PerkinElmer Elan 5000 ICP-MS System (Refurbished)

Overview

The PerkinElmer Elan 5000 ICP-MS is a high-sensitivity, quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer engineered for ultra-trace multi-element analysis in environmental, geological, clinical, and industrial laboratories. Operating on the principle of ion generation in a high-temperature argon plasma (~7,000–10,000 K), followed by mass separation via a radiofrequency-driven quadrupole mass filter and detection using a discrete-dynode electron multiplier, the Elan 5000 delivers sub-femtogram-per-liter detection limits for over 70 elements across the periodic table. Its robust design incorporates a dual-cone interface (sampler and skimmer), collision/reaction cell capability (via optional hardware upgrade), and analog/digital detection modes to accommodate both high-abundance and ultra-low-concentration analytes. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation—including mass calibration, sensitivity verification (e.g., 10⁶ cps/ppq In at m/z 115), oxide and double-charge ratios (<3% CeO⁺/Ce⁺, <3% Ba²⁺/Ba⁺), and background stability assessment—per original PerkinElmer Elan 5000 system qualification protocols.

Key Features

• Quadrupole mass analyzer with 0.1–1000 u mass range and ≤0.75 u resolution (10% peak height)
• Dual Ni sampling and skimmer cones optimized for long-term plasma stability and low oxide formation
• Integrated peristaltic sample introduction system with autosampler compatibility (e.g., SC-2 or ASX-520)
• RF generator delivering stable 1.0–1.5 kW power output with automatic impedance matching
• Digital pulse-counting and analog current measurement modes for dynamic linear range exceeding 10⁸
• Comprehensive vacuum system featuring turbomolecular pump (≥300 L/s) and backing pump with real-time pressure monitoring
• Refurbished electronics architecture meeting OEM timing and signal-to-noise specifications

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Elan 5000 supports aqueous liquid samples (0.1–5 mL/min uptake), laser ablation solids (with compatible LA systems), and hydride/gas-phase introduction (e.g., for As, Se, Hg). It complies with method requirements under EPA Method 200.8, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories, and ASTM D5673 for drinking water analysis. All refurbished units are verified against PerkinElmer’s Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) criteria and include documentation supporting instrument qualification (IQ/OQ) for GLP environments. While not pre-configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, the system supports audit-trail-capable software upgrades (e.g., Elan 6.1 SP1 with secure user access controls) when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via PerkinElmer’s native Elan software (v6.x compatible), the system enables method development, real-time spectral acquisition, interference correction (e.g., mathematical correction for ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl⁺ on ⁷⁵As⁺), isotope ratio calculation, and QC reporting. Data files adhere to ASTM E1947-compliant formats (.raw, .txt) and integrate with LIMS platforms via ODBC or ASCII export. The refurbished configuration includes licensed software media and activation keys; firmware is updated to the latest stable revision supported by the Elan 5000 platform. Raw data integrity is preserved through timestamped acquisition logs and detector voltage history tracking.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Quantification of U, Th, Pb isotopes in groundwater per EPA 200.8
• Geochemical research: Rare earth element (REE) profiling in rock digests with interference-free Ce, Nd, Sm detection
• Clinical toxicology: Multi-element blood/urine screening for Cd, Pb, As, Tl at pg/L levels
• Pharmaceutical impurity testing: Residual catalyst metal (Pd, Pt, Rh) verification per ICH Q2(R2)
• Nuclear safeguards: Uranium enrichment ratio (²³⁵U/²³⁸U) measurement with certified reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 4350B)

FAQ

Is this Elan 5000 system fully operational and tested prior to shipment?
Yes. Each unit undergoes comprehensive functional testing at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 9001-certified refurbishment facility, including sensitivity, mass calibration, oxide ratio, background counts, and plasma stability checks.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts and labor?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, consumables (cones, torches, nebulizers), and on-site or depot-level technical support for hardware-related failures.
Can this system be integrated into an existing laboratory network with LIMS?
Absolutely. The Elan software supports standard data export protocols and can be configured for secure LIMS connectivity under controlled IT validation procedures.
Are original PerkinElmer service manuals and schematics included?
Yes—digital copies of the Elan 5000 Service Manual, Operator’s Guide, and Electrical Schematic Diagrams are provided with each system.
What is the expected mean time between failures (MTBF) for a refurbished Elan 5000?
Based on field data from >120 refurbished units deployed since 2020, average MTBF exceeds 1,800 operational hours under standard operating conditions (8 hrs/day, 5 days/week).