Agilent 6850 Series II Gas Chromatograph (Refurbished)

Overview

The Agilent 6850 Series II Gas Chromatograph is a compact, single-channel benchtop GC system engineered for routine analytical laboratories requiring high reliability, rapid method deployment, and space-efficient operation. Based on Agilent’s proven gas chromatography architecture, the 6850 Series II employs capillary column technology with precise electronic pressure control (EPC) to deliver reproducible retention times, consistent peak shapes, and robust quantitation—comparable in performance to full-size platforms such as the Agilent 7890B. Its low-thermal-mass oven enables fast heating rates (up to 120 °C/min) and accelerated cooling (to –20 °C using CO₂), significantly reducing cycle time per analysis. Designed for simplicity without compromising analytical integrity, this refurbished instrument retains original factory calibration traceability and meets core operational requirements for QC/QA, environmental testing, petrochemical screening, and pharmaceutical impurity profiling.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (56.8 × 28.3 × 49.0 cm) — accommodates two units in the same bench space required for one dual-channel GC
• Intuitive front-panel interface with six dedicated keys for status monitoring, method selection (up to five preloaded methods), and run initiation/termination
• Top-access oven design enabling unobstructed access to column connections between inlet and detector — simplifying column installation, trimming, and maintenance
• Low-thermal-mass column oven reduces power demand while maintaining precise temperature programming (±0.01 °C stability) and supporting cryogenic cooling down to –20 °C
• Modular detector compatibility: Flame Ionization Detector (FID), Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD), Flame Photometric Detector (FPD), micro-Electron Capture Detector (micro-ECD), and optional 5977A Mass Selective Detector (MSD)
• Flexible inlet options including Split/Splitless (SSL), packed column, cold-on-column (COC), and programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) injectors — all supported by EPC for accurate flow and pressure control
• Built-in Ethernet (LAN) port enabling remote monitoring, method transfer, and integration into laboratory network infrastructure
• Autosampler support with optional rotary tray: up to 27 positions for 2 mL vials or 22 positions for 4 mL vials

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Agilent 6850 Series II is validated for use with standard fused-silica capillary columns (0.1–0.53 mm ID) and compatible with common GC stationary phases (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane, cyanopropylphenyl, wax-based). It supports both volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds across matrices including water, soil extracts, fuels, polymers, and biological fluids. The system complies with fundamental regulatory expectations for chromatographic data integrity: EPC ensures method-defined pressure/flow reproducibility; audit-trail-capable software (when paired with OpenLab CDS or ChemStation) supports GLP/GMP workflows; and detector response linearity meets ASTM D3699 (gasoline analysis), ISO 10301 (air quality), and USP (chromatography) guidelines. All refurbished units undergo functional verification per Agilent-recommended protocols, including leak testing, baseline noise assessment (<0.5 pA for FID), and retention time repeatability (RSD <0.05% over 10 injections).

Software & Data Management

While the 6850 Series II operates autonomously via its embedded controller, full method development, sequence management, and quantitative reporting require external PC-based software. Compatible platforms include Agilent OpenLab CDS (ChemStation Edition) and legacy ChemStation Rev. A.03.x or later. These applications provide 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and secure data archiving. Raw data files (.D format) are fully interoperable with third-party processing tools (e.g., Chromeleon, AIA-compliant viewers). Method export/import functionality allows seamless transfer between instruments, and LAN connectivity supports centralized instrument monitoring across multi-GC labs.

Applications

This refurbished GC system is routinely deployed in:

• Environmental laboratories for EPA Method 8021B (halogenated hydrocarbons), 8260D (VOCs), and 8082A (PCBs)
• Petrochemical QA/QC for ASTM D3606 (benzene/toluene), D5503 (natural gas), and D1319 (hydrocarbon types)
• Food and flavor analysis — residual solvent detection (ICH Q3C), fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling, and pesticide residue screening
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing for residual solvent testing (USP ) and excipient purity verification
• Academic and contract research settings where cost-effective, reliable GC capability is needed for teaching, method development, or small-batch analysis

FAQ

Is this unit fully tested and calibrated prior to shipment?
Yes — each refurbished Agilent 6850 Series II undergoes comprehensive functional validation, including oven temperature accuracy, detector sensitivity and noise baseline, EPC pressure regulation, and autosampler precision. A Certificate of Inspection is provided.
Does it include a computer or software license?
No — the instrument does not include a PC, monitor, or software license. Customers must supply a compatible Windows-based workstation and acquire appropriate software separately.
Can I upgrade this system with a mass spectrometer later?
Yes — the 6850 Series II is mechanically and electronically compatible with the Agilent 5977A MSD when equipped with the appropriate interface kit and vacuum system.
What maintenance history is available?
Detailed service logs (where available from prior ownership) and recent preventive maintenance records are shared upon request. All consumables (septa, liners, gold seals) are replaced prior to delivery.
Do you offer extended warranty or service contracts?
Yes — optional 12- or 24-month extended warranty packages and annual Preventive Maintenance Agreements are available upon quotation.