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Tech Center
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HPLC Q & A 1. What is HPLC? 2. What is meant by Isocratic Methods? 3. What is considered High-Pressure Mixing? 4. What is considered to be Low-Pressure Mixing? 5. How do separations take place in HPLC analyses? 6. What is a Stationary Phase? 7. What is a Mobile Phase? 8. What are the typical components of an HPLC system? 9. How do you properly introduce a sample into the flow path? 10. What does an Injection Valve do? 11. Can anything be done to help calm down a noisy baseline? 12. What can replace Stainless Steel parts when biocompatibility is necessary? 13. What can be done to help preserve the life of my analytical column? 14. Should I use a guard column? 15. Does a guard column system that contains only PEEK wetted surfaces exist? 16. Is there an easy way to connect my guard column to my analytical column? 17. I've heard of Dimension X. What is it? 18. What does dead volume mean? 19. What is a micron? 20. What are typical Flow Rates in HPLC? 21. What is an Inline Check Valve? 22. What are pump Check Valves, and why are they important? 23. What is an Inlet Solvent filter? 24. Why should I use an Inline Solvent Filter? 25. Where should an Inline Solvent Filter be placed? 26. I use the UHMWPE inlet solvent filter, but bubbles seem to enter the flow stream stemming from the filter itself. Why? 27. How can I filter my solvent with an inlet filter and uptake the solvent from close to the bottom of the reservoir? 28. Is there an easy, compact way to create a system for selecting between multiple solvent reservoirs? 29. What is Sparging? 30. What purpose does sparging serve? 31. Should I use a precolumn filter? 32. What does Biocompatible mean? 33. What is PEEK™? 34. Should I be concerned about using colored PEEK tubing? 35. What are some advantages to using PEEK tubing(6A)? 36. What solvents are not compatible with PEEK? 37. What is Tefzel®? 38. What is Kel-F®? 39. What is Delrin®? 40. What is Teflon®? 41. Why would I want to use color-coded Teflon tubing? 42. What are the advantages of using PFA Teflon tubing? 43.What are standard sizes of Tubing in HPLC? 44. I want tubing that isn't very permeable to gases. What can I use? 45. In what situations is titanium tubing best used? 46. Why should I buy pre-cut stainless steel tubing? 47. What is a Frit? 48. What is the best frit I can use for uniform porosity and biocompatibility? 49. What does a Back Pressure Regulator do? 50. How can I use a back-pressure regulator but not add any significant volume to my flow path? 51. My pump pressure has been increasing slowly over time. What could be causing this? 52. My pump pressure jumped up suddenly and my flow stopped. What’s wrong with my system? 53. My pump pressure jumped up, but I still have flow. What’s causing this? 54. What kind of back pressure can I expect to see due to my tubing? 55. Are stainless steel fittings interchangeable? 56. What is a Fingertight? 57. What is the advantage of using a two-piece Fingertight fitting? 58. I have a need for a flat-bottom fitting, but need to have 10-32 threads; what are my options? 59. Is there any way to keep my tubing from twisting when using Fingertight Fittings? 60. My system uses flangeless fittings, but due to system vibration, my fittings are loosening. How can I solve my problem? 61. Is there any way to connect 3 or 4 pieces of tubing together? 62. How can I connect capillary tubing to my system using standard 1/16" ports? 63. Can I easily connect peristaltic tubing to 1/16" and 1/8" OD HPLC tubing? 64. Is there an easy way to filter my solvent path while using capillary or fused silica tubing? 65. Can I create a quick disconnection union between two pieces of 1/16" OD tubing? 66. How can I attach my Pharmacia® column to my HPLC system? 67. How can I attach my peristaltic tubing to a 1/4-28 flat-bottomed fitting? 68. How can I attach my peristaltic tubing to a 10-32 coned female fitting? 69. I'm using 3/16" OD tubing and can't find any fittings to replace the ones I've just worn out--where can I get these? 70. I need a way to quickly prime my HPLC pump. Do you have anything that will help me? 71. I'm looking for a simple biocompatible Semi-Prep Inline filter; what do you have available? 72. Do you have a tool that will help tighten flangeless fittings? 73. I have two frits that have different colored sealing rings around them. Why are they colored differently? 74. I have Pharmacia equipment which requires a metric threaded fitting, but I want to use 1/16" OD and 1/8" OD tubing. 75. What's the best way to create a union through a bulkhead panel? 76. I need an inexpensive way to branch my inlet flow off in three separate directions utilizing flangeless fittings. 77. I need to connect tubing to my 5/16-24 threaded female port. What can I use? 78. I need to split my effluent flow from the column between a fraction collector and mass spectrometer. What can I use? 79. I want something inexpensive to filter my mobile phase in a low pressure environment. What do you have? 80. I am using a syringe pump and can only tolerate very low pressures. What can I use to protect my syringe from cracking? What is HPLC? HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography, a laboratory analysis technique for achieving analytical information about a sample's components through a controlled separation process. [Back to Top] What is meant by Isocratic Methods? An isocratic method involves using one mobile phase composition throughout an analysis. This is often achieved by premixing a mobile phase in one solvent reservoir and using only that mixture for an assay. It may also be achieved through the use of a more sophisticated pumping apparatus that allows for precise proportioning from multiple solvent reservoirs. Finally, it may be performed through the use of two or more pumps operating in unison. [Back to Top] What is considered High-Pressure Mixing? High-pressure mixing refers to a pumping system that involves multiple pumps. Here, each pump in the system delivers a specified amount of a solvent in the form of a solvent stream. All the solvent streams in a system then come together in a mixing apparatus before exiting as a unified solvent stream. It is referred to as high-pressure mixing because the solvent streams are mixed together after they leave the pump, thus being on the high-pressure side of the pump. This term usually applies to gradient methods, but may also apply to more sophisticated isocratic analyses. [Back to Top] What is considered to be Low-Pressure Mixing? Low-pressure mixing only occurs with sophisticated pumps that are capable of precise proportioning from multiple solvent reservoirs. Here, the pump uses special electronic valves to obtain solvent from multiple reservoirs. This valve performs its proportioning prior to solvent entering a liquid end, thus being on the low-pressure side. This term usually applies to gradient methods, but may also apply to more sophisticated isocratic analyses. [Back to Top] How do separations take place in HPLC analyses? A sample is separated into its components due to a process termed differential migration. This migration is controlled by the degree of attraction each component has for the stationary phase compared to the mobile phase. Usually, the various components that make up a sample will exhibit varied degrees of attraction, and it is based on these varied levels of attraction that separation takes place. Optimal separations can be achieved by making strength adjustments to the stationary and / or mobile phases and selecting the right chemistries for these two phases can enhance the differential migration of the sample components. [Back to Top] What is a Stationary Phase? The stationary phase of an HPLC system generally refers to the column, where the separations actually take place. Technically speaking, the stationary phase refers to the