA 3015A/3050B), food extracts (AOAC 999.10), and biological tissues (after microwave-assisted acid digestion). Sample introduction is supported via standard concentric nebulizer + Scott-type double-pass spray chamber (flame mode) or autosampler-compatible graphite tubes (GTA 120). All refurbished units undergo full functional validation against Agilent’s Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) protocol—including wavelength accuracy (±0.1 nm), photometric linearity (R² ≥ 0.9995 over 0–2.5 A), and baseline noise (< 0.0003 A RMS). Calibration traceability is maintained to NIST SRM 3133 (Cd), SRM 3134 (Pb), and SRM 3135 (Cr). The system meets analytical requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity when deployed with AA WinLab v4.x and validated networked storage.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by Agilent AA WinLab v4.3 software, the 280FS provides method development wizards, automated calibration curve generation (linear, quadratic, weighted least-squares), QC sample scheduling (blanks, duplicates, spikes, CRM checks), and electronic signature-enabled reporting. Audit trail functionality logs all user actions—including method edits, instrument parameter changes, and result approvals—with immutable timestamps and operator IDs. Raw data (.aab files) and processed reports (.pdf/.xlsx) are stored in a structured directory hierarchy with configurable backup intervals. Integration with LIMS is supported via ASTM E1384-compliant ASCII export or optional OPC UA interface.

Applications

This refurbished 280FS system is routinely deployed in environmental monitoring laboratories performing compliance testing for heavy metals in drinking water (EPA 200.9), wastewater (EPA 200.8), and soil leachates (TCLP, SW-846 Method 1311). It is also widely used in food safety labs for cadmium, lead, and arsenic screening in cereals, seafood, and infant formula (EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 1881/2006). In agricultural research, it supports micronutrient profiling (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) in plant tissue and fertilizer formulations. Its fast sequential capability reduces turnaround time for routine QA/QC in pharmaceutical excipient testing (USP ) and catalyst residue analysis in petrochemical R&D.

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished and performance-validated?
Yes. Each 280FS undergoes complete mechanical inspection, optical alignment verification, electronic calibration, and multi-point sensitivity testing using NIST-traceable standards prior to shipment.
Does the system include original Agilent documentation and software licenses?
Yes—full set of printed manuals, factory calibration certificates, AA WinLab v4.x installation media, and a perpetual software license valid for the instrument’s lifetime.
Can the GTA 120 be upgraded to Zeeman background correction?
The GTA 120 is Zeeman-ready; the optional G8435A Zeeman module can be installed post-purchase with field service support.
What warranty and technical support are provided?
One-year comprehensive parts-and-labor warranty, remote diagnostics, and access to Agilent-certified application scientists for method optimization and troubleshooting.
Is installation and operational qualification (IQ/OQ) support available?
Yes—we provide IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and can coordinate on-site qualification services upon request.