Agilent 6550A iFunnel Q-TOF Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry System
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Model | 6550A |
| Instrument Type | Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) |
| Mass Range | 100–10,000 m/z |
| Sensitivity | 4500:1 (S/N, 1 pg injected) |
| Resolution | 45,000 (FWHM at m/z 922) |
| Mass Accuracy | ≤1 ppm (internal calibration) |
| Acquisition Rate | Up to 50 spectra/sec |
| Dynamic Range | >5 orders of magnitude (within single spectrum) |
Overview
The Agilent 6550A iFunnel Q-TOF LC/MS system is a high-resolution, accurate-mass quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer engineered for demanding qualitative and quantitative applications in modern analytical laboratories. Operating on the fundamental principle of orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oa-TOF) mass analysis, the instrument couples a robust RF-only quadrupole mass filter with a high-field reflectron TOF analyzer to deliver simultaneous high resolution, sub-ppm mass accuracy, and exceptional sensitivity across broad dynamic ranges. Its core innovation—the Agilent iFunnel ion optics—replaces conventional stacked-ring ion guides with a dual-stage atmospheric pressure ion funnel that dramatically improves ion transmission efficiency (>90% transmission from ESI source to detector), particularly for low-abundance analytes in complex matrices. This architecture enables reliable detection at femtogram-level concentrations while maintaining linear response over five decades of concentration.
Key Features
- iFunnel ion optics: Dual-stage atmospheric pressure ion funnel enabling >90% ion transmission efficiency and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio for trace-level analytes
- Ion Beam Compression and Cooling (IBCS): Reduces ion energy spread and spatial divergence prior to TOF acceleration, improving mass resolution and peak shape fidelity
- Jet Stream electrospray ionization source: Integrated heated nebulizer gas and optimized capillary voltage control for robust, reproducible ionization across diverse compound classes and mobile phase gradients
- GHz digital acquisition system with ADC mode: Enables high-fidelity transient digitization at up to 50 full-scan spectra per second without duty cycle loss
- Dual-gain amplifier architecture: Simultaneously captures low- and high-intensity signals within a single acquisition, eliminating saturation and preserving isotopic fidelity
- High-field reflectron TOF analyzer: Delivers ≥45,000 resolution (FWHM) at m/z 922 with <1 ppm internal mass accuracy and <3 ppm external calibration accuracy
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 6550A supports direct coupling to Agilent Infinity II UHPLC, 2D-LC, SFC, and GC-APCI interfaces, accommodating reversed-phase, HILIC, ion-exchange, and chiral separations. It is validated for use in regulated environments compliant with USP , ICH Q2(R2), and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. MassHunter software includes audit trail functionality, electronic signatures, and user-access controls aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 guidelines. The system meets GLP/GMP documentation standards for method validation, system suitability testing, and raw data archiving.
Software & Data Management
Controlled exclusively by Agilent MassHunter Workstation (Q-TOF version), the platform provides integrated acquisition, processing, and reporting modules. Key capabilities include: real-time centroiding and deconvolution; formula prediction using exact mass and isotope pattern matching; MS/MS spectral library searching (NIST, METLIN, mzCloud); targeted and untargeted screening workflows (e.g., PCDL-based identification); and quantitative batch processing with internal standard normalization. All raw data are stored in open .d format, fully compatible with third-party informatics platforms including Compound Discoverer, XCMS Online, and Skyline. Automated QC monitoring (retention time, peak area RSD, lock mass stability) ensures continuous system performance verification.
Applications
The 6550A iFunnel Q-TOF serves as a primary platform for small-molecule characterization in pharmaceutical development (impurity profiling, metabolite ID, forced degradation studies), environmental analysis (pesticide multiresidue screening, PFAS detection), food safety (mycotoxin quantification, adulterant confirmation), and clinical research (biomarker discovery, steroid panel analysis). Its combination of speed, resolution, and sensitivity makes it suitable for comprehensive lipidomics, glycomics, and peptide mapping workflows where retention time alignment, isotopic envelope integrity, and confident de novo sequencing are critical.
FAQ
What vacuum system is included with this refurbished unit?
The system ships with a certified Agilent turbomolecular pump assembly and backing pump, verified for base pressure stability (<5 × 10⁻⁷ Torr) and mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeding 15,000 hours.
Is MassHunter software included with license and maintenance?
Yes — the unit includes a perpetual MassHunter Q-TOF software license with active Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA), covering updates, technical support, and regulatory compliance patches through the current release cycle.
Can this instrument be upgraded to support new ion sources or detectors?
The 6550A chassis supports field-installable upgrades including the Jet Stream 2 source, AJS-ESI probe, and optional GC-APCI interface; all upgrades require Agilent-certified service and firmware revision validation.
What documentation accompanies the refurbished system?
Each unit is delivered with full refurbishment report, IQ/OQ protocols executed under ISO 17025-accredited procedures, original factory calibration certificates, and complete service history log.
Does the system meet current ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements for contract labs?
Yes — the 6550A configuration, when operated with validated methods and documented preventive maintenance records, satisfies ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.9 (assuring measurement traceability) and clause 5.10 (data integrity and reporting).