chemical compounds, usually bonded to silica beads, inside the column, where they remain in a static position--thus, they are stationary. [Back to Top] What is a Mobile Phase? The mobile phase refers to the solvent mixture being pumped through the column. Because it is moving on a continuous basis, it is referred to as mobile. Mobile phase chemical properties are often different than stationary phase properties. The difference between the properties is used to dictate the type of separation that takes place; therefore, optimal sample component separation is achieved through the use of the appropriate stationary phase and mobile phase compositions. [Back to Top] What are the typical components of an HPLC system? HPLC systems can be as varied as the type of analyses that can be performed. However, the typical system can be broken down to some basic components which are easily identified in most systems. The best way to identify system components is to follow the flow path of the mobile phase from beginning to end, which usually correspondingly identifies components from left to right in the system. First, there is the MOBILE PHASE RESERVOIR, which houses the solvent mixture used during the analyses. The second component is the PUMP, which offers back-pressure regulator controlled flow of the mobile phase through the rest of the system. Incidentally, it is vitally important that a pump function very well in order to insure reproducibility in chromatographic data. The third component is the injection valve, used to introduce a set volume of sample into the solvent stream. Fourth is the COLUMN, often referred to as the "heart" of the HPLC system. It is here that the actual separations occur; without the column, no usable data can be obtained. Fifth in the system is the DETECTOR. This instrument is vital, as it generates an electronic signal that can be interpreted into a trace. Quantifiable data is obtained by thorough examination of this trace. Sixth is the WASTE RESERVOIR. Here the mobile phase and analyzed samples collect after passing through the rest of the system. Last in our basic breakdown of an HPLC system is a RECORDER. While solvent does not come in contact with or pass through this instrument, the recorder is responsible for translating the electronic signal being generated from the detector into a printed trace, referred to as a chromatogram. Using mathematical formulas, analytical information can be gleaned from this chromatogram. [Back to Top] How do you properly introduce a sample into the flow path? Introduction of a sample into the flow path is properly done through the use of an injection valve. This valve allows for the introduction of a sample without interrupting pump flow. With the injection valve in the LOAD position, sample is pushed through the needle port and into the sample loop (a piece of tubing with a known volume). Once the sample has been loaded into the loop, the valve is rotated to the INJECT position. By doing this, the pump flow is diverted through the sample loop, pushing out the sample in the process. The pump flow continues carrying the sample out to the column, where the separation begins. [Back to Top] What does an Injection Valve do? An injection valve serves two purposes. First, it allows the redirection of the pump flow away from the sample holding loop, giving you the opportunity to fill the loop with a predetermined amount of sample. Second, it once again allows the redirection of the pump flow through the sample loop, where the solvent stream carries the sample slug onto the head of the column to begin the separation process. [Back to Top] Can anything be done to help calm down a noisy baseline? Assuming the noise along your baseline is not due to anything electronic within your detector, there are two things that can be done to help minimize this problem. First, you can adequately degas your solvents. Following the flow path, the solvent stream moves quickly from a high-pressure environment within the column to a low-pressure environment on the effluent side of the column. Often, if solvents are not properly degassed, the gases being forced to remain dissolved in solution due to the high pressure inside and upstream from the column quickly outgas when the pressure changes. This outgassing is visible in the form of bubbles in the solvent stream line. These bubbles can pass into your flow cell, and once there they can cause excessive noise. Adequate degassing can help eliminate the problem of outgassing and thus help eliminate the chance of bubbles forming in the flow cell. The second thing you can do to help eliminate this problem is to use a back pressure regulator on the effluent side of your flow cell, because one of the primary factors causing bubbles to form in the solvent stream is the drastic drop in pressure the solvent experiences. Using a back pressure regulator forces additional pressure along the flow path, thus helping to ensure that any gas dissolved in the mobile phase stays dissolved until it has passed through the detector flow cell. [Back to Top] What can replace Stainless Steel parts when biocompatibility is necessary? Several things can replace stainless steel parts in biocompatible situations. If you are looking to continue using metal, then in some cases titanium is an acceptable alternative. However, titanium is brittle and very difficult to cut, and in the case of tubing, it is very expensive. For other purposes, almost universally, PEEK™ is a fantastic alternative to stainless steel. PEEK, or polyetheretherketone, can be used in high-pressure situations like stainless steel, and it is compatible with most chemicals used in HPLC. PEEK tubing is less expensive than stainless steel, easier to cut and more flexible. PEEK fittings are appropriate to be used with most all instruments. PEEK fittings offer high-pressure holding capabilities, and typically only need to be tightened finger tight, minimizing the need for special tools. [Back to Top] What can be done to help preserve the life of my analytical column? The most important step in preserving the life of your column is to use clean solvents and samples. This can be done primarily through the use of filtration. Utilizing solvent filters, both in the reservoir and inline as well as sample filters, can help keep the particulate matter that may be present in these chemicals out of your column. Another concern you must be careful to keep in mind is proper care of your column. Many times a buffer may be used as part of your mobile phase, and depending on the type of buffer you use, if it is allowed to sit stationary for a relatively long period of time, some of the buffer may precipitate out and plug your column. As a general rule, you are going to leave your column unused for more than 24 hours and you are using a buffer that might precipitate, take a few moments to wash your column free of the buffer. For most columns, it is best to store the column filled with an organic solvent, like methanol or acetonitrile. However, make sure these chemicals are compatible with the stationary phase inside your column, because if you use the chemicals that aren't compatible with your stationary phase, your column can be functionally destroyed. As a final note, one of the best ways to insure longer functional life from your column is to use a guard column. Guard columns often have similar chemical stationary phases as the analytical columns with which they are being used. Therefore, if something in the samples or in the mobile phase can cause damage to your analytical column, that something will interact with the stationary phase within the guard column first, hopefully saving any major damage to your analytical (and more expensive) column. [Back to Top] Should I use a guard column? A guard column is almost always recommended for use in your system, especially when you have components in your sample that may harm your sensitive stationary phase. At