Chromatography Forum

We have noted a number of API 3000 systems available on used equipment sites and were hopeful some of you could share your experience around capability, reliability, costs to own, and life expectancy (i.e., when will it become prohibitive to repair them).

We are a small specialty chemical mfr in SE US, looking to upgrade our analytical capability and believe LC/MS instrumentation would be a good addition to both QC and R&D. Unfortunately, higher end new equipment would be a stretch for us financially. Our owners have raised the question of whether used hardware might be a viable avenue for the next few yrs. Our products (& research interests) range from polymers/oligomers (acrylics/condensation products) to fluorosurfactants - most of which are products by process, hence mixtures (some we know well, others less well).

We would very much appreciate any insights you might be able to provide about the API 3000 systems, or for that matter any other system that you believe might be suitable for a small lab with relatively little experience with MS detectors and limited funds.

Basically the api3000 is a good machine, although not the newest. Sensitivity is not the highest available nowadays and sometimes the stability is not to good. However it is robust and a good start if you find a machine in good condition and always treated with care.
Peter

Sciex have a very good range of Triple quads that have been adopted by big Pharma for all their methods excluding other suppliers. Once adopted a change would require re proving all the methods Big Pharma has been contracting so there are loads of older kit on the market. Beware Sciex have written their contracts such that the software license does not go with the instrument if it is re-sold, in the UK buyers have been asked for £30K to re buy the software !

So if looking , check the system comes with software licenses, check on the level of support available from your vendor and the original supplier.

Look around there are more than just Triple quads out there, Ion Traps and TOFs might offer a better solution to your proposed applications

Thanks to both of you. Your comments were very helpful.

Regards.

Basically the api3000 is a good machine, although not the newest. Sensitivity is not the highest available nowadays and sometimes the stability is not to good. However it is robust and a good start if you find a machine in good condition and always treated with care.
Peter

Hi Peter, I am looking for some body with experience of running Agilent 6340 LC MS . If so contact please at 702 686 7164
person will be appropriately rewarded
Bill

I bought a 3000 and am having it installed by Sciex right now. So far so good. Install and qualification with
training is $11K and annual service ~$30K. I got the 3000 with 1100 stack for $70K!

I have used and own and API3000.
Nice instrument, easy to maintain.

We have a couple API3000's and I've been using both for about 10 yrs. I think they are great but hesitate to say so because that's all I have experience with, that and a 4000. I take them down to Q0 about every 2 months to clean them but we work them pretty hard.

Hi,
I need Operation Manual for this instrument.
Any body has it in hand?

Bahram111@yahoo.com