Shimadzu GCMS QP-5000 Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry System (Refurbished)

Overview

The Shimadzu GCMS QP-5000 is a second-generation quadrupole gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system originally introduced in the late 1990s for routine qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Engineered for robustness and analytical reproducibility, the QP-5000 integrates a dedicated Shimadzu GC-17A gas chromatograph with a compact, air-cooled quadrupole mass spectrometer featuring electron ionization (EI) and optional chemical ionization (CI) capability. The system operates under high-vacuum conditions maintained by a dual-stage rotary vane pump and diffusion pump assembly, enabling stable ion transmission and consistent mass spectral fidelity across extended run times. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation—including retention time stability, mass calibration accuracy (per NIST SRM 1983 or equivalent), detector sensitivity (using decafluorotriphenylphosphine, DFTPP), and peak area reproducibility—conforming to performance criteria aligned with ASTM D5845 and ISO 17025 technical requirements for used instrumentation.

Key Features

• Integrated Shimadzu GC-17A capillary gas chromatograph with programmable temperature ramping (oven range: 4–450 °C, ramp rate up to 100 °C/min)
• QP-5000 quadrupole mass spectrometer with EI source, mass range 10–800 m/z, unit mass resolution, and scan speed up to 2,000 amu/sec
• Real-time data acquisition and processing via Shimadzu’s original ClassAnalyst™ software (v3.x or compatible), supporting SIM, SCAN, and TIC modes
• Fully refurbished vacuum system including diffusion pump, cold trap, and pressure monitoring gauges; verified base pressure ≤5×10⁻⁶ Torr
• Ion source cleaned, alignment optimized, and electron multiplier gain calibrated prior to shipment
• Benchtop configuration with integrated power conditioning, EMI shielding, and standardized RS-232/IEEE-488 interfaces

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GCMS QP-5000 supports analysis of thermally stable compounds with boiling points below ~350 °C, including pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, hydrocarbons, flavor/aroma volatiles, and environmental contaminants. It accommodates standard 0.25–0.53 mm ID fused-silica capillary columns (e.g., DB-5ms, HP-5MS) and accepts split/splitless injection, on-column, and PTV inlet configurations. All refurbishment procedures follow documented work instructions traceable to ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.6 (Equipment), and post-refurbishment verification reports include mass axis calibration, sensitivity verification at m/z 69 and 219 (DFTPP), and system suitability testing per USP . While not certified for GMP environments without additional qualification, the system meets baseline requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories conducting method development, environmental screening, and academic research.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed through Shimadzu ClassAnalyst™ software, which provides method setup, real-time spectral display, library search (NIST/EPA/WHOLIS), and quantitative report generation. Data files (.qgd format) are stored locally on the included Windows-based control PC and support export to CSV, TXT, and ANDI/NetCDF formats for third-party processing. Audit trail functionality is limited to manual logbook entries per original firmware capabilities; for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, users must implement supplemental electronic record controls (e.g., validated LIMS integration or document management systems). Software licensing is perpetual and transferable upon refurbishment certification.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: detection and quantification of VOCs and SVOCs in soil, water, and air matrices per EPA Methods 8260/8270
• Food safety: pesticide residue screening in fruits, vegetables, and beverages
• Forensic toxicology: identification of drugs of abuse and metabolites in biological fluids
• Polymer additive profiling: characterization of plasticizers, antioxidants, and flame retardants
• Academic research: reaction monitoring, natural product isolation, and synthetic compound verification

FAQ

Is this instrument eligible for IQ/OQ/PQ documentation support?
Yes — we provide customizable installation and operational qualification templates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A. Performance qualification must be conducted by the end user using matrix-matched standards.
What consumables are included with the system?
One set of GC inlet septa, two deactivated glass liners, one 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm DB-5ms column, and a full set of ion source cleaning tools are supplied.
Can the system be upgraded to modern data systems?
ClassAnalyst™ is not natively compatible with current Windows OS versions beyond Windows 7 SP1; virtualization or legacy hardware deployment is recommended for long-term operation.
Is remote diagnostics supported?
No native remote access is built into the QP-5000 firmware; however, secure remote desktop sessions may be established via the host PC if network policies permit.
How is vacuum integrity verified pre-shipment?
Vacuum hold-down tests are performed over 24 hours; pressure rise rate must remain below 1×10⁻⁵ Torr/hr after stabilization at operating temperature.