times you may find that some components in your sample seem to permanently bond with your stationary phase, eventually decreasing the efficiency and usefulness of the column, forcing early replacement. When using a guard column packed with a similar stationary phase to that of your primary analytical column, it is possible to significantly increase the life of your column. The guard column is a relatively low-cost product, designed to selectively filter out those components that might cause damage to your primary column. By allowing the harmful components in your sample to interact with its stationary phase material, the guard column keeps those components from exerting their effects on your analytical column's packing. However, keep in mind that because the harmful components of your samples are interacting with the guard column, it must be replaced from time to time. This can be monitored by keeping track of the back pressure exerted by your column system. When the back pressure increases significantly, that should serve as a good indicator that it is time to replace your guard column. [Back to Top] Does a guard column system that contains only PEEK wetted surfaces exist? We carry analytical guard cartridge assemblies for just that purpose. Designed to be inexpensive and practical, this system is available packed with plain silica, packed with C8 or packed with C18 bonded phase. The different versions are color-coded for easy identification, and they are available in a variety of sizes to best match the size of column you are working with. Because of their short length, they will not significantly affect the chromatography provided by your analytical column. [Back to Top] Is there an easy way to connect my guard column to my analytical column? The Upchurch Scientific Column Couplers are assembled using either our stainless steel or PEEK tubing in conjunction with Fingertight fittings. These universal couplers permit the lowest swept-volume connection of any coupler on the market, offering zero loss of column efficiency. These couplers will connect any column with 10-32 coned internal threads to a pre-column or guard column with the same threads. We also have a single-piece coupler available. For more information, contact your local Upchurch Scientific Dealer or Upchurch Scientific directly. [Back to Top] I've heard of Dimension X. What is it? Once a ferrule has been properly swaged onto a piece of tubing, Dimension X is defined as being the length of tubing extending past the tip of the ferrule. It is this length that often varies from one manufacturer to another, and is the source of interchangeability problems. [Back to Top] What does dead volume mean? Dead volume is defined as that portion of the flow path which is not directly inline,that is, unswept. It is these small spaces within your system where remixing of the separated sample bands occur, or where the initial sample is diluted with mobile phase. Dead volume should be minimized in a system, especially when small-volume columns of high plate numbers are used. Many times, dead volume can manifest itself through poor analytical data, often seen as split peaks or broad peaks on your chromatogram. It is important to note that "dead volume" does not typically refer to the overall internal volume of a product or system. Usually, at least some portion of the pathway through a product is directly in the flow path--this volume is typically referred to as "swept volume." For proper reference to the total internal volume, the term "void volume" should be used. [Back to Top] What is a micron? A micron is defined as being one one-thousandth of a millimeter. For comparison, a standard human hair is approximately 150μm in diameter. The term micron is often used to define pore sizes of filters and other frits, as well as to define particle size of the packing material used to pack columns. [Back to Top] What are typical Flow Rates in HPLC? As a reference, the most typical flow rate used in HPLC is 1.00mL per minute. This is often an adequate flow to elute (complete the separation process of) sample components in a relatively short time. Please note that the flow can vary vastly from this amount, ranging down into the microliters per minute up to 100mL per minute or higher. [Back to Top] What is an Inline Check Valve? An inline check valve is a special valve that is placed in the flow path where you wish to limit fluid transfer to one direction. Ideal placement for this fitting is on the effluent side of the column to prevent post-column derivatization agents from flowing back up the column and poisoning the column if your HPLC pump were to shut down. Placement on the post-column reagent line may also be desirable to prevent mobile phase from contaminating the reagent if the auxiliary pump were to fail. [Back to Top] What are pump Check Valves, and why are they important? Pump check valves are mechanisms designed with a special seal internal to its structure, one that allows solvent flow to proceed in only one direction. They are usually placed on both sides of the pump head, such that when the piston draws back to fill the pump head with fresh solvent, it does not pull back on the already expelled solvent. And when it expels the solvent it has taken in, it does so only in the direction of the fluid path, not back into the solvent reservoir. Some check valves use a dual ruby ball and sapphire seat combination internally. The first set is designed to provide the primary sealing surface inside the check valve, while the second combination is designed as a backup to the first, in the event the first one should fail. The use of this sealing technology incorporates the pressures generated by the pump and your system to force the ruby ball against the sapphire seat, creating the seal needed by your pump. [Back to Top] What is an Inlet Solvent filter? An inlet solvent filter is a specialized frit, designed to attach to the inlet lines of the pump. As the mobile phase passes through, particulate matter larger than the pores in the filter is held up in the filter's meshwork and not passed through. This helps insure the mobile phase is clean and free of material that might cause damage to other system components downstream. Common pore sizes of inlet solvent filters are 2μm, 10μm, and 20μm. [Back to Top] Why should I use an Inline Solvent Filter? An inline solvent filter can make a very useful and protective addition to your system. Placing it between the pump and the injector, an inline solvent filter can protect your injector and the rest of your system--including your column and flowcell--from most particulate matter that exists in your solvent stream. Where does this particulate matter come from? One source is from your solvent itself. If you have not pre-filtered your solvents, or if you don't use a solvent filter in your reservoir(s), there is a good chance that some particles are present. Another source of contaminants is the pump seals themselves. As your pump's pistons move back and forth through the seals, the friction created can cause small particles of seal material to fleck off and enter the solvent stream. When any of this particulate matter passes on to your injector valve, it may get held up within the small passageways built into the valve's seal. Once this occurs, it can cause flow blockages which may result in poor or no sample being injected. It may also result in the blocking of the solvent stream, which would be evident in a high pressure build up. One of the worst scenarios that can occur, however, is that the contaminant lodges between the seal and the inner face of the valve itself. As the valve rotates back and forth on subsequent injections with this particulate matter between the seal and valve face, both the seal and the valve face can become scored permanently. A scoring on either of these surfaces can allow fluid--either the sample or the solvent stream--to begin flowing in