Agilent Atomic Absorption Financing:
New, Used, and Refurbished Agilent AA Systems.

Agilent's atomic absorption portfolio spans routine flame AA, higher-throughput Fast Sequential flame systems, graphite furnace AA and combined flame and graphite furnace configurations. For a laboratory financing Agilent atomic absorption equipment, the exact model matters. An Agilent 55B, 240FS, 280FS, 240Z and 280Z represent different analytical platforms, and an AA Duo may combine two instruments into a more substantial elemental-analysis system.

The configuration matters too. Autosamplers, graphite furnace equipment, vapor generation accessories, sample introduction systems, lamps, burners, software and other components can materially change what the laboratory is buying. A 280FS configured for automated high-throughput flame analysis is a different equipment package from a 240Z graphite furnace system with a PSD 120 autosampler. The secondary market adds another consideration because Agilent maintains a substantial installed base of AA systems and Agilent itself has historically offered refurbished 240FS, 280FS, 240Z, 280Z and AA Duo configurations. For financing purposes, the exact instrument, condition, atomization technique, accessories, service history and seller should all be documented clearly.

Understanding the Agilent Atomic Absorption Lineup

Agilent divides its current atomic absorption portfolio into flame AA, graphite furnace AA and combined AA Duo configurations. The current product family includes the 55B, 240FS, 280FS, 240Z and 280Z, and Agilent also offers AA Duo systems that combine dedicated flame and graphite furnace instruments under centralized control. Each occupies a different place in the elemental-analysis workflow.

Agilent 55B AA

The Agilent 55B AA is Agilent's entry-level flame atomic absorption system, described as a double-beam instrument designed for laboratories that need a rugged standalone AA platform with straightforward operation. The 55B includes an integrated software interface and can operate as a standalone system, and Agilent states that it can be expanded with accessories such as its Sample Introduction Pump System and SPS 4 autosampler and can run under SpectrAA software.

That flexibility matters when documenting the equipment purchase, since a basic 55B and a configured 55B with automation and software are not necessarily the same transaction. For a laboratory financing one, the complete quote should identify whether the system is being acquired for routine flame AA analysis or as part of a more automated setup.

Agilent 240FS AA

The Agilent 240FS AA is a Fast Sequential flame atomic absorption spectrometer, positioned for multi-element routine analysis in applications including environmental, food and agricultural testing. Fast Sequential operation allows several elements to be measured from a single sample aspiration rather than requiring a completely separate sample cycle for each element, and Agilent states that the 240FS includes automatic lamp selection, a programmable gas box and deuterium background correction.

From a buyer's perspective, this places the 240FS above a basic single-purpose flame AA workflow when throughput and multi-element testing matter. The system can also be configured with Agilent automation and sample introduction accessories, so the financing request should identify the entire 240FS package rather than only the spectrometer mainframe.

Agilent 280FS AA

The Agilent 280FS AA is Agilent's higher-performance Fast Sequential flame AA platform, identified as a system for high-throughput laboratories with an eight-lamp capability compared with the lower lamp capacity of other configurations. Agilent positions the 280FS for laboratories processing multi-element sample suites in environmental, food and agriculture applications and states that it supports a broad range of AA accessories. That makes the 280FS particularly configuration-dependent. A laboratory may purchase the base flame AA together with an SPS autosampler, Sample Introduction Pump System, specialized burner, vapor generation equipment or other accessories, and those components should appear on the equipment quote because they form part of the actual analytical workflow. A lender evaluating an Agilent 280FS should therefore understand the entire package rather than simply seeing Agilent atomic absorption spectrometer.

Agilent 240Z AA

The Agilent 240Z AA is a Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer, positioned for trace-level analysis in applications including food, environmental and pharmaceutical laboratories. The 240Z uses AC-modulated Zeeman background correction with up to four fixed lamp positions, is supplied with the GTA 120 Zeeman graphite tube atomizer and works with Agilent's PSD 120 programmable sample dispenser. This is analytically different from flame AA. Graphite furnace atomic absorption is used when a laboratory needs lower detection levels and much smaller sample volumes than are typical in conventional flame AA, so a 240Z purchase should not be described generically as another Agilent AA. The quote should identify the graphite furnace configuration, autosampler and supporting components.

