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Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry

Stable isotope ratio, TOC and 13C breath analysis from Sercon.

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HS2022 stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer

Analytical Instruments · 4 models

Isotope ratio analysis answers questions that concentration measurements cannot: where a sample came from, how it was produced, and which pathway formed it. LabTech supplies the Sercon range of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers together with the sample-preparation units that feed them. Systems are configured around the ratios a laboratory actually reports, C, H, O, N and S, with automated preparation units coupled online. The range also covers total organic carbon in water and a dedicated 13C breath analyzer for clinical work.

High sensitivity

HS2022 sensitivity is quoted at 850 molecules per ion in continuous-flow mode.

Deep vacuum

Dual turbomolecular pumps reach 1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar, which lowers background interference in routine runs.

One-box EA-IRMS

Integra 2 combines elemental analysis and isotope ratio MS in one compact system.

Clinical clearance

ABCA 2 is CE/IVD marked and, per the catalog, FDA-cleared for H. pylori breath tests.

Models

Choose the configuration.

The instruments divide by workflow. HS2022 is the high-sensitivity stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer for research groups that need flexible coupling to preparation units. Integra 2 packages an elemental analyzer and an isotope ratio mass spectrometer in one compact system, so solid samples run with less bench space and fewer transfer steps. Thermalox measures TOC in water, and ABCA 2 covers 13C breath testing for H. pylori and gastric function.

HS2022

High-sensitivity stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer

Sercon's high-sensitivity stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer, built to couple with a range of automated sample-preparation units. It measures C, H, O, N and S isotope ratios and can be configured around a specific research program. Applications run from food authenticity and origin testing to pollutant tracing, ecology and archaeology.

Couples with automated preparation units for C, H, O, N and S ratios
Sensitivity of 850 molecules per ion in continuous-flow mode
Stainless-steel flight tube and metal-coated source filament lower background
Dual turbomolecular pumps hold vacuum to 1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar
Smart standby mode cuts gas consumption and running cost

Measured ratios	C, H, O, N and S
Sensitivity	850 molecules per ion, continuous-flow mode
Vacuum	1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar, dual turbomolecular pumps
Flight tube	Stainless steel

Integra 2

Integrated elemental analyzer and isotope ratio mass spectrometer

A compact system that pairs an elemental analyzer with a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer in a single instrument. It measures C, O, N and S isotope ratios and is aimed at laboratories that want EA-IRMS without a bench full of separate modules. An innovative trapping loop replaces cylinder gases for tuning and delta value calculation.

Integrated elemental analysis and isotope ratio MS in one compact system
Shorter flight path reduces ion-molecule interaction and preserves transmission
Trapping loop replaces cylinder gases for tuning and delta calculations
Optimized sulfur analysis with precision better than 0.3‰
Coated-filament ion source with a gas-saving mode for lower consumable cost

Measured ratios	C, O, N and S
Sulfur precision	Better than 0.3‰
Configuration	Elemental analyzer and IRMS integrated

Thermalox

Total organic carbon analyzer, catalytic thermal oxidation

A total organic carbon analyzer based on catalytic thermal oxidation, used to measure TOC in water and to assess organic pollution. It can handle samples that contain particles or are difficult to oxidize, which wet-chemistry TOC methods often cannot. Its daily duty is monitoring industrial wastewater, surface water, seawater, drinking water and pharmaceutical water.

Catalytic thermal oxidation handles samples containing particles or hard-to-oxidize matter
Automatic standard curve generation, purging, sample dilution and shaking
Semiconductor cooling for water removal, so no desiccant is required
Standby mode reduces carrier gas consumption and extends service life

Principle	Catalytic thermal oxidation
Parameter	Total organic carbon in water
Water removal	Semiconductor cooling, desiccant-free

ABCA 2

Automated 13C breath test isotope ratio mass spectrometer

A dedicated isotope ratio mass spectrometer for human breath analysis, used to detect Helicobacter pylori and to assess gastric emptying, pancreatic function, fat absorption and energy metabolism. The integrated design combines a permanent magnet, automatic electronic and vacuum control, and GC-based CO2 purification. A 240-position autosampler carries batch breath testing.

Integrated permanent magnet, automatic electronic control and vacuum system
GC-based CO2 separation and purification before isotope ratio analysis
240-position autosampler for automated, high-throughput breath testing
CE/IVD marked and produced to ISO 13485 medical device requirements
Catalog states it is the first FDA-cleared mass spectrometer for H. pylori testing
Standby mode extends the service life of consumables

Autosampler	240 positions
Certification	CE/IVD, ISO 13485 production requirements
Application	13C breath analysis, H. pylori detection

Full specifications for other configurations, voltages and options are available on request.

The range

Configurations and accessories.

Integra 2 integrated isotope ratio mass spectrometer

Applications

Where this range is used.

Food authenticity testing and geographical origin checks
Environmental pollutant source tracing
Ecology and archaeology sample studies
TOC in industrial wastewater, surface water and seawater
Drinking water and pharmaceutical water TOC monitoring
H. pylori detection and gastric function breath tests

Food & Agriculture → · Clinical & Medical →

Questions

Before you buy.

Which isotope ratios can these instruments measure?

HS2022 measures C, H, O, N and S isotope ratios and can be configured with automated preparation units for different sample types. Integra 2 measures C, O, N and S. Both are stable isotope ratio instruments, so they report ratios rather than element concentrations.

What is the ABCA 2 breath test system used for?

ABCA 2 analyzes human breath for 13C, primarily to detect Helicobacter pylori. The same platform covers gastric emptying, pancreatic function, fat absorption and energy metabolism studies. It holds CE/IVD marking and is produced to ISO 13485 requirements, and the catalog states it was the first mass spectrometer to receive FDA clearance for H. pylori testing.

Do I need a separate elemental analyzer for solid samples?

Not necessarily. Integra 2 integrates an elemental analyzer with the isotope ratio mass spectrometer in one compact system, so solid samples are combusted and analyzed without a second bench instrument. HS2022 is the alternative when you want to couple different preparation units to a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer as your methods change.