places it should not, usually resulting in a leak of fluid from the valve itself. If the contaminants should happen to pass through the injection valve and continue on along the flow path, they could possibly enter the column, where they can ultimately cause poor chromatography. [Back to Top] Where should an Inline Solvent Filter be placed? The ideal placement of an inline solvent filter is between the pump and the injector. This will protect your injector and the rest of your system, including your column and flow cell, from particulate matter that may exist in your solvent stream. [Back to Top] I use the UHMWPE inlet solvent filter, but bubbles seem to enter the flow stream stemming from the filter itself. Why? The UHMWPE polymer used to manufacture the A-426 filter is very hydrophobic, and if your solvents are aqueous, the filter actually resists contact with that liquid. To rectify this problem, it often proves useful to prime the filter with an organic polar solvent, like methanol or acetonitrile prior to using it in an aqueous solution. By prewetting the polymer surface, air pockets are minimized, thus decreasing the occurrence of bubbles along your inlet flow path. [Back to Top] How can I filter my solvent with an inlet filter and uptake the solvent from close to the bottom of the reservoir? Through the use of one of our patented Upchurch Scientific Bottom-of-the-Bottle solvent filters. One version of the filter utilizes a replaceable stainless steel filter cup and allows solvent to be drawn to within .125" from the bottom of your solvent reservoir. Our other version is a uniquely designed biocompatible all-PEEK polymer filter that incorporates a side port for optional helium sparging. This version allows solvent to be drawn to within .08" from the bottom of the solvent reservoir. Brand new to our Bottom-of-the-Bottle line of products are the UHMWPE versions of our filters. [Back to Top] Is there an easy, compact way to create a system for selecting between multiple solvent reservoirs? Upchurch Scientific manufactures 6-port solvent selection valves that are designed to let you choose a source solvent reservoir from up to six available reservoirs. With a rugged design that operates in applications up to 1,000 psi with the solvent coming in contact with no metal components, these valves are an excellent choice for organizing your multiple-solvent reservoirs. [Back to Top] What is Sparging? Sparging is the process of bubbling a virtually insoluble gas, such as helium or argon, through a solvent in an effort to displace the gases which have dissolved into solution. A gas such as helium has a very low solubility in most solvents used in HPLC. By trying to force an inert gas like helium into a solvent which doesn't "want" the gas to be present, the gases (like oxygen and nitrogen) that are present are driven out. This leaves a solvent with virtually no gas dissolved in solution. Therefore, when the gradient mixing takes place, bubble formation is minimized, helping to ensure better chromatographic results. [Back to Top] What purpose does sparging serve? Some gases, like oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, have a tendency to dissolve into solution at a much greater rate than do inert gases such as helium or argon. Even though they do have a higher solubility in most solvents, they often do not have equal solubility in all solvents. What does this mean to visible quality performance of your equipment? If you are running an isocratic method, pulling your pre-mixed solvent from one reservoir only, then it probably doesn't mean much in reduced performance. However, if you are running any method that pulls solvents from multiple reservoirs, it can result in the formation of bubbles in your solvent line. One very helpful way to keep the amount of dissolved gas in your solvents very low is through sparging. The sparging process forces an inert--and virtually insoluble--gas into a solution, driving out dissolved gases from the solvent. This helps prevent the formation of bubbles in your flow stream, helping to produce better chromatographic results. [Back to Top] Should I use a precolumn filter? A precolumn filter should be used primarily if you have concerns about particulate matter in your samples. As this material passes along the solvent stream without the filter in place, it could plug up the frit at the head of your column or cause damage to the internal packing of your analytical column. The pre-column filter prevents particles larger than the pore size of the frit inside the filter body from passing through. [Back to Top] What does Biocompatible mean? Biocompatible is a term applied to a fitting or tubing material that will not change the bioactivity of biological materials during the contact times common to HPLC analyses. Typically, any time biological samples are being analyzed (i.e. proteins, blood, etc.) it is best to use fittings and tubing that are termed "biocompatible." [Back to Top] What is PEEK™? PEEK is an acronym, which stands for polyetheretherketone. PEEK is a hard, yet slightly flexible polymer that is used in the manufacturing of many fittings and tubing commonly used in the HPLC industry. It has excellent chemical resistance to organic and inorganic liquids; only concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid will chemically attack it. PEEK tubing is not recommended for use with methylene chloride, DMSO, or THF due to a physical swelling effect. However, these chemicals do not adversely affect fittings, unions, or tees. Because of its broad range chemical resistance and ability to hold high pressures, it is an ideal product for nuts, ferrules, unions, and tubing. Please Note: The maximum recommended operating temperature for PEEK fittings is 150°C, and for tubing it is 100°C. [Back to Top] Should I be concerned about using colored PEEK tubing? In most cases, because of the proprietary process Upchurch Scientific uses in the extrusion of its tubing, color permanence is ensured and leaching does not occur. Thus, colored PEEK tubing from Upchurch Scientific can be used safely in most general HPLC applications. However, if you still prefer to use non-colored PEEK tubing, Upchurch Scientific does carry natural versions of its standard PEEK tubing. Please contact your local dealer or Upchurch Scientific directly for more information. [Back to Top] What are some advantages to using PEEK tubing? PEEK tubing is extremely flexible and can be easily cut to your desired lengths with a razor blade. This tubing can be used with stainless steel nuts and ferrules, flangeless fittings, or any Upchurch Scientific universal Fingertight fitting. PEEK tubing can also withstand very high temperatures, and has a recommended maximum use temperature of 100°C, above which the tubing will hold to lower pressures. PEEK tubing, even though it is polymer-based, can withstand pressures up to 5,000 psi or higher in many cases (dependent on the ID of the tubing; larger IDs require a lower maximum pressure rating. The solvent being used can also effect pressure ratings). Another nice benefit of this tubing is its very smooth internal surface, which can not be matched by any stainless steel tubing and which minimizes the turbulence created by laminar flow of the fluid. [Back to Top] What solvents are not compatible with PEEK? Very few solvents have been shown to not be compatible with PEEK. Two common solvents are known to directly attack the material: concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid. Other less common solvents that attack PEEK polymer include: halogenated acids such as hydrofluoric acid; hydrobromic acid; hydroiodic acid (hydrochloric acid is approved for use in most applications); and pure halogenated gases. There are a few other chemicals that exhibit a physical swelling effect on PEEK tubing, namely methylene chloride, DMSO, and THF. However, these chemicals do not adversely affect PEEK