Waters ACQUITY UPC2 System with QDa Mass Detector

Overview

The Waters ACQUITY UPC2 System with QDa Mass Detector is a pre-owned, fully tested ultra-high-performance convergence chromatography platform engineered for high-resolution separation of challenging analytes that are poorly resolved by conventional LC or GC methods. UPC2—UltraPerformance Convergence Chromatography—represents a distinct chromatographic modality that leverages supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) as the primary mobile phase, combined with precisely controlled co-solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol) and elevated pressure/temperature regulation. This enables unique selectivity for chiral compounds, lipids, polymers, thermally labile molecules, and highly hydrophobic substances. Unlike traditional SFC systems, the ACQUITY UPC2 integrates UPLC-grade fluidic architecture—including low-dispersion binary solvent manager (BSM), high-precision sample manager (SM), column manager (CM-A), and fusion manager—to deliver exceptional retention time reproducibility (<0.1% RSD), narrow peak widths (<2 s FWHM), and rapid column re-equilibration (<1 min). The integrated Waters QDa mass detector employs atmospheric pressure ionization (API) with single-quadrupole mass filtering, providing nominal mass accuracy (±0.1 Da), unit mass resolution, and real-time mass-triggered data acquisition. The system operates under full MassLynx software control, enabling seamless method transfer, peak tracking, and library-based compound identification.

Key Features

• Pre-owned ACQUITY UPC2 platform with full hardware configuration: BSM, SM, CM-A, Fusion Manager, Solvent Tray Module, System Startup Kit, and Solvent Leak Sensor
• Integrated Waters QDa single-quadrupole mass spectrometer with ESI/APCI dual-source capability and mass range up to m/z 1200
• Supercritical CO₂-based mobile phase delivery with dynamic back-pressure regulation (40–600 bar operating range)
• Injection volume programmability from 0.5 µL to 10 µL, with loopless injection and column-matched volume optimization to minimize carryover and sample loss
• Column temperature control (5–85 °C) and precise co-solvent gradient programming (0–100% in <1 min)
• Full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11-ready audit trail functionality when deployed with validated MassLynx v4.2 or later
• Rigorously tested and certified by SpectraLab Scientific; includes complete operational verification report and baseline performance qualification (PQ) data

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ACQUITY UPC2–QDa system is validated for analysis of structurally diverse, non-volatile, and semi-volatile compounds including enantiomers (via chiral stationary phases), natural product extracts, synthetic polymers (e.g., PEGs, polyacrylates), oxidized lipids, and small-molecule pharmaceutical impurities. It meets key regulatory expectations for method development and QC use: ASTM D7955-15 (for polymer characterization), ISO 17025-compliant instrument qualification documentation is available upon request, and all firmware/software versions conform to Waters’ current GxP support lifecycle. The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through secure user access controls, electronic signatures, and full audit trail logging in MassLynx.

Software & Data Management

Controlled exclusively via Waters MassLynx software (v4.2 or higher), the system provides unified method building, real-time mass spectral display, extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) generation, and automated peak integration. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in open-format .u2 format compatible with third-party processing tools (e.g., UNIFI, Compound Discoverer, OpenMS). All acquisitions include embedded metadata (instrument parameters, calibration status, operator ID, timestamp), satisfying ALCOA+ principles. Optional UNIFI Scientific Information System integration enables centralized data archiving, cross-platform search, and automated reporting per ICH M10 guidelines.

Applications

• Chiral purity assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) without derivatization
• Rapid lipidomic profiling of biological matrices (plasma, tissue) using HILIC-UPC2–QDa coupling
• Impurity identification and quantification in synthetic intermediates where LC–MS suffers from poor ionization or co-elution
• High-throughput screening of catalyst performance in asymmetric synthesis
• Characterization of polymer dispersity (Đ) and end-group analysis via UPC2–QDa hyphenation
• Stability-indicating assays for thermally sensitive biologics and peptides

FAQ

Is this system eligible for extended warranty or service contract?

Yes—SpectraLab Scientific offers optional post-warranty support plans including remote diagnostics, on-site preventive maintenance, and priority parts replacement.
Does the system include original Waters documentation and calibration certificates?

Yes—each unit ships with full OEM manuals, factory calibration reports, PQ summary, and SpectraLab’s Certificate of Functional Verification.
Can the QDa be upgraded to a Xevo TQ-S or SYNAPT G2-Si in the future?

No—the QDa is a dedicated single-quadrupole detector; however, the UPC2 platform retains full API source compatibility, allowing direct replacement with other Waters MS detectors via standard interface modules.
What consumables are included with the system?

Standard startup kit includes CO₂-compatible frits, seal kits, capillary tubing, and one set of recommended chiral columns (e.g., ACQUITY UPC2 BEH 2-EP, CHIRALPAK AD-H).
Is method transfer support provided?

Yes—SpectraLab provides complimentary method migration assistance from legacy SFC or LC platforms, including gradient translation, parameter optimization, and validation guidance per USP .