Thermo Fisher Scientific XSeries II ICP-MS (Refurbished)

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Scientific XSeries II ICP-MS is a high-performance, compact inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer engineered for ultra-trace elemental and isotopic analysis across environmental, geochemical, clinical, nuclear, semiconductor, and materials science laboratories. Utilizing quadrupole mass filtering coupled with a robust RF-driven argon plasma ion source, the system achieves sub-ppt detection limits through optimized ion transmission, low-noise detection electronics, and advanced interference mitigation strategies. Its compact footprint—among the smallest in its class—enables deployment in space-constrained cleanrooms or multi-instrument labs without compromising analytical capability. The instrument operates on the fundamental principle of atomization, ionization, mass separation, and quantitative ion counting: liquid samples are nebulized into fine aerosols, desolvated and vaporized in a 7,000–10,000 K Ar plasma, ionized to >70% efficiency, mass-resolved by a high-transmission quadrupole, and detected by a dual-mode electron multiplier (analog/digital). All refurbished units undergo full OEM-equivalent recalibration, vacuum integrity verification, detector aging assessment, and performance validation against certified reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 3100 series).

Key Features

• Third-generation ORS3™ collision/reaction cell operating exclusively in helium mode—eliminates polyatomic interferences (e.g., ⁴⁰Ar¹⁶O⁺, ⁴⁰Ar¹⁶O¹H⁺) without reactive gases or complex tuning.
• Digital frequency-synthesized ICP generator with real-time impedance matching—ensures stable plasma ignition and sustained operation with organic solvents (e.g., methanol, hexane) and high-TDS matrices (≥3% w/v).
• HMI (High Matrix Introduction) interface with shielded sampler and skimmer cones—minimizes cone clogging and signal drift during prolonged analysis of seawater, brines, or digested biological tissues.
• ISIS-DS (Integrated Sample Introduction System – Dual Stage) for rapid washout (<5 s) and high sample throughput (up to 60 samples/hour with autosampler).
• Mass range of 2–260 amu with unit-mass resolution and programmable peak-hopping acquisition—supports simultaneous monitoring of isotopes from light (Li, Be) to heavy (U, Pu) elements.
• Abundance sensitivity of 5 × 10⁻⁷ (low-mass) and 1 × 10⁻⁷ (high-mass)—critical for accurate isotope ratio measurements in nuclear forensics and geochronology.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XSeries II accommodates aqueous standards, acid-digested geological/biological samples, laser ablation aerosols (via optional LA interface), and chromatographic effluents (HPLC-ICP-MS). It meets ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for testing laboratories when operated under documented SOPs. Data integrity complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when MassHunter is configured with electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control. Routine performance verification follows ASTM D5673 (water analysis), ISO 17294-2 (wastewater), and USP <232>/<233> (elemental impurities in pharmaceuticals). All refurbished systems include traceable calibration certificates aligned with NIST-traceable standards and GLP-compliant maintenance logs.

Software & Data Management

Controlled exclusively via Thermo Scientific MassHunter Workstation software (v10.2 or later), the system supports method development, real-time QA/QC monitoring (e.g., internal standard recovery, oxide/doubly charged ratios), automated drift correction, and customizable reporting templates. Audit trail functionality records all user actions—including parameter changes, data reprocessing, and report generation—with immutable timestamps and operator IDs. Raw data (.d files) are stored in vendor-neutral formats compatible with third-party statistical tools (e.g., R, Python pandas). Batch processing supports ISO-compliant uncertainty propagation per GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement).

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Quantification of As, Cd, Pb, U in drinking water per EPA Method 200.8 and EU Directive 2020/2184.
• Geochemistry: Precise ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁷Sr and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios for radiometric dating using TIMS-calibrated bracketing protocols.
• Pharmaceutical quality control: Elemental impurity screening in APIs and excipients per ICH Q3D guidelines.
• Semiconductor metrology: Sub-ppq detection of transition metals (Fe, Cu, Ni) on silicon wafers using ultrapure rinse water blanks.
• Nuclear safeguards: Isotopic fingerprinting of uranium enrichment (²³⁵U/²³⁸U) and plutonium age determination (²⁴¹Pu/²⁴¹Am).

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
All XSeries II systems are refurbished by an ISO 9001-certified service provider authorized by Thermo Fisher Scientific, following OEM technical bulletins and using genuine Thermo replacement components (cones, torches, pumps, detectors).

What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each shipment includes a full refurbishment report, performance verification data (sensitivity, DLs, oxide/doubly charged ratios), NIST-traceable calibration certificate, MassHunter license transfer documentation, and 12-month parts-and-labor warranty.

Can the system be integrated with HPLC or LA systems?
Yes—the XSeries II features native support for Thermo’s Vanquish UHPLC and UP215 Laser Ablation systems via dedicated interface modules and synchronized timing protocols.

Does the quoted price include installation and training?
The base price covers instrument delivery, mechanical/electrical commissioning, and remote MassHunter software training. On-site application-specific training and method transfer services are available at additional cost.