Agilent G6140A Single Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Agilent G6140A Single Quadrupole LC/MS system is a research-grade liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform engineered for high-throughput qualitative and quantitative analysis in regulated and non-regulated laboratories. As part of the widely adopted Agilent 6100 Series, the G6140A integrates a robust single quadrupole mass analyzer with Agilent’s proven 1200 Series high-performance liquid chromatograph to deliver precise mass filtering, reliable ion transmission, and consistent spectral reproducibility. Its orthogonal electrospray ionization (ESI) source employs a cross-flow geometry that minimizes solvent cluster formation and suppresses chemical noise—critical for trace-level detection in complex matrices. The temperature-controlled hyperbolic metal quadrupole ensures stable mass resolution across extended acquisition periods, while dual scan speed modes support both high-sensitivity full-scan acquisition and rapid selected-ion monitoring (SIM) workflows. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation per ASTM E2500-13 guidelines and includes verified calibration against NIST-traceable standards.

Key Features

• Orthogonal ESI source with grounded spray needle and self-aligning capillary interface—reducing maintenance frequency and eliminating manual spray needle positioning
• Dual-speed quadrupole operation: 10,000 Da/sec for high-resolution scanning or 20,000 Da/sec for ultra-fast SIM transitions
• Integrated tuning and mass calibration using onboard calibrant reservoir—enabling automated daily performance verification
• HED+EM detector architecture delivering linear dynamic range >10⁵ and sub-femtogram detection limits for protonated molecules
• Four-stage differential vacuum system with oil-based rotary vane and turbomolecular pumps—maintaining <5×10⁻⁶ Torr operating pressure in the analyzer region
• Built-in instrument qualification tools supporting IQ/OQ documentation packages compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA guidance on computerized systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The G6140A accommodates a broad range of sample types—including small-molecule pharmaceuticals, metabolites, pesticides, environmental contaminants, and natural product extracts—when coupled with reversed-phase, HILIC, or ion-pairing LC methods. It supports standard ESI polarity switching and optional APCI source retrofitting. All refurbished units are validated against USP Analytical Instrument Qualification protocols and include documented evidence of system suitability testing (SST) per ICH Q2(R2). Data integrity is maintained through audit-trail-enabled software configurations aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when operated with Agilent MassHunter Workstation (v10.0 or later). The system meets essential electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety criteria per IEC 61010-1 and CE marking directives.

Software & Data Management

Control and data processing are performed using Agilent MassHunter Acquisition and Quantitative Analysis software, providing method-driven workflow automation, real-time spectral preview, and customizable report generation. The software architecture supports raw data archiving in open-format .d directories, enabling third-party reprocessing via open-source tools such as OpenMS or Skyline. Instrument control logs, user access records, and electronic signatures are retained with time-stamped audit trails. For laboratory information management system (LIMS) integration, MassHunter offers standardized ODBC and XML-RPC interfaces compatible with Thermo Fisher SampleManager, LabWare LIMS, and STARLIMS platforms. All refurbished systems ship with licensed software media and activation keys valid for technical support renewal.

Applications

The G6140A is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical QC labs for assay validation, impurity profiling, and stability-indicating method development under ICH Q5A–Q5E frameworks. Environmental testing facilities utilize its robustness for EPA Method 1694 compliance in wastewater screening. Academic proteomics cores employ it for targeted peptide quantitation using label-free or stable-isotope dilution approaches. Its fast scanning capability enables coupling with UHPLC gradients (sub-2 µm particles, ≤1000 bar), achieving cycle times <1.5 sec per full-scan spectrum—ideal for kinetic studies and multi-component pharmacokinetic assays. Routine applications also include food safety testing (e.g., mycotoxin quantification per EU Commission Regulation No. 401/2006) and forensic toxicology screening per SWGTOX consensus guidelines.

FAQ

What does “refurbished” mean for this G6140A system?

Refurbishment includes full disassembly, replacement of wear-prone components (ion source gaskets, pump oils, detector dynodes), recalibration across the full m/z 50–3000 range, and 72-hour continuous operational stress testing.
Is the original Agilent 1200 HPLC included?

Yes—each unit ships with a fully tested Agilent 1200 binary pump, degasser, autosampler, and thermostatted column compartment, all verified for gradient accuracy ±0.2% and retention time RSD <0.15%.
Can this system be upgraded to support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

Yes—the MassHunter software license includes optional Part 11 modules for electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trail export.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?

A complete refurbishment dossier is provided, including IQ/OQ test reports, calibration certificates traceable to NIST SRM 1291, preventive maintenance logs, and a signed statement of conformity per ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8.2.4.
Is remote installation support available?

Yes—our application scientists provide virtual commissioning assistance, including vacuum leak diagnostics, ESI optimization, and initial method transfer validation at no additional cost.