Agilent 6890N GC + 5973N MSD Used Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry System

Overview

The Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatograph coupled with the 5973N Mass Selective Detector (MSD) represents a mature, field-proven GC-MS platform engineered for robust qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. This system operates on electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) principles, utilizing quadrupole mass filtering technology to resolve ions across a mass range of 1.6–800 u with unit-mass resolution and ±0.1 u mass accuracy. Designed for laboratory environments requiring regulatory compliance and method reproducibility—particularly in pharmaceutical QC, environmental monitoring, natural product chemistry, and forensic toxicology—the 6890N/5973N combination delivers stable baseline performance, high ion transmission efficiency, and reliable operation under extended duty cycles. Its architecture supports both full-scan and selected ion monitoring (SIM) acquisition modes simultaneously, enabling concurrent spectral library matching and targeted trace-level quantitation without method compromise.

Key Features

• Quadrupole mass analyzer with inert gold-plated surface for enhanced signal stability and reduced memory effects
• Programmable temperature-controlled EI/CI ion source (up to 350 °C), optimized for thermally labile and polar analytes
• Trace Ion Detection (TID) algorithm for improved signal-to-noise ratio in complex matrices, lowering detection limits in SIM mode
• AutoCI functionality enabling seamless switching between EI and CI ionization within a single automated sequence
• Integrated hardware synchronization between GC oven, inlet, and MSD detector for precise retention time alignment
• Compatibility with Agilent 7683B autosampler (100-position tray) and multiple inlet types including split/splitless, PTV, and headspace configurations
• Robust vacuum system incorporating dual-stage rotary vane pump and turbomolecular pump (standard configuration)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 6890N/5973N system is validated for analysis of small-molecule organics with boiling points up to ~350 °C and molecular weights below 800 Da. It routinely supports EPA Methods 502.2, 524.2, 8270D, and 8260C; ASTM D5845 and D6097; and USP chromatographic system suitability criteria. All data acquisition and processing workflows comply with GLP and GMP documentation requirements when configured with audit-trail-enabled software versions (e.g., ChemStation Rev. A.03.04 or later). The system meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards per IEC 61326-1 and safety requirements per UL 61010-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Agilent ChemStation software (G1701DA or equivalent), the platform provides comprehensive instrument control, real-time data acquisition, spectral deconvolution, and NIST library search integration (NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library v2.0 or later). Raw data files (.D format) are stored in a hierarchical directory structure supporting long-term archival and version-controlled reprocessing. Audit trail logging records all user actions—including method edits, acquisition start/stop events, and peak integration changes—with timestamps and operator IDs. Data export options include CSV, PDF reports, and XML-based results packages compatible with LIMS interfaces.

Applications

• Residue analysis of pesticides, PCBs, PAHs, and dioxins in soil, water, and food matrices
• Profiling of volatile constituents in traditional Chinese medicines and essential oils
• Metabolite identification and pharmacokinetic studies using biological fluids (urine, plasma, CSF)
• Impurity profiling and stability-indicating assays for synthetic APIs and intermediates
• Forensic toxicology screening for drugs of abuse and designer compounds
• Quality control of petrochemical feedstocks and polymer additives

FAQ

Is this system compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when operated with ChemStation software configured with electronic signature enforcement, audit trail activation, and secure user access controls.
What maintenance history is available for this used unit?
Each instrument undergoes full functional validation prior to resale, including vacuum integrity testing, mass calibration verification, sensitivity checks per Agilent specification (1 pg OFN, S/N ≥20:1 at m/z 272), and source cleaning. Full service logs and calibration certificates are provided upon request.
Can the system be upgraded to support modern data systems?
While the 5973N does not support OpenLab CDS natively, it remains fully operable with legacy ChemStation installations and can interface with third-party LIMS via ODBC or file-based transfer protocols.
Does the quoted price include installation and qualification?
The listed price covers the core GC-MS system (6890N GC, 5973N MSD, 7683B autosampler, EI/CI source, and standard consumables kit). Installation, IQ/OQ, and method transfer support are available as optional services.
What is the expected operational lifetime of a refurbished 5973N MSD?
With proper maintenance—including regular source cleaning, filament replacement, and pump oil changes—refurbished 5973N detectors typically deliver >5 years of reliable service in routine QC laboratories operating ≤8 h/day.