fittings. Because the list of adverse chemicals is so short, PEEK is an excellent alternative to most other materials available commercially today, including stainless steel and titanium, as well as other polymers. [Back to Top] What is Tefzel®? Tefzel, or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, is a soft fluoropolymer that is good for sealing surfaces. In addition, it can be molded and extruded into a variety of products. Tefzel is extremely resistant to chemical attack; however, some chlorinated chemicals will cause a physical swelling of Tefzel tubing. [Back to Top] What is Kel-F®? Kel-F, or polychlorotrifluoroethylene, is a polymer that has excellent chemical resistivity. Only THF and a few halogenated solvents will react with it. This resilient polymer is excellent for ferrules and sealing surfaces. [Back to Top] What is Delrin®? Delrin, or acetal resin, is a polymer that has excellent chemical resistance to most organic solvents. This polymer's high tensile strength also permits superior threads that are not susceptible to wear. Delrin is not suitable for use with acids, bases or oxidizing agents. [Back to Top] What is Teflon®? Teflon is a Dupont® registered trademark representing a family of fluoropolymers, which includes PTFE (polytetrafluoro ethylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxy alkane) and FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene). Teflon is a soft polymer that is inert to most chemicals used in HPLC. It is difficult to machine Teflon to hold tight tolerances, and it does not typically have the physical strength required to maintain the thread integrity required of the small connections used in HPLC. Thus it is not regularly used in the manufacturing of fittings. However, Teflon tubing is one of the most common materials used to manufacture low-pressure, fluid transfer tubing. In an HPLC system, Teflon tubing is most commonly used from the reservoir to the pump. [Back to Top] Why would I want to use color-coded Teflon tubing? Often, you may find that the Teflon tubing you use is responsible for transferring fluid from a solvent reservoir to a pump or from a detector's flow cell to a waste bottle. In many instances, this tubing will be long and may be grouped with other tubing lines (such as with a gradient pump system, where multiple solvent reservoirs are required to deliver solvent to the pump). By using color-coded Teflon tubing, it is easy to determine the source of each line, thus minimizing the hassle of sorting out a tangled braid of tubing just to determine which one goes to what source. [Back to Top] What are the advantages of using PFA Teflon tubing? PFA Teflon tubing serves as an excellent replacement for PTFE Teflon, particularly where you are looking for similar physical properties--including lubricity--as those of PTFE, and where gas permeability, surface texture, and inertness are issues. Additionally, a high-purity grade of PFA tubing is typically used when only the lowest level of polymer contaminants can be tolerated. This ultra-clean grade of PFA is often used in the medical industry.For some applications, where light sensitivity may be an issue, you may also be interested in our black-colored Teflon tubing. [Back to Top] What are standard sizes of Tubing in HPLC? There are two very common sizes of tubing you will find in HPLC. The most common size of tubing is 1/16" outer diameter, or OD. You can usually find stainless steel and PEEK tubing of this size as part of your system. You might also find Teflon® or Tefzel® tubing of this size. The other most common size of HPLC tubing is 1/8" OD. Usually tubing of this size is used as solvent transfer tubing from the solvent reservoir to the inlet side of the pump. Most often, it is manufactured from Teflon. There are other sizes of tubing you might find in an HPLC system, ranging from microbore tubing, with ODs that range from .004" up to 1/16", to larger 3/16" OD tubing and even 1/4" OD tubing. [Back to Top] I want tubing that isn't very permeable to gases. What can I use? Your best option when choosing tubing, keeping in mind its permeability to gases, is metal tubing, such as stainless steel or titanium. However, these are often not very convenient to use in places where you would be most concerned about gases permeating the tubing walls. Often, polymer tubing is the tubing of choice for flexibility and ease of cutting purposes. But which is least permeable to gases? For the best performance, PEEK tubing should be your option of choice, as its gas permeability is virtually undetectable. Most fluoropolymer tubing, including Tefzel and Teflon tubing, is highly gas permeable and should not typically be used where gas permeation may be detrimental. [Back to Top] In what situations is titanium tubing best used? In certain high-pressure applications where metal tubing is necessary but stainless steel cannot be used--such as those involving protein analysis--titanium tubing serves as an appropriate alternative. However, there are some disadvantages to using titanium tubing. It is brittle and care should be taken when bending it. Also, the use of acids can cause physical stress fracturing along the walls of the tubing. For most applications where titanium is being used for biocompatibility purposes, PEEK polymer tubing is a viable option. PEEK tubing offers excellent solvent compatibility, is easier to use, and costs less then titanium tubing. [Back to Top] Why should I buy pre-cut stainless steel tubing? Pre-cut tubing available from Upchurch Scientific has square, burr-free, polished ends. Such high quality finishes are important in allowing you to make zero dead-volume connections. Maintaining the lowest dead volume possible is vital between the sample injection valve, the column and the detector. Tubing cut with commercially available tubing cutters or a standard file will result in rough, uneven ends. These imperfections provide ample opportunity for dead-volume chambers to form, reducing the overall chromatographic efficiency. [Back to Top] What is a Frit? A frit is a porous metallic or polymeric material, usually formed into a disc shape. A frit is designed to prevent the passage of particulate matter while allowing fluid to flow through it. Two common uses of a frit is as an inline solvent filter and to contain the packing material inside a column tube. Frits vary in porosity from 0.5μm (used as inline filters for protecting an HPLC column) to 20μm (used for large particulate filtration in high-flow systems). [Back to Top] What is the best frit I can use for uniform porosity and biocompatibility? Upchurch Scientific is the only manufacturer of 100% PEEK frits, which are indeed biocompatible, inert, and offer uniform porosity for more reproducible frit-to-frit operation. They are available in 0.5μm, 2μm and 10μm versions. [Back to Top] What does a Back Pressure Regulator do? A back pressure regulator is a device placed in the flow path after the detector to maintain a positive pressure on the effluent line leaving the column and the flowcell. Doing this helps minimize outgassing problems that often occur within the flowcell as the solvent in the flow path moves from the high-pressure environment of the column to the low-pressure environment (room pressure) after the column. In addition, a back-pressure regulator can be used directly after a pump. In this configuration it will operate as a pump preload, and serve to help the pump operate more efficiently with less flow pulsation and/or disturbances. [Back to Top] How can I use a back-pressure regulator but not add any significant volume to my flow path? In response to the need to have very little additional swept volume added to the flow path and still have the convenience of a back-pressure regulator, Upchurch Scientific has developed its Ultra-Low Volume Back-Pressure Regulator. With maximum internal volume of only 6 microliters, this product efficiently provides an even