Agilent 6890N-5973 GC-MS System (Refurbished)

Overview

The Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatograph coupled with the 5973 Mass Selective Detector (MSD) forms a robust, field-proven GC-MS platform engineered for precision trace analysis in regulated and research environments. This refurbished system operates on electron ionization (EI) and supports optional chemical ionization (CI) and negative chemical ionization (NCI) modes—enabling confident compound identification, quantitation, and structural characterization across diverse organic analytes. Its core architecture integrates a high-stability gas chromatograph with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer featuring true hyperbolic gold-coated quartz rods, independently heated ion source and quadrupole assemblies, and thermally optimized transfer line technology. The system delivers unit-mass resolution across a 1.6–800 amu mass range, with full-scan acquisition speeds up to 11,000 amu/sec and sub-picogram detection limits under standard EI conditions—meeting performance expectations for routine QC, environmental monitoring, food safety testing, and forensic applications.

Key Features

• Thermally Stable Interface: Independently temperature-controlled transfer line ensures uniform thermal profile, eliminating cold spots and minimizing condensation or degradation of thermally labile compounds during elution from the GC column.
• High-Efficiency Ion Source: Molybdenum-alloy EI source with precise temperature regulation (up to 350 °C) enhances chemical inertness, reduces active surface adsorption, and improves signal reproducibility across extended analytical runs.
• Gold-Coated Quartz Quadrupole: Monolithic, hyperbolic-geometry rod set with integrated heating maintains thermal homogeneity, minimizes mass drift, and extends operational lifetime by reducing contaminant buildup.
• Dual Inlet Configuration: Equipped with both programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) and standard split/splitless capillary inlets—supporting volatile, semi-volatile, and thermally sensitive samples without derivatization.
• Robust GC Platform: Agilent 6890N GC features electronic pressure control (EPC), multi-segment oven ramping (up to 400 °C), and compatibility with all standard capillary columns—including polar, mid-polarity, and non-polar stationary phases.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This GC-MS system is validated for analysis of small-to-medium molecular weight organic compounds (typically <1,000 Da), including pesticides, veterinary drug residues, food additives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, flame retardants, and environmental contaminants. It complies with method requirements outlined in ASTM D5845, EPA Methods 524/8260/8270, ISO 17025-accredited workflows, and USP for chromatographic system suitability. Data acquisition and processing support audit-trail functionality, electronic signatures, and secure user access controls aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with compliant LIMS or instrument control software.

Software & Data Management

The system operates with Agilent ChemStation (G1701DA/E02.02 or later) or OpenLab CDS software, enabling full method development, automated calibration, spectral library searching (NIST/EPA/WHO), quantitative report generation, and peak deconvolution. Raw data files (.D format) are fully compatible with third-party processing tools including AMDIS and MassHunter Qualitative Analysis. All acquisition parameters—including scan/SIM transitions, retention time locking (RTL), and tune settings—are stored with metadata for full traceability. System logs record instrument status, maintenance events, and user actions to support GLP/GMP documentation requirements.

Applications

• Quantitative determination of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and cereals per EU MRL and USDA PDP protocols
• Screening and confirmation of veterinary drugs (e.g., sulfonamides, tetracyclines, β-agonists) in meat, milk, and aquaculture products
• Analysis of food contact materials for migrant substances (e.g., bisphenol A, plasticizers)
• Environmental analysis of soil, water, and air extracts for persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
• Forensic toxicology screening for drugs of abuse and metabolites in biological matrices
• Reaction monitoring and impurity profiling in pharmaceutical synthesis

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished or dealer-refurbished system?
This Agilent 6890N-5973 GC-MS system has undergone comprehensive third-party refurbishment including full mechanical inspection, vacuum integrity verification, ion source cleaning and replacement of critical consumables (filaments, lenses, detector dynodes), quadrupole tuning, and GC flow calibration.
Does the system include a valid calibration certificate?
Yes—each unit ships with a documented performance verification report covering mass axis accuracy, resolution, sensitivity (EI and SIM), and retention time stability, traceable to NIST-traceable standards.
Can the system be upgraded to support modern data systems?
The hardware is compatible with Agilent OpenLab CDS 2.x and MassHunter Workstation via Ethernet interface; legacy ChemStation operation remains fully supported.
What maintenance contracts or service options are available?
Extended warranty and annual preventive maintenance plans—including on-site technician visits, spare parts coverage, and remote diagnostics—are offered through authorized Agilent service partners.
Are CI and NCI sources included in the base configuration?
The standard configuration includes an EI source; CI and NCI sources are available as optional accessories and may be added prior to shipment upon request.