I try to buy a use LCMS. After talking with several sales rep, I notice that most of LCMS (trip quad) are from pharmaceutical industry. The price is much cheaper than the new LCMS which is main attraction. However, most used /refurbished systems do not have pesticide library. Also I also concern about the LC as the seals for pumps may not that good. Since it is my first time to buy refurbished LCMS (actually I am a GCMS, and have zero experience on LCSM), I have several questions.
1) Which parts in LCMS are most vulnerable in LCMS?
2) Is there anyway to check the condition or previous user of instrument? Like use car fax to check information about used car.
3) I notice that most used instrument vendors sale LC and MS separately. Can MS software control others’ LC? Say, can API 3200’s software control Agilent or waters LC? Is it problematic?
4) I will apply LCMS for pesticides (about 120 pesticides), I really expect the LCMS come with a library. However, several people told me it is not very hard to establish a library as long as the standards are available. Is it true?
Any suggestion and comment are welcome.
Thanks a lot!