Agilent 280Z AA

The Agilent 280Z AA is Agilent's higher-performance graphite furnace atomic absorption system. It also uses transverse Zeeman background correction, with up to eight fixed lamp positions, is supplied with the GTA 120 Zeeman graphite tube atomizer and supports operation with the PSD 120 sample dispenser. A 280Z acquisition may therefore include several pieces of equipment that together form the graphite furnace AA system. From a financing perspective, the complete configuration matters because the value is not limited to the spectrometer mainframe, so the furnace, autosampler, lamps, workstation and other supporting equipment should be identified where they are part of the purchase.

Agilent AA Duo

Agilent's AA Duo combines dedicated flame and graphite furnace instruments into one coordinated system. Agilent states that its AA Duo allows simultaneous operation of two permanently mounted atomizers under one central computer, and current ordering information identifies two core Duo packages: the 240FS with 240Z, and the 280FS with 280Z. Agilent's ordering documentation shows that these packages can include the flame AA, graphite furnace AA, GTA 120, PSD 120, computer, software and supporting components depending on configuration. That makes an AA Duo a materially different acquisition from buying one standalone flame or graphite furnace instrument. A laboratory may choose a Duo when it needs the speed and concentration range of flame AA alongside the lower detection capability of graphite furnace AA without repeatedly converting one instrument between atomization techniques, and for financing purposes it should be documented as a complete system.

Flame AA vs. Graphite Furnace AA Matters to the Financing Package

The distinction between flame and graphite furnace AA is important because the supporting equipment is different. A flame AA system may involve air and acetylene gas supply, nitrous oxide capability where required, a burner assembly, spray chamber, nebulizer, autosampler, sample introduction pump, hollow cathode lamps, and a workstation and software. A graphite furnace system may include the GTA 120 graphite tube atomizer, PSD 120 programmable sample dispenser, graphite tubes, Zeeman furnace components, cooling requirements, gas supply, hollow cathode or high-intensity lamps, and a workstation and software. A Duo system may incorporate both workflows. That equipment differentiation should be visible in a financing request because it affects what assets are being acquired and the complete transaction value.

Current Agilent AA Systems vs. the Used Market

Used Agilent atomic absorption equipment can include current product families as well as earlier configurations. Agilent's own support resources currently reference the 55B, 240FS, 280FS, 240Z and 280Z, and Agilent maintains parts compatibility listings that include earlier 55A systems. Agilent has also published refurbished-equipment listings for the 240 AA, 240FS AA, 280FS AA, 240Z AA, 280Z AA, 280FS/280Z Duo, 240FS/240Z Duo, GTA 120 and other configured AA bundles. That manufacturer evidence is useful because it confirms that multiple AA configurations have historically circulated through formal refurbished channels. Still, a model appearing in historical support or refurbished documentation does not mean every used system has equal current manufacturer support. For an older instrument, the buyer should verify the specific unit's serviceability, software compatibility, condition and available parts before purchase, and a lender may also want to understand how the used system is configured and what equipment has been tested or replaced by the seller. See our broader guide on laboratory equipment financing for how we approach analytical instruments generally.

Financing a New Agilent Atomic Absorption System

A new Agilent AA purchase should begin with a complete equipment quote. For a 55B or flame system, that may include the spectrometer, autosampler, lamps, sample introduction equipment and software, while a graphite furnace purchase may include the 240Z or 280Z plus GTA 120, PSD 120 and related components, and an AA Duo can involve a broader package with both flame and furnace instruments. Financing may allow the laboratory to spread the equipment acquisition over a defined term rather than paying the entire cost from working capital upfront, and all financing remains subject to credit approval. The business reason for the purchase also matters. A laboratory may be replacing an aging AA, adding graphite furnace capability for lower-level analysis, increasing sample capacity or equipping a new metals-testing operation, and that explanation helps connect the equipment investment to the laboratory's actual workflow.

Financing a Used or Refurbished Agilent AA

Used and refurbished Agilent atomic absorption systems can be financeable depending on the exact transaction. For a used system, prepare the exact Agilent model, serial number when available, year of manufacture when available, flame, graphite furnace or Duo configuration, burner and gas configuration, GTA 120 if included, PSD 120 if included, SPS autosampler if included, SIPS equipment if included, vapor generation equipment if included, hollow cathode lamps included with the purchase, computer and software, software license status, current operating condition, service history when available, refurbishment or testing completed by the seller, warranty or post-sale support, installation and qualification included in the purchase, and the complete purchase price. A quote that says only Agilent AA system does not identify enough collateral. A detailed quote showing a 280Z with the GTA 120, PSD 120, workstation, software and dealer support gives the lender a much clearer picture of what is being purchased.

