Waters ACQUITY SQD Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters ACQUITY SQD Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer is a purpose-built, high-performance detection system engineered for seamless integration with the ACQUITY H-Class UltraPerformance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) platform. Operating on quadrupole mass filtering principles, the SQD employs radiofrequency (RF) and direct current (DC) voltage scanning to selectively transmit ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). Its design prioritizes robustness, reproducibility, and operational simplicity—making it ideal for routine quantitative and qualitative LC/MS analysis in regulated and non-regulated laboratories. The instrument leverages Waters’ proprietary ZSpray™ dual orthogonal ion source architecture to minimize matrix effects and maximize ion transmission efficiency. With a mass range spanning 20–10000 Da and scan speeds up to 10,000 Da/sec, the SQD resolves narrow UPLC peaks (<5 sec width at base) without sacrificing spectral fidelity or duty cycle. Its ESCi (Electrospray/APCI Combined Ionization) capability enables polarity-switching within a single injection—critical for comprehensive profiling of diverse analytes ranging from small-molecule pharmaceuticals to polar metabolites.

Key Features

• Single quadrupole mass analyzer with real-time RF/DC tuning for stable mass calibration and high mass accuracy (±0.1 Da typical over 24 h)
• ZSpray™ dual orthogonal ion source: reduces neutral background, improves signal-to-noise ratio, and enhances robustness against moderate sample matrix interference
• ESCi technology: simultaneous ESI and APCI ionization with automated polarity switching—no hardware reconfiguration required between runs
• IntelliStart™ diagnostic software: performs automated system checks—including vacuum integrity, detector gain, and ion optic alignment—prior to acquisition
• Compact footprint (≤0.5 m²) with integrated vacuum pump; designed for benchtop deployment in space-constrained QC or research labs
• Full compatibility with ACQUITY H-Class modules: QSM (Quaternary Solvent Manager), SM-FTN (Sample Manager–Flow Through Needle), CM-A (Column Manager), and PDA (Photodiode Array) detector
• Optional APPI (Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization) source available for low-polarity compound analysis

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ACQUITY SQD supports broad sample applicability across pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, and academic research domains. It accommodates aqueous, organic, and mixed-solvent mobile phases commonly used in reversed-phase, HILIC, and ion-pairing UPLC methods. Sample introduction is compatible with standard 2–5 µL loop injections and column diameters from 1.0 mm to 2.1 mm ID. From a regulatory standpoint, the system meets foundational requirements for method validation per ICH Q2(R2) and supports data integrity workflows when operated with Empower 3 (configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance) or MassLynx with audit trail logging enabled. All refurbished units undergo full functional verification per Waters-recommended performance specifications—including resolution (≥0.7 Da at m/z 556), sensitivity (1 pg reserpine, S/N ≥ 50:1), and retention time stability (<0.02 min RSD over 10 injections).

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are supported via two primary platforms: MassLynx (v4.2 or later) for method development, peak integration, and spectral library searching; and Empower 3 (with MS Extension) for fully integrated chromatographic and mass spectrometric data handling in GxP environments. Both platforms provide secure user access controls, electronic signatures, and full audit trail functionality. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in vendor-neutral formats compatible with third-party processing tools (e.g., Compound Discoverer, Progenesis QI). Optional application toolkits—including TargetLynx (quantitation), QuanLynx (multi-analyte calibration), and MetaboLynx (metabolite identification)—extend analytical scope without requiring additional instrumentation.

Applications

• Routine quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and impurities per USP and EP 2.2.46 guidelines
• Stability-indicating method development for forced degradation studies
• Residue analysis in food and agricultural commodities (e.g., pesticide screening per EU SANTE/11945/2015)
• Metabolite identification in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies
• Quality control of synthetic intermediates and final drug substances
• Environmental contaminant monitoring (e.g., PFAS, pharmaceuticals in wastewater)

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This ACQUITY SQD system has been comprehensively refurbished and performance-validated by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified service engineers using OEM-specified protocols and original Waters spare parts.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each unit ships with a full Certificate of Performance Verification, detailed service history log, updated firmware version report, and complete set of operator manuals (electronic and printed).
Can the system be configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when deployed with Empower 3 (MS Extension) and appropriate IT infrastructure (e.g., domain authentication, backup servers), the system supports electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control per FDA requirements.
Is remote support available post-installation?
SpectraLab Scientific provides 6 months of included remote technical assistance, including method troubleshooting, software configuration guidance, and preventive maintenance scheduling.
Are consumables and spare parts included?
Standard consumables (e.g., ESI/APCI probes, capillary tubing, frits) are not included but are available separately through our global supply chain; critical spares (e.g., detector dynodes, RF rods) are stocked for expedited replacement.