This month, Bruker introduced its first GC/MS product line, the SCION single quadrupole (SQ) and triple quadrupole (TQ) GC/MS systems. The systems are based on Varian’s GC/MS technology, which Bruker acquired last year (see IBO 3/15/10). Although the SCION GC/MS systems retain the unique 180 degree–curve collision cell design of the Varian 300 and 320 GC/MS systems, major changes make the product a brand-new instrument.

According to Meredith Conoley, GC/MS market manager for Bruker’s Chemical and Applied Markets Division, the SCION TQ system was designed to appeal to SQ GC/MS users who want to upgrade to TQ GC/MS by making TQ GC/MS easier to use. The system has no lenses or apertures in the ion optical path, which eliminates the need for tuning and reduces downtime.

A new axial ion-source design improves robustness, according to Bruker, by using inert materials. Also, Compound Based Scanning technology allows for faster, simpler MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) method development for the simultaneous detection of multiple compounds in applications such as pesticide residue screening. Acquisition speed is 14,000 Da/second. In addition, the system, which is available with the Bruker 435 and 455 GCs, is about the same size as an SQ MS.

Target markets include food and environmental testing. Shipments of the SCION systems will begin in September at a price range in the mid-$140,000s for the TQ GC/MS. Pricing for the SQ GC/MS is in the low to mid-$70,000s.