1 July 2025
Earlier
this year, we announced a significant update to the design of BenchTOF2™, with
a focus on further improving its robustness for tough analyses, as well as streamlining
maintenance tasks. In this blog post, we take a look at the main features of
the new release, and the advantages that it offers for high-throughput labs.
A fresh look at BenchTOF2
The original BenchTOF2 time-of-flight mass spectrometer was
launched back in 2021, when it set new heights for compact TOF MS performance, with
its combination of enhanced sensitivity, spectral quality and sub-50 ppm
mass accuracy. And that was even before you considered its Tandem
Ionisation® capability, the extended dynamic range, and suitability for
non-target analyses, GCxGC workflows, and systems running hydrogen carrier gas.
However, at SepSolve we’re always looking out for ways to improve
our products, and with BenchTOF2 we realised that there was an opportunity to further
enhance its robustness and serviceability. A multidisciplinary team led by Ben
Summers, our Senior Product Development Specialist for Mass Spectrometry,
therefore got to work on a project to define and implement the changes that
would be most beneficial.
The result, initially announced back in January 2025, was a re-release of the BenchTOF2 with a
suite of enhancements. Now that the first instruments are on their way to
customers, it’s a good time to take a look in more detail at those
enhancements, and what benefits they bring in terms of keeping high-throughput
labs running at maximum capacity.
The BenchTOF2 – compact and high-performing, and now with
serviceability enhancements to minimise downtime.
Making the ion source easier to acces
The change that we knew would make the biggest difference to
serviceability was to re-engineer the ion source – in effect the ‘heart’ of the
instrument. It now features more efficient pumping of the ion source chamber to
reduce build-up of contaminants, and a minimal surface area for any residues to
adsorb onto. Plus, the body is now molybdenum-coated, giving it a lower surface
reactivity towards organics.
The new ion source of the BenchTOF2, featuring several
redesigned components to make servicing easier and to reduce the frequency with
which it’s needed.
All this means that the ion source stays cleaner for longer – but
even when cleaning is necessary (which we’d typically expect to be just once a
year), the process is simpler. The ion source can be removed and re-installed
without tools thanks to the radial contacts, while ‘stack pins’ ensure that the
lenses are perfectly aligned every time.
These changes mean that components can be replaced faster, more
easily, and with greater confidence. This opens up the option for customers to
perform simple operations themselves, should they wish – all helping to avoid
those frustrating maintenance interruptions.
The ion source of BenchTOF2
is now accessible through a sliding door and without the need for tools, making
cleaning an option for customers who are confident with getting ‘hands on’ with
the instrument.
Another batch of improvements we made to the BenchTOF2 related to
the transfer line. It now has a shorter, more compact design, which improves
the thermal profile and reduces the space required inside the GC oven.
Not only that, but to boost the durability of the transfer line,
we added secure screw-in fittings for the capillary and thermocouple, while
changing to fully welded connections (rather than the previous mechanical
fitting) to reduce the potential for leaks. Another change was to re-engineer
the metal tip, helping to prevent cold spots and further improve robustness.
Some changes we made haven’t been technically complex, but nevertheless
they make a substantial difference to the ease of carrying out simple
operations. One of these was adjusting the internal layout of the instrument so
that the transfer line no longer needs to be removed for ion source servicing. As
well as reducing long-term wear of the fittings, this makes accidental damage to
the transfer line less likely.
A final improvement we implemented relates to the GC transfer
line, which (like the ion source) we’ve also redesigned so that GC columns can
be installed without the trouble of measuring – supporting faster, simpler
changeovers.
Improvements made to the design of the BenchTOF2’s ion
source mean that it is easier to service, and more robust in everyday
operation.
A high-performing system for high-throughput labs
Thanks to its high-performing hardware, streamlined software
workflows, and compatibility with GCxGC, BenchTOF2 already had a broad
application range and a reputation for being able to handle all sorts of
difficult sample types. Now, with the instrument’s enhanced robustness further reducing
the risk of unexpected stoppages, we think it’s even better placed to deal with
the reality of high-throughput environments.
BenchTOF2’s high mass
accuracy can be used to cut through complexity and identify compounds with
confidence.
And when there are issues that need dealing with, the
serviceability improvements help avoid unnecessary downtime. For example, should
you call out one of our engineers, then they’ll be finished in a fraction of
the time that they would have been before. Alternatively, after receiving a
little training, you could carry out some simple maintenance tasks yourself,
avoiding the need to wait for an engineer at all.
And those are the sort of time-saving changes that we know our
users care about – and why we believe that the BenchTOF2 sets a new standard
for TOF MS.
To learn more about BenchTOF2, please either visit the product page and download the brochure (below).