I have 10yrs experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory. I do a lot of chromatography. I specialize in hyphenated techniques. Mainly volatile (flavor and fragrance). But I run gc/ms, lc/ms, ms×ms, 4d-tof chromatography as well. I am Agilent, Shimadzu, Leco, and Waters trained. And write pre&post run macros for many software platforms.
If anyone has any chromatography specific, mass spectrometry specific, or flavor specific questions; I am happy to help.
Just shoot me a dm
Of the brands you have worked with, which do you feel would be easiest for beginners to both use and acquire a used system on a budget?
I’ve only worked with Agilent and Shimadzu, both were quality. It seems as I’ve combed through Ebay and various biotech auction houses that used agilent systems seem to be more common with reasonable price tags.
I’ve worked on waters SFE systems, and aside from the 90 degree angles and piping diameters they were at least robust and well crafted. So I assume that their analytical machines would be comparable, especially in price tag.
Waters also puts on a fair number of conferences and seminars where beginner and intermediate operators would find good information.
Everyone should also check out LCGC magazine and their cannabis related publications. Lots of helpful techniques and tips there. Also, its good to stay up to date with industry state of art.
Shimadzu has this industry on lock right now. Agilent is playing catchup. Waters is great mfg for experienced bechtop scientists with LOTS of experience.
I prefer Agilent systems as a whole. I am also biased as an Agilent “power user”.
For the new or budding lab, get a Shimadzu because they make it easy for you. They took their HPLC, stripped it down, preloaded a couple methods, then named it the Cannabis Analyzer…
Also, their 8035 through 8050lcms systems are 0.5 the pricepoint of an Agilent 1200 series. And thats New! With all the training, setup, other bs😂.
With that being said…Agilents are the best. Its hard to beat that HP money and engineering budget. But they draw a premium for it. Better applications help and service also.
Look to used sites like Labx and others to find good deals on used equipment, but for the love of god, get the service plan!!!
Here’s some cheap advise also, go to the mfg websites and see how long instruments have until end if life for parts and such. Biggest problem with cannabis and CBD labs getting used stuff (usually from a second hand company and usually old Agilent) they get something end of life and they find out a year later that they cant get parts or new software is incompatible leaving them stuck in an old bucket of a system.
The longevity of used systems has definitely been one of my larger concerns when looking into them for purchase. Do you have any insight in how often manufacturers tend to move on to a new iteration of software/hardware?
Agilent:
All of the 6890 GC systems for sale are a bad idea rn. Get a 7890 gc it will be good for the next 15yrs. Software migration in 2020. Stay away from 1100 series lc systems (end of life on consumables). Get a 5975c or higher model # for ms systems ( software compatibility issues).
Shimadzu:
Stay away from the #10 and early 20s for hplc if you can. 10s are obsolete, 20s are getting there. The HPLC 30s are great with alot of life left. Try to get used if you can. The lcms 8030s and higher are ok. But if you want a cheap 1 trick pony check out a new/used cannabis analyzer. Im not big on their gc’s, but if i had to get one, get the 2010 model.
Shimadzu new price is usually close to 5-10yr old Agilent stuff for sale…just an fyi.
Software migrations are few and far between. They are usually driven by OS system changes ( vista to Win7, win7 to win10, etc) withthat said, win 10 rocked Agilents world so all old stuff needs new software or old OS to be functional. And old OS leads to shitty IT support.
The lesson…when you purchase an instrument (new or used) get one that runs the most current Operating system (Windows or Mac) or you will quickly find yourself scrambling to keep it operational with a bunch of patches and such.
Stay out of this position if you can help it!
Agilent and Shimadzu certainly make fine equipment, but a new SRI 310MM GC provides the same data for a fraction of the price ( 10,495 ) and comes with training, a two year warranty, portability and a built-in hydrogen generator that means no gas cylinders are required.
See this video. - YouTube
Hugh
SRI
A really good book to own if getting into analysis is this one,
“Practical High Performance Liquid Chromatography”
https://www.amazon.com/Practical-High-Performance-Liquid-Chromatography-5th/dp/0470682175
It’s reasonably cheap at around $50 new, and is a very well structured and organized book with a lot of helpful information such as LC vs GC and basics of chromatography. Many folks start off in HPLC/Conventional LC so it’s a good place to start.
My hemp company uses your GC for internal R&D. Do you have an affordable auto sampler for them? Were really tired of manual injection and need an upgrade before we move up to GCMS
Thank you for putting your time into this. While i havd a good understanding of this havent had it broken down in the format and its has helped my understand testing and the different procedures more clearly
Feel free to learn about whatever type of instrumentation that you want using this textbook.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hN4LDHIfoDfWHc0LPSAMfrbj7xHS6aEt
You’re my hero
You/this may be the resource I have been looking for. I am interested in all aspects but any insight you may be able to provide, or guidance in how to disseminate the provided information is greatly appreciated. This is an amazing resource, Thank You!
An advantage of SRI is that our software, PeakSimple, is always free to download from our website, including updated versions. It’s the same software & software designer for over 20 years, just consistently updated.
Some people do not operate an SRI GC, but use our software for their Instrument.
Amen.
Hugh of SRI Instruments doesn’t have a chemistry background as well & started SRI from his garage. He eventually took a community college chemistry class, about 10 years ago.
I’m not sure if you use our GCs. If you do, take advantage of our unlimited tech support and tell him Summer sent you.
Summer
SRI
I second the love for SRI. I have two that I bought used and modified myself and Hugh is still there to help me with whatever I need, usually within a few hours. They’re the only reasonably priced unit out there for our industry and once in a while you might get lucky and score one on eBay.
wait!! Do you only have to add ethanol to decarboxylate, not need heat?
EDIT: Sorry its not what he says (one can not delete posts here)