Waters Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source

Waters Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source

No compromise atmospheric pressure ionization GC-MS

No compromise atmospheric pressure ionization GC-MS

Discover the benefits that the next generation GC-MS source can offer your laboratory for both routine and research applications in terms of operational efficiency, cost savings, and analytical quality across a range of MS technology platforms.

Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) source technology offers a powerful alternative to electron ionization (EI) for gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The Waters APGC source provides atmospheric pressure ionization for increased selectivity, sensitivity, and confidence in analyte identification – so your lab can overcome many of the typical limitations of vacuum-based systems.

Xevo TQ Absolute APGC with PAL RSI provides no compromise atmospheric pressure ionization GC-MS. Waters Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source

Overview

  • Provides increased selectivity and confidence in compound identification and confirmation for both discovery and targeted workflows
  • Achieve ultimate sensitivity with Waters tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers, enabling the lowest limits of detection to meet the most demanding regulatory requirements
  • Utilize high sensitivity to streamline sample preparation and/or employ injection modes that reduce matrix load on column, thus reducing system maintenance
  • Discover the benefits of higher source operating pressures, which allow flexibility in terms of carrier gas flows, no compromise chromatography, and more sustainable operation
  • Build flexibility and capability into your lab with an MS system that can easily be configured for either GC-MS or LC-MS use depending on project needs
  • Allows for the use of nitrogen as GC carrier gas without negative impact to the separation and the sensitivity

Recommended Use: For quantification at ultra-trace levels in complex samples and providing comprehensive data for screening, discovery, and characterization workflows.

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Outstanding performance for GC-MS/MS trace quantification

The APGC source takes advantage of soft, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Soft ionization means that for most analytes high abundance molecular ions and reduced fragmentation are generated in contrast to the highly fragmented spectra commonly observed using electron ionization (EI).

Soft ionization simplifies the selection of high abundance, higher mass precursor ions in MS/MS analysis, which enables the APGC source to provide increased selectivity, sensitivity, and confidence in analyte identification. This is especially important for quantification of analytes at low levels in complex matrices where analytes and / or co-extractives may have similar fragment ions.

Waters universal source architecture enables the APGC source to be installed on all Waters Xevo tandem quadrupole MS systems to deliver the highest quantitative performance for GC-MS/MS. 

Sensitivity drives productivity in GC-MS/MS workflow and lab operations

The sensitivity gain achieved by using the APGC source can drive lab productivity and save costs by allowing for more flexible and preferred injection techniques providing more robust operation. With the sensitivity of the APGC source, your lab can:

  • Use lower injection volumes to reduce the absolute matrix load on the analytical column. This can help to reduce the cost of instrument consumables and the time and cost associated with instrument maintenance
  • Make use of split injection mode to reduce residence time in the GC injection port and improve method performance and overcome challenges with analyte stability
  • Streamlined sample preparation, for example avoiding time consuming and manual concentration, evaporation and/or solvent exchange steps, while still achieving your required reporting limits

Increased flexibility for GC-MS methods

No compromise GC-MS

With the APGC source operating at atmospheric pressure, many limitations experienced in vacuum-based systems can be overcome. Higher source operating pressures allow great flexibility in terms of carrier gas flows and column sizes that can be used for GC/MS without compromises imposed by a vacuum-based source. For example running split injections at higher carrier gas flows can provide reduced runtimes and up to 200% increase in throughput whilst conserving carrier gas use and maintaining method performance.

Unrestricted use of nitrogen carrier gas

With volatility in helium supplies impacting availability and cost, laboratories continue to explore alternatives to future proof their operation and continuity of service. Operating the GC source at atmospheric pressure enables the use of nitrogen as a carrier gas, without certain limitations experienced in vacuum-based GC systems. The unrestricted use of nitrogen with the APGC source enables laboratories to:

  • Maintain method performance and transfer methods easily to nitrogen use
  • Ensure continuity of service, reducing dependence on helium supplies
  • Better manage costs with access to a more sustainable gas supply

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The Waters Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source is an advanced technology designed to enhance gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Operating under atmospheric pressure instead of a vacuum, it connects gas chromatography to high-resolution mass spectrometry systems, such as quadrupole time-of-flight (QToF) or tandem quadrupole (TQ) instruments. This setup enables ultra-sensitive detection and precise identification of compounds, even in complex samples.

A key feature of the APGC source is its soft ionization process, which minimizes fragmentation and preserves molecular ions. This makes it easier to identify and analyze volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including those in challenging matrices like environmental, food, or biological samples. Its ability to detect trace levels of these compounds ensures accurate results for applications requiring high precision.

The APGC source is highly versatile, seamlessly integrating with Waters mass spectrometers, such as the Xevo and Synapt series. This compatibility allows users to switch between liquid chromatography (LC-MS) and gas chromatography (GC-MS) workflows on the same platform, improving efficiency and reducing operational complexity. Its robust design and user-friendly operation also make it reliable for long or demanding analyses.

This technology has broad applications across various fields. In environmental studies, it detects trace pollutants and pesticides. In food safety, it helps identify contaminants and residues. Forensic scientists use it to analyze complex samples for drugs and toxins, while pharmaceutical researchers rely on it for impurity profiling and detailed compound characterization. The APGC source"s ability to handle complex samples with minimal compromise makes it an essential tool for these industries.

Compared to traditional GC-MS systems that use electron impact ionization, the APGC source"s atmospheric pressure ionization offers gentler ionization. This reduces excessive fragmentation, allowing for better detection of intact molecules and improving data clarity. Paired with high-resolution mass spectrometry, this technology delivers highly accurate and detailed results.

To conclude, the Waters APGC Source is a powerful solution for laboratories needing precise, reliable, and efficient compound analysis. Its versatility, sensitivity, and ability to work with complex samples make it an indispensable tool in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications.