Application Note:
Introduction of a New Fast Scanning, Highly Sensitive
Single Quadrupole GCMS: A Platform for Modern
Chromatography Techniques

Shimadzu's new GCMS delivers scan speeds that no other GCMS can match. With a maximum of 20,000 amu/s the speed is double that of previous generation models. This extraordinary performance is achieved by the patented Advanced Scanning Speed Protocol (ASSP), designed by Shimadzu`s engineers in Kyoto, Japan. Using this unique technology a breakthrough in scan speed has been achieved without sacrificing sensitivity. Compared to data acquired without ASSP, the sensitivity for compounds with high molecular masses is increased by a
factor of 5.

SIM/Scan in One Run with Unmatched Data Quality
The Ultra can deliver even more: using its unique capability of high-speed data acquisition with ASSP (Advance Scanning Speed Protocol), SIM and Scan measurements in one run in Comprehensive mode lead to high-quality results never seen before. One example: the minimum dwell time for SIM can now be reduced to 1 ms. For the first time, it is possible in Comprehensive GC to quantify a set of target compounds in SIM mode and at the same time identify other compounds present in the sample in scan mode.

Variety of Functions for Enhanced Productivity in the Lab
Equipped with the GCMS-QP2010 Ultra is the GC-2010 Plus. Using a “double jet cooling system” the GC-2010 Plus oven is cooled down rapidly, e.g. in 2.7 minutes from 350 °C to 50 °C. This significantly reduces analysis time, particularly important in applications analyzing VOCs (volatile organic compounds). In the case of VOC analysis, the oven start temperature can be very low. In older systems, it may take some time to reach this starting temperature.

Additional functions to enhance productivity:

• New Twin-Line MS system: by connecting two different columns to the MS system it is possible to
  smoothly acquire application data on different columns without stopping the MS vacuum
  
• The Shimadzu Quick changer system “Easy sTop” allows the septum and liner to be changed without
  breaking the vacuum, thereby saving valuable time
• The AOC-20 autosampler enables programming of a two-step derivatization pretreatment method,
  eliminating the need for tedious derivatization prior to loading the autosampler

High-Speed Data Acquisition for Comprehensive GC with Quadrupole MS Detection
A chromatographic technique where acquisition speed is of the utmost importance is Comprehensive GC (GC X GC).
The Ultra’s predecessor, the GCMS-QP2010 Plus, showed excellent results when used with comprehensive modulation; the Ultra exceeds this performance, leading to even higher resolution of peaks and better identification power.

The First Environmentally Friendly GCMS
The GCMS-QP2010 Ultra is not only the fastest and most sensitive GCMS, but it also considers the environment.
All parts are of course in compliance with the RoHS regulations of the European Union. In addition, an “Ecology mode” saves significant energy, for example:

• In standby mode, energy is reduced by 37% compared with previous GCMS systems.
• When ECO mode is entered, unnecessary power consumption by the GC, MS and PC is automatically eliminated.
• Consumption of carrier gas is also reduced by 60%.
• The Eco mode can be started automatically after analysis, e.g. after completion of nighttime analysis.
  In this way the GCMS-QP2010 Ultra can save up to 0.6 tons of CO2 per year.

GCMSsolution Ver. 2.6 is Now Even Easier to Use
When analyzing ultra-trace component data, it is important to be aware of lower detection limits and to consider the influence of interfering components. Therefore, in order to provide more accurate data analysis, such data can now be processed while comparing the current analysis to reference data near the lower detection limit or from the analysis of samples with components added. Data can also be compared with external signals, such as from an ECD, FPD, or other GC detector or sniffer, to allow a broader range of data processing applications.