PerkinElmer Elan 6100 ICP-MS System (Refurbished)

Overview

The PerkinElmer Elan 6100 ICP-MS is a high-sensitivity, quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer engineered for ultra-trace elemental analysis in environmental, geological, clinical, and regulatory laboratories. Operating on the principle of ion generation via argon plasma at ~7,000 K followed by mass separation in a radiofrequency-driven quadrupole mass filter and detection using a discrete-dynode electron multiplier, the Elan 6100 delivers sub-femtogram-per-liter detection limits for most elements across the periodic table. This refurbished system has undergone comprehensive functional validation—including plasma ignition stability, mass calibration accuracy (using multi-element tuning solutions), sensitivity verification (e.g., ¹¹⁵In ≥ 1 × 10⁶ cps/ppq), oxide and doubly charged ion ratios (<3% CeO⁺/Ce⁺, <2% Ba²⁺/Ba⁺), and background equivalent concentrations (BECs) for key isotopes such as ²⁰²Hg and ²³⁸U. All critical vacuum subsystems—including the dual-stage turbomolecular pump assembly and differential pumping stages—have been inspected, cleaned, and performance-verified to ensure stable base pressure (<1 × 10⁻⁷ Torr) and consistent signal-to-noise ratios over extended acquisition periods.

Key Features

• Quadrupole mass analyzer with 0.1–1000 u mass range and ≤0.75 u resolution (10% peak height)
• Robust RF-powered argon plasma source with automatic impedance matching and real-time plasma monitoring
• Dual-cone interface (Ni sampler and skimmer cones) optimized for ion transmission efficiency and matrix tolerance
• High-transmission ion optics with adjustable lens voltages for dynamic optimization across sample matrices
• Electron multiplier detector capable of analog and pulse-counting modes, supporting linear dynamic range >10⁸
• Integrated AS-series autosampler enabling programmable sequence runs with wash cycle control and cross-contamination mitigation
• External peripheral support: Gilson Minipuls 3 peristaltic pump for precise nebulizer solution delivery and Neslab CFT-75 recirculating chiller for torch and interface thermal stabilization

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Elan 6100 accommodates aqueous standards, digested environmental samples (EPA Methods 200.8, 6020B), biological fluids (after dilution or digestion), and high-purity reagents. Its robust interface design permits analysis of moderately complex matrices—including seawater, soil extracts, and semiconductor-grade acids—when paired with appropriate internal standardization (e.g., ¹¹⁵In, ¹⁸⁷Re) and interference correction algorithms (e.g., mathematical correction for polyatomic overlaps such as ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl⁺ on ⁷⁵As⁺). The system meets essential performance criteria outlined in ASTM D5673, ISO 17294-2, and US EPA Method 6020B. Refurbishment includes full documentation of calibration history, operational logs, and a Certificate of Functional Verification issued under SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-aligned quality management framework. While not supplied with FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail software out-of-the-box, the native Elan software architecture supports integration with validated third-party LIMS interfaces compliant with GLP/GMP data integrity requirements.

Software & Data Management

The system operates with PerkinElmer Elan v3.4 software (or later compatible versions), providing instrument control, method development, real-time spectral display, quantitative analysis (calibration curve fitting, internal standard correction, isotope ratio calculation), and report generation. Raw data are stored in proprietary .raw format but exportable to ASCII, CSV, or XML for downstream statistical analysis or regulatory submission. Audit trail functionality—including user login timestamps, parameter change logs, and result modification records—is configurable and aligns with ALCOA+ principles when deployed within validated IT environments. SpectraLab provides post-delivery software installation support and basic method transfer assistance, including optimization templates for common applications such as drinking water compliance testing (EPA 100 series) and rare earth element profiling.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Quantification of trace metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, U) in groundwater, wastewater, and sediment leachates
• Geochemical research: Isotopic ratio analysis (e.g., ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd) with standard-sample bracketing protocols
• Clinical toxicology: Multi-element assessment in serum, urine, and whole blood following microwave-assisted digestion
• Materials science: Impurity profiling in high-purity silicon, lithium battery cathode precursors, and catalyst formulations
• Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Elemental impurities screening per ICH Q3D guidelines, particularly for catalyst residues (Pd, Pt, Ni, Rh)

FAQ

Is this Elan 6100 system fully refurbished and tested prior to shipment?
Yes. Each unit undergoes a standardized 24-point functional validation protocol, including plasma stability assessment, sensitivity and detection limit verification, mass calibration accuracy check, and vacuum integrity testing. A Certificate of Functional Verification accompanies the system.
What warranty coverage is included?
A 6-month limited hardware warranty is provided, covering defects in materials and workmanship for all core components—including the RF generator, quadrupole assembly, detector, and vacuum system—under normal laboratory operating conditions.
Are original PerkinElmer service manuals and software licenses included?
Yes. Full documentation set—including operator manuals, maintenance guides, and a legally licensed copy of Elan software (v3.4 or higher)—is delivered with the system. Software activation requires direct registration with PerkinElmer or authorized distributor.
Can this system be integrated into an existing laboratory information management system (LIMS)?
The Elan software supports ODBC-compliant data export and can be interfaced with validated LIMS platforms via custom scripting or middleware solutions compliant with ASTM E1482 or ISO/IEC 17025 data exchange requirements.
Does SpectraLab offer application support or method development assistance?
Yes. Technical specialists provide remote consultation for method setup, troubleshooting, and optimization—particularly for EPA, ISO, and pharmacopeial methods—as part of post-purchase support. On-site training and IQ/OQ services are available upon request.