back pressure while minimizing band spreading; it's hardly even noticeable in your system. [Back to Top] My pump pressure has been increasing slowly over time. What could be causing this? One of the primary causes of slowly increasing pump pressure is the build up of material on a filter or frit surface, forcing the pump to work harder to achieve the same flow rate. This build up is usually caused by particulate contamination in the mobile phase, solid particles from the sample being introduced into the system, or breakdown particles from seal surfaces, primarily the pump seal. Another source of increased pressure can be the slow deposit of impurities or other sample components that permanently bond with the stationary phase within the column. As this deposit increases, it takes more effort from the pump to push the sample and mobile phase through in order to maintain the set flow rate. In order to solve this problem, it is best to go through your system and change – one at a time – the filters and frits, and maybe even the column, until the pressure goes back to normal. Keep in mind that if you make a change on your system and the changed part does not improve your system’s performance, it is usually safe to put the original part back in and save your new part for a future necessary use. [Back to Top] My pump pressure jumped up suddenly and my flow stopped. What’s wrong with my system? Typically in this situation, something has seriously and completely blocked the flow path, such that no matter what effort the pump goes to in order to push the necessary mobile phase through, it cannot be achieved. This can be in the form of a serious filter or frit blockage (often due to a precipitation effect of some sort), or it can be due to a large contaminant blocking the tubing through hole. Another source of this problem could be the outlet check valve malfunctioning, not allowing fluid to pass in the appropriate direction.The best way to solve that problem is to start at the furthest point along your flow path where the blockage could theoretically be, and begin disconnecting junctions along the path, all the while monitoring the pressure to see when it drops. As soon as you release a connection in front of the blockage, you should see an almost instantaneous release of pressure, as well as the return of fluid flow. [Back to Top] My pump pressure jumped up, but I still have flow. What’s causing this? Two primary sources can cause this problem. The first problem is that something has suddenly caused a fairly major blockage in your system – either through contamination or precipitation – but the blockage is not so major that flow cannot get past, and thus the pump just works as hard as it needs to in order to achieve that flow. The other source of the problem is a defective pressure transducer or regulator, suggesting that the reading you are observing is not an actual reading, but an artificial one created by your pressure readout device. [Back to Top] What kind of back pressure can I expect to see due to my tubing? The back pressure associated with your tubing is directly relational to the length of the tubing, the flow rate of the solvent moving through the tubing, the solvent viscosity, and the inner diameter of the tubing. In most cases, the back pressure is negligible for standard lengths and inner diameter sizes used in HPLC. [Back to Top] Are stainless steel fittings interchangeable? As a general rule, stainless steel fittings are interchangeable initially, prior to the ferrule of the fitting being swaged into place. However, also as a general rule, once a stainless steel fitting has been swaged into place on a piece of tubing, it is best to use only that fitting with the mating part into which it was initially swaged. The reason stainless steel fittings are not interchangeable after they have been swaged into place is due to what we will term "Dimension X." This "dimension" refers to the length of tubing extending past the ferrule of a fitting that allows the tubing to have a flush connection at the bottom of the union or adapter into which it is being tightened. Depending on the manufacturer, this dimension can be longer or shorter than others. Keeping this in mind, let's look at a couple of scenarios that might help explain this a little more in depth. First, assume you have swaged a stainless steel nut and ferrule into a manufacturer's union where Dimension X is long. Now, you remove the fitting from this union and try to attach it to another manufacturer's union, where the requirements for Dimension X are short. Now your tubing extends past the ferrule too far, and no matter how much you tighten the fitting, you will never be able to create a seal between the outer surface of the ferrule and the inside surface of the union. In the opposite scenario, you swage a fitting into a manufacturer's union where Dimension X is short. You then try to move this to a union where the required Dimension X is long. You are able to get a tight seal with the fitting, but you have introduced a dead volume chamber between the end of the tubing and the bottom of the union. Depending on the location of the union, this dead volume space can lead to remixing of your sample components and extra turbulence, among other problems. Once again, as a general rule with stainless steel fittings, always use the same mated fitting initially used to swage one of these fittings in place. If you are in a situation where you need interchangability, Upchurch Scientific® recommends FingerTight Fittings. With FingerTight Fittings the ferrule does not permanently swage. [Back to Top] What is a Fingertight? Fingertight fittings comprise a special category of fittings designed to replace stainless steel fittings. The first Fingertight fitting was designed and introduced to the HPLC market in March, 1984 by Upchurch Scientific. There are several types of finger-tightenable fittings on the market now, and the fingertight fittings have become very popular. There are several reasons for their popularity: First is the convenience of fingertight fittings. It is convenient to be able to disconnect tubing without getting out the wrenches. Second, fingertight fittings are universal and the fitting does not attach permanently to the tubing. You can use the fitting in one receiving port, disconnect the tubing and fitting, attach the tubing to another manufacturer's port and use the same fitting. Third, since you are using your fingers to tighten the fitting, there is less chance of over-tightening (a major cause of leaks and hardware damage with stainless steel fittings). Lastly, fingertight fittings use a polymer (plastic) ferrule. The polymer ferrule does not score or scratch the cone in the mating fitting, so your fittings last longer. This is one of the reasons you should use fingertight fittings on your column--column end fittings and other mating ports will last longer with fewer leaks. [Back to Top] What is the advantage of using a two-piece Fingertight fitting? The part of the Fingertight fitting that wears most quickly is the sealing surface. With a two-piece Fingertight fitting, the sealing surface is engineered into a replaceable ferrule. Thus, when the ferrule is worn, you simply replace the ferrule instead of the entire unit, making this type of Fingertight a more economical choice than the one-piece versions. [Back to Top] I have a need for a flat-bottom fitting, but need to have 10-32 threads; what are my options? Usually, flat-bottom fittings come in either 1/4-28 or metric thread size. However, we also manufacture a line of special flangeless fittings, known as our VacuTight line, which allow a flat-bottom connection in a 10-32 port. We also offer an adapter that has 1/4-28 male flat-bottom threads and 10-32 male threads. [Back to Top] Is there any way to keep my tubing from twisting when using Fingertight Fittings? Upchurch Scientific has developed the line of LiteTouch® ferrule