Waters Micromas LCT Premier XE Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters Micromas LCT Premier XE is a high-performance orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oa-TOF) mass spectrometer designed for high-resolution, accurate-mass analysis in conjunction with liquid chromatography (LC-MS) or direct infusion workflows. Engineered for robustness and reproducibility, the LCT Premier XE delivers sub-ppm mass accuracy (< 2 ppm RMS over m/z 50–2000), resolving power exceeding 10,000 FWHM (full width at half maximum) at m/z 500, and fast acquisition rates up to 10 spectra per second. Its dual-stage reflectron design, microchannel plate (MCP) detector, and thermally stabilized flight tube ensure consistent performance across extended operational cycles. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration facility, including vacuum integrity testing, mass calibration verification using sodium formate and cesium iodide standards, and sensitivity assessment via reserpine infusion (S/N ≥ 50:1 at 100 fg on-column). All critical subsystems—including the electrospray ionization (ESI) source, RF-only quadrupole collision cell, and TOF analyzer—have been inspected, cleaned, and requalified per Waters’ service protocols.

Key Features

• Orthogonal acceleration TOF architecture enabling high mass resolution and accurate mass measurement without scanning limitations
• Integrated ESI and APCI sources with active temperature control and gas flow optimization for stable ion generation
• Wide dynamic range (> 4 orders of magnitude) supported by analog-to-digital conversion with 16-bit resolution
• Real-time lockmass correction using internal or external reference compounds (e.g., leucine enkephalin) for long-duration LC-MS runs
• Modular design facilitating rapid source exchange and maintenance with minimal downtime
• Compliance-ready firmware supporting audit trail logging, user access controls, and electronic signature capability in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated MassLynx configurations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LCT Premier XE accommodates a broad range of sample types, including small molecules (pharmaceutical actives, metabolites), peptides, oligonucleotides, and synthetic polymers. It interfaces seamlessly with Waters ACQUITY UPLC systems and third-party HPLC platforms via standard LC-MS coupling hardware. All refurbished units are verified against key international standards: mass accuracy and resolution meet ASTM E2383-17 requirements for high-resolution mass spectrometry; ion transmission efficiency is benchmarked per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.9.1; and software operation conforms to GLP-compliant data handling practices when used with validated MassLynx 4.1+ environments. Documentation includes full traceability records, calibration certificates, and a Certificate of Reconditioning signed by a Waters-certified service engineer.

Software & Data Management

Controlled exclusively through Waters MassLynx software (v4.1 or higher), the system supports comprehensive data acquisition, processing, and reporting. Key capabilities include centroid and profile mode acquisition, automatic peak detection, elemental composition assignment (using UNIFI-compatible algorithms), and spectral deconvolution for multiply charged species. Raw data files (.raw) are fully compatible with third-party tools such as Progenesis QI, Compound Discoverer, and OpenMS. Audit trail functionality logs all user actions—including method edits, acquisition start/stop events, and calibration updates—with timestamps and operator IDs. Data integrity is preserved via write-once-read-many (WORM) archive support and optional integration with networked LIMS environments meeting 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.

Applications

This instrument is routinely deployed in regulated and research laboratories for applications requiring unambiguous molecular identification and structural characterization. Typical use cases include impurity profiling in pharmaceutical development (ICH Q3B), metabolite identification in ADME studies, peptide mapping in biopharmaceutical quality control, polymer end-group analysis, and environmental contaminant screening (e.g., PFAS, pesticides). Its ability to acquire full-spectrum data without duty cycle loss makes it especially valuable for non-targeted screening and retrospective data mining—enabling re-interrogation of archived datasets as new hypotheses emerge.

FAQ

Is the MassLynx software license included and transferable?
Yes—the license is transferable under Waters’ current End User License Agreement (EULA) for refurbished instruments, subject to registration with Waters Support.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
A complete package includes the Certificate of Reconditioning, calibration report, test spectra (reserpine, sodium formate), vacuum leak test record, and updated service history log.
Can this system be integrated with my existing UPLC or HPLC platform?
Yes—standard LC-MS interface components (e.g., ESI source housing, capillary connections, and synchronization cables) are included and configured for compatibility with Waters ACQUITY, Alliance, and most major third-party LC systems.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts and labor globally?
The warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship within the first six months post-delivery. On-site service is available in North America, Western Europe, and select APAC regions; remote diagnostics and depot repair options apply elsewhere.
Are consumables and spare parts still available from Waters?
Yes—Waters continues to supply all critical consumables (e.g., ESI needles, MCP detectors, flight tube gaskets) and spares for the LCT Premier XE under its legacy product support program through 2027.