Waters Xevo G2-S QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters Xevo G2-S QTof is a high-performance, research-grade quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) tandem mass spectrometer engineered for untargeted and targeted analysis of chemically complex, low-abundance, and structurally diverse analytes. Combining a robust RF-driven quadrupole mass filter with an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight analyzer, the system delivers sub-ppm mass accuracy ( 35,000 FWHM (at m/z 556), and dynamic range exceeding 5 orders of magnitude — all while maintaining consistent sensitivity across extended acquisition windows. Its core architecture supports both data-independent acquisition (DIA) via MSE and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) workflows, enabling comprehensive molecular characterization in a single run. Designed for seamless integration with UPLC separation systems, the Xevo G2-S QTof is widely deployed in metabolomics, proteomics, impurity profiling, natural product discovery, and regulatory bioanalysis where high-fidelity mass spectral data and structural confidence are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• StepWave™ Ion Optics: Off-axis, stacked-ring ion guide technology that enhances ion transmission efficiency while minimizing in-source fragmentation and chemical noise — delivering sustained sensitivity (> 100 fg on-column reserpine S/N > 100:1) over multi-day sequences.
• QuanTof™ Analyzer: A high-stability TOF platform incorporating active temperature control and real-time mass calibration using lock mass correction (e.g., leucine enkephalin), ensuring long-term mass accuracy stability without manual recalibration.
• IntelliStart™ Automation: Fully automated system setup, tuning, and calibration routines executed via MassLynx software — reducing operator dependency and ensuring reproducible instrument readiness prior to each analytical batch.
• Universal Ion Source Architecture: Compatible with electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and optional sources including DESI, nano-ESI, and AP-MALDI — supporting broad application flexibility from small molecules to intact proteins.
• UPLC/MSE Integration: Native synchronization with ACQUITY H-Class UPLC enables retention-time-resolved, high-speed MSE acquisition (up to 1 Hz cycle time), generating both precursor and fragment ion spectra simultaneously for confident compound identification and quantification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Xevo G2-S QTof accommodates liquid samples introduced via standard ESI or APCI probes, as well as microflow, nanoflow, and direct-analysis configurations. It routinely analyzes polar and non-polar small molecules (100–2000 Da), peptides (up to 5 kDa), and post-translationally modified proteins under denaturing or native conditions. All refurbished units undergo full functional validation against ASTM E2918-20 (Standard Practice for Verification of Mass Spectrometer Performance) and meet baseline criteria for resolution, mass accuracy, sensitivity, and retention time stability. Systems are configured to support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails, electronic signatures, and secure user access controls when deployed in GLP/GMP environments.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by Waters MassLynx v4.2+ and compatible with UNIFI Scientific Information System, the platform supports end-to-end workflow management — from method development and acquisition to processing, annotation, and reporting. Key capabilities include: automatic peak detection and alignment across large sample cohorts; elemental composition prediction using isotopic fine structure; MS/MS spectral library searching (NIST, mzCloud, METLIN); and integration with third-party tools (e.g., Progenesis QI, Compound Discoverer, Skyline) via open .raw and .mzML export formats. Raw data files are stored in vendor-native format with embedded metadata, supporting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles.

Applications

• Untargeted metabolomic profiling in biological fluids, tissues, and cell lysates
• Peptide mapping, PTM localization, and top-down protein characterization
• Residual solvent and genotoxic impurity analysis per ICH Q3 guidelines
• Structural elucidation of unknown degradants in pharmaceutical stability studies
• Comprehensive lipidome analysis with class-specific fragmentation and retention time indexing
• Environmental contaminant screening (e.g., PFAS, pesticides, microplastics) at trace levels

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished and performance-validated?
Yes — each Xevo G2-S QTof undergoes complete disassembly, cleaning, component replacement (as needed), reassembly, and multi-point performance verification per Waters-recommended protocols. A full test report documenting resolution, mass accuracy, sensitivity, and calibration stability is provided with delivery.
What software licenses are included?
MassLynx v4.2 (or latest supported version) with full acquisition and processing modules is included. UNIFI license options are available separately; academic and commercial site licenses may be arranged upon request.
Can the system be upgraded to support ion mobility (IMS)?
The Xevo G2-S QTof platform is IMS-ready; however, the current configuration does not include the Synapt-compatible traveling wave ion mobility cell. Retrofit is technically feasible but requires factory service and additional hardware/software licensing.
What warranty and technical support are offered?
A 6-month limited warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship. Remote diagnostics and application support are provided by certified field service engineers during the warranty period. Extended service agreements (ESA) are available for multi-year coverage.
Are original consumables and documentation included?
All critical consumables (ion source components, calibration standards, capillaries) are replaced pre-shipment. Original user manuals, safety guides, and installation qualification (IQ) documentation are delivered digitally in English.