The Agilent 5975 Inert MSD is the latest upgrade from the 5973 Inert MSD, Agilent's previous benchtop GC/MS. The 5975 incorporates a backwards compatibility feature in which researchers can download new application solutions from Agilent's website and import them directly into the instrument, a concept called eMethods.
With eMethods, analysts can also transfer their existing 5973 series MSD methods to the new 5975 inert MSD with a software upgrade. With laboratories around the world developing techniques to meet individual research requirements, these methods can be applied to other areas of research or can assist laboratories working on similar projects.
Laboratories working independently may develop the same detection method, overlapping each lab's work and slowing the overall advancement of the research. By sharing detection methods, laboratories can use other techniques to speed individual research. Normally, such collaboration requires labour-intensive manual creation of application methods, taking time away from ongoing research.
The Agilent 5975 Inert MSD has a redesigned hyperbolic mass analyser with a higher mass range capability, providing data for higher mass applications such as environmental detection of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of chemicals used as flame retardants. It also includes a new vacuum system that pumps hydrogen and helium carrier gas more efficiently.
The design of the hyperbolic mass analyser uses a combination of patented and proprietary technologies, the quadrupole features an engineered monolithic quartz structure, which makes up a true hyperbolic form. Quartz has one of the lowest thermal expansions of all materials available, yielding excellent dimensional stability across a large temperature range. The results are better resolution and mass axis stability regardless of laboratory temperature fluctuations.
The hyperbolic electrode surfaces are developed from semiconductor metallisation technology coupled with multilayers of titanium composite and thick and thin gold films. As the gold conductors have excellent electrical conductivity without undesirable oxidation typical of metal quadrupoles, this ultimately means minimal cleaning.
With a new flow-control system that automatically adjusts reagent gas flow and allows automated tuning of the ion source, the Agilent 5975 makes chemical ionisation as routine as electron impact ionisation, while improving overall sensitivity.
The system also has a new acquisition mode that allows users to obtain synchronous SIM (selected ion monitoring) data and full-scan data with no loss in sensitivity. When combined with Agilent's Deconvolution Reporting Software and industry-specific compound databases, this feature yields a solution for identification of unknown compounds.
"EMethods allows researchers to tap into Agilent's wealth of application knowledge in a new and efficient way, unlocking the power of their own customised applications," said James Yano, GC/MS marketing manager of Agilent's chemical analysis solutions unit.
"By providing a quicker, more productive and error-free process for importing and sharing applications, eMethods maximises GC/MS productivity," he added.
The Agilent 5975 Inert MSD is expected to be available this month. Further information is available at Agilent's website.