Agilent Technologies has released an easy-to-learn version of its ICP-MS Masshunter Workstation software for the 7700 series inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).
The company has also expanded its ICP-MS instrument platform with the Agilent 7700e ICP-MS, designed to deliver high-performance, routine elemental analysis at an affordable price.
The updated ICP-MS Masshunter Workstation provides an all-new interface for instrument control, method setup and sequencing on Agilent 7700 series ICP-MS systems.
It also introduces productivity and ease-of-use features such as a start-up scheduler and batch-and-queue sequence control.
Fewer screens and a flat user interface simplify menu navigation, and all essential information is at the operator's fingertips.
The result, according to Agilent Technologies, is software that is easy to learn and simple to operate.
A key feature of the ICP-MS Masshunter software is the use of preset methods, which allow users to choose from predefined sets of operating and acquisition conditions for the analysis of well-characterised sample types.
As well as defining the auto-tuning parameters and the plasma conditions to be used, the preset methods also preload the analyte list, select the internal standards, set the integration times and define the preferred cell mode and any correction equations required for each analyte.
The result is that many routine applications can be run without any manual tuning or method development, using consistent and optimum conditions regardless of the operator's expertise.
The 7700e is a new addition to the Agilent 7700 series ICP-MS family, developed with the emphasis on streamlined and simplified operation for common applications.
With commonly required software functionality and a standardised hardware configuration, the 7700e offers users access to high-performance ICP-MS capabilities at an affordable price.
This is useful where budgets are limited and ultimate frequency is not required.
The 7700e mainframe keeps the same matrix-tolerant plasma, off-axis ion lens, ORS3 collision cell and nine orders of magnitude detector as the Agilent 7700x model.
The ICP-MS Masshunter is available in two versions: core and full.
The core version, which ships as standard with the 7700e model, includes the standard functionality required for typical routine analysis.
The full version ships as standard with the 7700x and 7700s models, and includes advanced functions such as makeup gas control, used for high-matrix introduction (HMI) operation on the 7700x; flexible manual tuning modes; fast cell gas switching; and advanced acquisition modes, including half-mass acquisition, time-resolved analysis, isotope ratio and isotope dilution.
An upgrade path is available to convert the 7700e hardware and core version of Masshunter to 7700x equivalent specification with full version of Masshunter, should lab requirements change in the future.