systems, available in both 1/16" and 1/8" sizes. Each ferrule system consists of two parts: a double-coned ferrule and a stainless steel compression ring. This design accomplishes two important functions: First, because compression is occurring in two places, the ferrule system will hold to higher pressures. Second and most importantly, the stainless steel lock-ring serves as a bearing, preventing the tubing from twisting during the tightening of the fitting. This ferrule system can be used with specially designed PEEK polymer or stainless steel nuts. [Back to Top] My system uses flangeless fittings, but due to system vibration, my fittings are loosening. How can I solve my problem? Use of the Super Flangeless™ ferrule systems manufactured by Upchurch Scientific. Through the use of a lock ring around the back of the ferrule, the ferrule system works like a seal and a bearing, preventing the twisting of the tubing and thus virtually eliminating the loosening of the fittings that occurs in some applications that use the standard flangeless fittings. Available with PEEK or Tefzel ferrules for 1/16" OD tubing and 1/8" OD tubing. Also available with a Kel-F ferrule for 1.8 mm OD tubing. [Back to Top] Is there any way to connect 3 or 4 pieces of tubing together? We manufacture a variety of stainless steel, PEEK or Tefzel tees, Y's and crosses designed to perform this function. These products are engineered with small thru-holes to minimize the internal swept volume. Available in standard 10-32, 1/4-28 and 5/16-24 threads, these parts allow the connection of your tubing with standard Fingertight or flangeless fittings. [Back to Top] How can I connect capillary tubing to my system using standard 1/16" ports? Upchurch Scientific carries a line of fittings that use PEEK tubing sleeve to allow the connection of capillary tubing to mating ports, with standard 1/16" threads (10-32 style). The tubing sleeves are standard 1/16" OD and are available as part of our standard product line. To use the system properly, first insert your capillary tubing into an appropriately sized PEEK tubing sleeve, ih the sleeve ID approximately .002" greater than the OD of your capillary tubing. Then slide the nut and ferrule over the sleeve. We highly recommend the use of our F-140 stainless steel fittings with PEEK ferrules for the proper operation of these sleeves. Next, push the tubing sleeve assembly into your port until it bottoms out, and tighten the fitting finger tight. Additionaly, Upchurch Scientific has added a line of special FEP Teflon tubing sleeves for this same purpose. Functionally, they perform just as our PEEK tubing sleeves do; however, due to the relative softness of the Teflon tubing sleeves, standard SealTight Fingertight fittings may be used. In most cases, these assemblies will hold to 6,000 psi. Additionally, we manufacture Minitight fittings designed to hold capillary tubing. One style is specifically for capillary tubing with a .020" outer diameter without the use of a sleeve. Because these fittings have standard 10-32 threads to be used in standard 1/16" tubing ports, if your capillary tubing is sized appropriately, these fittings provide a simple, easy-to-use alternative to connecting your capillary tubing to standard ports. Another style of the Minitight fitting is designed to be used with our MicroTight tubing sleeves. Please contact us for further information. [Back to Top] Can I easily connect peristaltic tubing to 1/16" and 1/8" OD HPLC tubing? Through the use of the Upchurch Scientific's new Conical Adapter, you can create a union between your standard HPLC tubing and your peristaltic tubing. With this new adapter, 1/16" or 1/8" OD rigid tubing is connected to a fitting that allows peristaltic tubing to slide easily on and off of. If you prefer something that makes a tighter connection with peristaltic tubing, you might try our P-757 or P-767 Peristaltic Tubing Adapters. These are specifically designed to facilitate the connection between 1/16" OD rigid tubing and peristaltic tubing ranging in inner diameter from 1.22mm to 3.05mm. [Back to Top] Is there an easy way to filter my solvent path while using capillary or fused silica tubing? Upchurch Scientific has created the Precolumn MicroFilter, the Inline MicroFilter and the Mini MicroFilter specifically for this purpose. Most of our MicroFilters utilize our MicroTight tubing sleeves along with two Micro-Fingertight fittings to accommodate most sizes of capillary or fused silica tubing. Two versions of our mini MicroFilter directly connect 360-380μm OD capillary tubing without the use of tubing sleeves. The Precolumn and Inline MicroFilters retain particles larger than 0.5μm flowing through capillary tubing, with the use of a built-in 0.5μm PEEK frit. Capable of holding 5,000 psi of continuous pressure, these filters can be used in either high-pressure or low-pressure environments. The Precolumn MicroFilter has 10-32 male threads and is designed for direct-connecting into your microbore or other column. The Inline MicroFilter utilizes 6-32 threads for use with our Micro Fingertight fittings. The Mini MicroFilter contains a thin stainless steel microscreen that offers a dramatic reduction in theoretical void volume, at only .085 microliters (includes frit volume). This filter is available with 1- and 2-micron porosity replaceable filter capsules, and employs a combination of a female nut and a specifically designed ferrule. [Back to Top] Can I create a quick disconnection union between two pieces of 1/16" OD tubing? Upchurch Scientific has developed a line of Quick Connect Luer Adapters, allowing the connection of standard HPLC tubing utilizing commonly found thread dimensions: 1/4-28, 10-32 or M6. Central to the function of the adapter is a luer-lock connection in the middle of the part, such that you can split apart the union in the middle through a simple twisting action without disturbing the HPLC tubing connections on either end of the adapter. Also, through mixing and matching, you can easily create an assortment of adapters to which you can connect a variety of standard fittings. Additionally, Upchurch Scientific has introduced the innovative LuerTight™ fittings system. This unique connector family allows a quick disconnection between 1/16" and 1/8" OD tubing without the need for threaded nuts to hold the tubing into place. The Quick Connect Luer Adapters are available in either ETFE (Tefzel) or PEEK polymers; the LuerTight fittings are manufactured primarily from polypropylene. [Back to Top] How can I attach my Pharmaciaź column to my HPLC system? Pharmacia columns typically employ the use of a male, Metric (M6) threaded nut to make a connection into your system. There are a variety of adapters you can use that are engineered to adapt Metric threaded fittings to the two most common U.S. Customary System thread dimensions: 10-32 and 1/4-28. Upchurch Scientific manufactures an array of adapter styles, ranging from a union between two fittings (one metric and the other either 10-32 or 1/4-28) to a male-to-male style, which allows you to change one thread type to another. [Back to Top] How can I attach my peristaltic tubing to a 1/4-28 flat-bottomed fitting? You can use a special barbed adapter manufactured by Upchurch Scientific. These adapters have two male sides: one with a barb to fit snugly inside your soft peristaltic tubing, and the other end engineered to fit into any standard 1/4-28 flat-bottom port. [Back to Top] How can I attach my peristaltic tubing to a 10-32 coned female fitting? You can use a special barbed adapter manufactured by Upchurch Scientific. These adapters have two male sides: one with a barb to fit snugly inside your soft peristaltic tubing, and the other end engineered to fit into a 10-32 coned female port. [Back to Top] I'm using 3/16" OD tubing and can't find any fittings to replace the ones I've just worn out--where can I get these? We offer some flangeless-type