Upgrading From an Older Agilent AA

Atomic absorption upgrades can follow several paths. A laboratory operating a basic or older flame AA may move into the 240FS or 280FS when throughput and multi-element analysis become more important. A laboratory that currently outsources lower-level analysis may add a 240Z or 280Z graphite furnace system. Another laboratory may choose an AA Duo to combine both atomization techniques in one coordinated workflow. The financing request should explain what the upgrade changes operationally. Relevant reasons may include increasing sample throughput, adding trace-level graphite furnace capability, replacing aging equipment, reducing downtime, automating sample handling, expanding into additional metals-testing methods, reducing outsourced testing or adding capacity for existing customers. The strongest financing narrative connects the model selection to the laboratory's actual analytical need.

Buying Direct From Agilent vs. a Dealer vs. Private Party

New Agilent atomic absorption equipment purchased through Agilent or an authorized channel should come with a detailed quote identifying the model, accessories and system configuration. Used dealer purchases can also be financeable, and a strong dealer quote should identify the exact model, serial number when available, atomization configuration, included accessories, condition, refurbishment completed, software and any warranty or post-sale support. Private-party purchases may potentially be financed but usually require additional verification of ownership, location, condition, serial number and purchase price. For older graphite furnace or Duo systems, complete accessory documentation becomes particularly important because the buyer needs to know that the system includes the required furnace, autosampling and software components.

Don't Forget the Supporting Equipment

Agilent atomic absorption systems can include substantial ancillary equipment. Depending on the model and application, the project may include an SPS 4 autosampler, PSD 120 programmable sample dispenser, GTA 120 graphite tube atomizer, VGA 77 vapor generation accessory, SIPS sample introduction equipment, hollow cathode lamps, UltrAA lamps, an air/acetylene burner, a nitrous oxide/acetylene burner, spray chamber, nebulizer, gas regulators and gas infrastructure, exhaust system, workstation, SpectrAA software, UPS or power-conditioning equipment, microwave digestion equipment, acid digestion equipment, ultrapure water system, installation, qualification and training. Agilent's current site-preparation and supplies documentation specifically identifies the GTA 120, PSD 120, SPS 4, VGA 77 and other AA accessories. If a laboratory is acquiring an AA system together with sample-preparation equipment or automation, provide the complete set of vendor quotes so the financing company can evaluate the entire acquisition.

Why the Exact Agilent AA Model Matters to a Lender

"Agilent atomic absorption" describes several distinct types of equipment. The 55B is a routine flame AA, the 240FS and 280FS are Fast Sequential flame AA systems, the 240Z and 280Z are Zeeman graphite furnace AA systems, and the AA Duo combines dedicated flame and graphite furnace platforms. Those differences affect analytical capability, configuration, purchase price and secondary-market comparables. The supporting equipment also matters, since a 280Z plus GTA 120 and PSD 120 is a more complete asset than an unidentified spectrometer mainframe with missing accessories. For financing purposes, exact equipment identification gives the lender a clearer collateral picture and helps establish whether the purchase price makes sense for the specific system.

What You'll Need to Finance an Agilent Atomic Absorption System

Start with the complete equipment quote. Useful information includes the exact Agilent AA model, the flame, graphite furnace or Duo configuration, whether the equipment is new, used or refurbished, the vendor or seller, the purchase price, the serial number and manufacture year when available, operating condition for used equipment, included autosampler and furnace equipment, included lamps, burners and sample introduction accessories, workstation and software, service history when available, installation and qualification included in the purchase, business information and ownership, and a brief explanation of how the equipment will be used. Qualifying smaller transactions may be eligible for application-only financing, while larger or more complex acquisitions may require additional business and financial documentation.

Financing Agilent Atomic Absorption Equipment Through iLease Capital

iLease Capital works with laboratories acquiring new, used and refurbished analytical equipment including flame atomic absorption, graphite furnace atomic absorption and complete AA Duo systems. Financing may be available for transactions up to $5 million plus, and qualifying smaller transactions may be eligible for application-only financing. If you are evaluating an Agilent 55B, 240FS, 280FS, 240Z, 280Z or AA Duo system, send the complete equipment quote including the automation, furnace equipment and supporting accessories. The exact model, condition, seller and configuration help us understand the acquisition and structure the financing request correctly.

Frequently asked questions