Waters ACQUITY TQD Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters ACQUITY TQD is a high-performance, triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system engineered for robust, high-sensitivity quantitative analysis in regulated and research environments. Designed specifically to complement the ultra-high-pressure performance of ACQUITY UPLC platforms, the TQD employs a dual-quadrupole mass filter architecture—Q1 and Q3—with an RF-only collision cell (Q2) enabling precise precursor ion selection, fragmentation, and product ion detection. Its ZSpray™ atmospheric pressure ion source delivers stable electrospray (ESI) and optional APCI operation across diverse compound classes, including polar metabolites, peptides, small-molecule pharmaceuticals, and environmental contaminants. The system operates under vacuum conditions maintained by a dedicated oil-free or turbomolecular pump assembly and achieves sub-picomolar limit-of-quantitation (LOQ) in validated bioanalytical workflows. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional verification—including mass calibration, resolution assessment, sensitivity validation using caffeine and reserpine, and dwell-time optimization—per SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-informed refurbishment standard.

Key Features

• Triple quadrupole mass analyzer with unit-mass resolution in both Q1 and Q3, supporting multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), selected reaction monitoring (SRM), and enhanced product ion (EPI) scanning
• ZSpray™ ion source with interchangeable ESI and APCI probes, temperature-controlled desolvation gas, and adjustable capillary voltage for optimal ion transmission
• Integrated ACQUITY UPLC front-end: Sample Manager–FTN (with 40-position refrigerated tray), Quaternary Solvent Manager (QSM), and Column Heater CH-30A (ambient to 150°C)
• Dual-data acquisition capability via MassLynx and Empower 3 software—enabling concurrent LC method control, real-time MRM quantification, and post-run spectral review
• Automated system suitability checks, including mass axis calibration, detector gain adjustment, and source cleanliness diagnostics
• Compact benchtop footprint (80 cm × 65 cm × 60 cm) suitable for GMP-compliant laboratories with space constraints

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ACQUITY TQD supports broad sample compatibility across biological matrices (plasma, serum, urine, tissue homogenates), food extracts, environmental water/sludge digests, and pharmaceutical formulations. It meets instrumental requirements for USP , ICH Q2(R2), and FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance. When operated with Empower 3 in 21 CFR Part 11-compliant mode—including electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and user access controls—the system satisfies GLP and GMP data integrity standards. All refurbished units include documented evidence of system suitability testing (SST), carry a traceable serial-number log, and are verified against ASTM D7595-22 (standard practice for LC-MS/MS performance verification).

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are managed through two complementary platforms: MassLynx 4.2 (or later) for instrument control, tune parameter optimization, and qualitative MS/MS interpretation; and Empower 3 Feature Release 3 (or later) for validated quantitative workflows, peak integration, calibration curve generation, and report export in PDF/CSV formats. The included LAC/E32 acquisition server provides deterministic data streaming at up to 20 Hz scan speed during MRM transitions. Audit trails record all method changes, calibration events, and user logins—retained for ≥36 months as required by regulatory inspection protocols. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in vendor-neutral format compatible with third-party reprocessing tools (e.g., Skyline, Compound Discoverer).

Applications

This system is routinely deployed in pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies, clinical biomarker quantification, residue analysis in agricultural commodities (EU MRL compliance), endocrine disruptor screening in wastewater, forensic toxicology (opioids, stimulants, novel psychoactive substances), and stability-indicating assay development for biologics and small molecules. Its fast polarity switching (<20 ms), low chemical noise floor, and reproducible response factors (RSD 100 samples/day.

FAQ

Is this instrument fully calibrated and certified prior to shipment?
Yes. Each ACQUITY TQD undergoes comprehensive factory-level recalibration, including mass accuracy (<±0.1 Da), resolution (≥5,000 FWHM at m/z 556), and MRM sensitivity (≤5 fg on-column for verapamil), with documentation provided.
What software licenses are included?
MassLynx and Empower 3 licenses are pre-installed and activated for the instrument’s serial number. No additional subscription fees apply for basic acquisition and processing functions.
Can the system be configured for GLP/GMP compliance?
Yes—when deployed with Empower 3 in 21 CFR Part 11 mode, including role-based permissions, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails, it meets FDA and EMA expectations for regulated submissions.
What consumables and spare parts are supplied?
Standard startup kit includes ESI and APCI source components, column frits, solvent filters, tubing kits, and one set of calibration standards (caffeine, reserpine, sodium formate).
Do you offer installation and qualification support?
SpectraLab Scientific provides remote IQ/OQ assistance, including protocol templates, test scripts, and witnessed execution logs. On-site installation is available upon request at additional cost.