fittings that will work with your 3/16" OD tubing. The flangeless nuts are manufactured from PEEK (part number P-132) and from Delrin, an acetal resin (part number P-138). For general organic or neutral pH applications, the Delrin version offers sufficient compatibility. For the best overall solvent resistance, however, the PEEK version is recommended. The ferrule you will need to use with the nut is part number P-133, specifically manufactured for use with both the P-132 and the P-138, and with 3/16" OD tubing. [Back to Top] I need a way to quickly prime my HPLC pump. Do you have anything that will help me? Upchurch offers two pump prime/purge valves. Our Universal Prime/Purge Valves are designed to connect inline: one along the 1/8" OD flow path of most standard pumping systems and the other along the 1/16" OD tubing flow path on the high-pressure side of the pump. These units are actuated through the use of a standard, luer-tipped syringe and allow you to pull air bubbles out of the solvent line easily and readily. Likewise, for use with a Waters® pump which has its own low-pressure priming valve built into the pump, Upchurch Scientific offers its Waters-compatible Prime/Purge Valve. This unique valve offers the same easy syringe actuation that our Universal Prime/Purge Valve employs, making the priming of your Waters pump more convenient and more reliable. [Back to Top] I'm looking for a simple biocompatible Semi-Prep Inline filter; what do you have available? Upchurch Scientific has offers a high-pressure, biocompatible Semi-Prep Inline Filter. It consists of a stainless steel body, two PEEK end fittings and a replaceable PEEK frit. Once you buy the unit, the only part that will need replacing is the PEEK frit inside. Available with either 2μm or 10μm frits. The 2μm version has a pressure drop of approximately 40-45 psi at a flow rate of 100 mL/min of water across the frit. The 10μm version has a pressure drop of less then 10 psi under the same conditions. Please Note: our Semi-Prep Inline Filters are engineered to be used with 1/16" OD tubing utilizing polymer fittings, such as our one-piece F-120 Fingertight fitting. [Back to Top] Do you have a tool that will help tighten flangeless fittings? Sure we do--the P-298 Delrin Flangeless Nut ExtenderTool! This tool is especially useful to tighten or loosen Upchurch Scientific flangeless nuts in hard-to-reach places. The tool's design and plastic contruction prevent overtightening, eliminating the potential problem of breaking off the heads of nuts. In addition, this product provides relatively uniform tightening of flangeless nuts into unions, tees, crosses and valves, taking the guess work out of the tightening process. The extender tool can be used to tighten flangeless nuts on tubing with an outer diameter equal to or less than 1/8". To help tighten our Headless Flangeless Nuts, Upchurch Scientific has developed a special Extender Tool, the P-297. This aluminum tool lets you easily tighten Headless nuts, thus improving their holding power. [Back to Top] I have two frits that have different colored sealing rings around them. Why are they colored differently? The colored ring around the Upchurch Scientific frits actually do signify a micron size. Following is our color-coding: Red = Titanium 0.2μm Blue = 0.5μm Green = 2μm Tan = 2μm Black = 0.5μm Yellow = Titanium, 2μm Clear = 5, 10 or 20μm [Back to Top] I have Pharmacia equipment which requires a metric threaded fitting, but I want to use 1/16" OD and 1/8" OD tubing. Upchurch Scientific manufactures an assortment of nuts that utilize the M6 threads, which are standard for Pharmacia systems. The P-207, P-207S, P-226 and P-288 are manufactured to be used with 1/16" OD tubing and can be used our 1/16" flangeless ferrules. The P-307, P-307S and P-326 are designed for use with 1/8" OD tubing. These nuts are compatible for use with any 1/8" flangeless ferrule available from Upchurch Scientific. Please note, you can identify the metric flangeless nuts manufactured from Upchurch Scientific by a small mark (M6) molded directly onto a step on these nuts. [Back to Top] What's the best way to create a union through a bulkhead panel? Through the use of one of Upchurch Scientific Bulkhead Unions. We currently manufacture three different versions of this special union; the P-440, which has 10-32 internal threads; the P-441, which has 1/4-28 flat-bottom internal threads; and the P-442, which has metric (M6) internal threads. Upchurch Scientific also manufacturers three different stainless steel bulkhead unions, each with 10-32 internal threads, but with different thru-holes. See below for further information. [Back to Top] I need an inexpensive way to branch my inlet flow off in three separate directions utilizing flangeless fittings. Upchurch Scientific manufactures polymer crosses out of PEEK and ETFE (Tefzel) which are engineered to be used with 1/4-28 flangeless fittings. The P-634 and P-722 have a .020" thru-hole, and are shipped with fittings designed for use with 1/16" OD tubing. The P-635 and P-723 have a .050" thru-hole, and are shipped with fittings designed for use with 1/8" OD tubing. [Back to Top] I need to connect tubing to my 5/16-24 threaded female port. What can I use? We manufacture several PEEK nuts with 5/16-24 threads that are designed to be used with 1/16" OD tubing, 1/8" OD tubing and even 3/16" OD tubing. We also manufacture a Delrin (acetal resin) nut for use with 3/16" OD tubing. Most of these nuts are designed for flat-bottomed female ports. If you need a version to use with 1/8" OD tubing and the female port is coned, then the P-131 nut with the LT-200 LiteTouch ferrule system should be used. [Back to Top] I need to split my effluent flow from the column between a fraction collector and mass spectrometer. What can I use? We manufacture a unique MicroSplitter Valve, which has been shown to maintain a controlled flow rate of as low as 2.0 microliter-per minute (with a 1mL/min. inlet flow). The split flow is adjusted by simply turning the thumbscrew on the valve to decrease or increase the amount of fluid leaving the valve from either port. If you wish to directly couple capillary tubing to the split port of the valve, use either our low-pressure P-452 or one of our high-pressure valves, M-405S and M-405T (an appropriate MicroTight tubing sleeve will need to be used with the capillary tubing). If you need more exacting capabilities, including a way to return to a previous setting easily, try our P-470 or M-472 Graduated MicroSplitter valves. [Back to Top] I want something inexpensive to filter my mobile phase in a low pressure environment. What do you have? Upchurch Scientific offers pre-assembled low-pressure filters, with versions for 1/16" and 1/8" OD tubing. Using a frit held between flangeless fittings, these units effectively filter particulate matter from your mobile phase traveling through Teflon or Tefzel tubing. Alternatively, you can filter at any point in your system where 1/16" or 1/8" OD tubing is connected to a flat-bottom 1/4-28, M6 or 5/16-24 port, using our innovative Frit-In-A-Ferrule™ products. These products seal and filter simultaneously through the incorporation of a frit into the body of a ferrule. The Frit-In-A-Ferrule is available in standard Flangeless and Super Flangeless ferrule styles with the choice of a PEEK or stainless steel built-in frit. [Back to Top] I am using a syringe pump and can only tolerate very low pressures. What can I use to protect my syringe from cracking? Use the Upchurch Scientific Pressure Relief Valve. By setting the internal cartridge to crack open at a pressure below the maximum pressure to which your syringe can be exposed, you allow a diversion of the flow to a waste container at any time the pressure on the flow path exceeds a safe operating pressure. [Back to Top] Copyright © IDEX Corporation 2010. IDEX Health & Science is a Unit of IDEX® Corporation. | Privacy Policy |