What trippel quadropole (MS/MS) system to go for?

geologyhero

Hi everyone,

Not really a Iolite 4 question, although Iolite will be the data processing software used with this instrument, but
our lab is currently evaluating offers for a new triple quad (MS/MS) instrument from the three big companies, Agilent 8900, Thermo iCAP QTe, and Perkin Elmer Nexion 5000. It is always though to filter through all the information, and make up your mind about what is the best, and I wondered if anyone had any experiences with these instruments (good or bad)? Will only be used with laser ablation, generally trace element mapping and geochronology (U-Pb, hopefully some Rb-Sr).

VitorBarrote

Hello,

I believe that going with a very popular system such as the Agilent gives you more opportunity for exchange of ideas and application of well established methods. Instead if you opt for a system which isn't as popular you may be able to do different things.
Look into the filtering capabilities of the iCAP TQ. I believe that some moisture in the reaction gas may cause H molecules to form and if you are letting more than one mass through, and looking at close isotopes (like 88 and 89) this could be an issue. Not sure if this is something in the others, and also have not been able to confirm this is the case in the TQ.