Single Quadrupole Mass Detectors (SQ) in GC/MS

Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques for the separation, identification, and quantification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. At the heart of most benchtop GC/MS systems lies the single quadrupole (SQ) mass detector, also known as a mass selective detector (MSD).

What is a Single Quadrupole Detector?

A quadrupole mass spectrometer consists of four precisely aligned metal rods that create oscillating electric fields. Ions generated in the ion source are filtered by the quadrupole depending on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). Only ions of a selected m/z value reach the detector at any given time, enabling selective ion monitoring (SIM) as well as full scan acquisition.

Main Components of a SQ GC/MSD

• Ion Source – commonly electron ionization (EI) or chemical ionization (CI), where analyte molecules are ionized.
• Quadrupole Mass Filter – four rods generating alternating RF/DC voltages, allowing passage of ions with a specific m/z.
• Detector – typically an electron multiplier that amplifies ion signals into measurable currents.
• Vacuum System – turbomolecular and roughing pumps that maintain high vacuum for ion transmission.
• Electronics & Control – power supplies, RF/DC generators, and data system software.

Advantages of Single Quadrupole Detectors

• Robustness and reliability – decades of proven performance in routine laboratories.
• High sensitivity – suitable for trace analysis in complex matrices.
• Versatility – applicable across environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and forensic fields.
• Ease of use – streamlined hardware design with wide support for software and service.
• Cost efficiency – more affordable compared to high-resolution or tandem mass spectrometry systems.

Typical Applications

• Environmental analysis (e.g., VOCs, pesticides, dioxins)
• Food safety (residues, contaminants, flavors)
• Pharmaceutical QC and impurity profiling
• Petrochemical characterization
• Forensic and toxicological investigations

Available Bazaar Systems and Accessories

1. Agilent 5977 GC/MS System (Refurbished)

Reliable, versatile GC/MS system designed for environmental, food, chemical, petrochemical, and forensic applications. Combines advanced GC and MS technologies for high sensitivity.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

2. Agilent 5975 (G3171A) Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Robust GC/MSD with high precision and reliability, widely used in environmental, food safety, pharma, and forensic labs.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

LabRulez : Agilent 5975 (G3171A) Mass Spectrometer

3. Agilent 5973 GC/MS System (Refurbished)

Versatile system offering sensitivity, reliability, and flexibility for a wide application range.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

4. Agilent 5977B HES Analyzer, G7077-67797 (Tested)

Replacement analyzer assembly with High-Efficiency Source (HES) for Agilent 5977B GC/MSD. Increases sensitivity for trace analysis.

• Price: €6,875.00
• Detailed offer can be found here
• Two pieces available - details of the second item can be found here

5. Agilent 5977 EI Extraction Analyzer, G7077-69201 (Tested)

Analyzer assembly designed for electron ionization (EI) in Agilent 5977 systems.

• Price: €6,875.00
• Detailed offer can be found here

6. Agilent Electron Ionization (EI) Extraction Source Assembly, G3870-67720 (New)

EI source assembly for Agilent 5977 and 7000 series GC/MS systems.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

7. Agilent 7890A/5975C GC/MSD (G3440A/G3174A) (Refurbished)

Configured system with 7890A GC and 5975C MSD plus GC PAL autosampler.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

LabRulez: Agilent 7890A/5975C GC/MSD (G3440A/G3174A)

8. Agilent 6890N/5973N GC/MSD System (SSL, PTV, FID) (Refurbished)

Advanced GC/MSD system with multiple inlets (SSL, PTV), detectors (FID, MSD). Designed for complex matrices in environmental, pharma, and petrochemical labs.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

9. Agilent GC/MSD (6850/5975B) Purge and Trap System (Refurbished)

Special configuration of 6850 GC and 5975B MSD with purge and trap for volatile organic compound analysis.

• Price: on request
• Detailed offer can be found here

LabRulez: Agilent GC/MSD (6850/5975B) Purge and Trap System