Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris™ 120 Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris™ 120 is a compact, high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) system engineered for routine and targeted quantitative analysis in regulated and discovery-oriented laboratories. It leverages the proven electrostatic orbital trapping (Orbitrap) mass analyzer technology—capable of resolving power up to 120,000 FWHM at m/z 200—to deliver accurate mass measurement, high mass accuracy, and robust isotopic fidelity. Unlike time-of-flight (TOF) or quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) platforms, the Orbitrap operates on frequency-domain detection of ion oscillation, enabling inherent stability, low mass drift, and superior long-term reproducibility without reliance on real-time external calibration during acquisition. The system integrates seamlessly with Thermo’s Vanquish UHPLC platforms and is designed for daily operation in QC, clinical research, environmental testing, and pharmaceutical impurity profiling workflows where consistent data quality and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Resolution up to 120,000 FWHM at m/z 200—enabling confident compound identification and isobaric separation in complex matrices.
• Scan speed of up to 22 Hz in full-scan mode and polarity switching capability at 1.4 Hz—supporting high-throughput LC gradients and dual-polarity acquisition within a single run.
• EASY-IC (Electrospray Ionization Internal Calibration) source enables continuous mass calibration with drift <1 ppm over 5 days—reducing recalibration frequency and minimizing downtime.
• Redesigned ion optics path and enhanced high-field Orbitrap analyzer—improving signal-to-noise ratio, duty cycle efficiency, and transmission across broad m/z ranges (typically 50–4000 Da).
• Compact footprint—approximately 50% smaller than the Orbitrap QE series—optimized for space-constrained laboratories without compromising vacuum integrity or thermal stability.
• Robust front-end architecture featuring self-cleaning ion transfer optics and reduced surface area exposure—minimizing carryover and contamination from high-abundance or non-volatile samples.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Orbitrap Exploris 120 supports direct coupling with reversed-phase, HILIC, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion LC methods. It accommodates flow rates from 50 nL/min to 1 mL/min and interfaces with standard ESI, APCI, and optional nano-ESI sources. All hardware and firmware comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives (EN 61326-1). Data acquisition and processing adhere to ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and support audit-trail-enabled workflows aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO/IEC 17025, and GLP/GMP documentation requirements when deployed with Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS and Compound Discoverer software.

Software & Data Management

Control and data processing are managed via Thermo Scientific Tune and Xcalibur software (v4.5 or later), providing method setup wizards, automated calibration routines, and customizable reporting templates. The system includes preconfigured application-specific methods—including small-molecule quantitation, pesticide screening, and metabolite ID—for rapid deployment. Raw data files (.raw) are compatible with open-source tools (e.g., MSConvert, Skyline) and commercial platforms (e.g., SimGlycan, LipidSearch). All software modules support role-based user access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—ensuring traceability from acquisition through final report generation.

Applications

• Targeted quantitative analysis of pharmaceuticals and metabolites in biological matrices (plasma, urine, tissue extracts)
• Residue monitoring in food and environmental samples per EU SANTE/2023/12587 and EPA Method 1694 guidelines
• Impurity profiling and forced degradation studies compliant with ICH Q3B(R2)
• High-confidence structural elucidation in natural product chemistry and synthetic chemistry labs
• Method transfer from legacy triple-quadrupole or Q-TOF platforms—leveraging identical sample preparation and LC conditions

FAQ

Is the Orbitrap Exploris 120 manufactured entirely in the U.S.?
No. This instrument is domestically assembled in Shanghai under Thermo Fisher’s global quality management system (ISO 9001 certified), with core components—including the Orbitrap mass analyzer, RF drivers, and vacuum subsystems—sourced from Thermo Fisher facilities in Bremen (Germany) and San Jose (USA).
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out of the box?
Yes—when configured with Chromeleon CDS v7.3.3 or later, enabled audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and appropriate IT infrastructure controls.
What is the typical mass accuracy performance under routine operation?
With EASY-IC active, mass accuracy remains ≤1 ppm RMS error over 5-day unattended operation using internal lock mass correction; external calibration yields ≤0.5 ppm with standard tuning mix.
Can the instrument be upgraded to higher resolution or faster scan speeds in the future?
No. Resolution and scan speed are hardware-defined by the Orbitrap analyzer design and RF electronics; the Exploris 120 is a fixed-specification platform optimized for balance between performance, reliability, and cost-of-ownership.
Is service and technical support available locally in EMEA/APAC regions?
Yes—Thermo Fisher maintains certified field service engineers and application specialists across major markets, including dedicated support centers in Shanghai, Munich, Tokyo, and Singapore.