In the world of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), choosing the right tubing is critical to achieving precise, reliable results. One of the most popular and effective options available is PEEK tubing, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of chemical analysis under high pressure. In this article, we will explore why PEEK tubing is a top choice for laboratory professionals and how selecting the right size and specifications can elevate your liquid chromatography experiments.
Why PEEK Tubing Is Crucial for HPLC
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a sophisticated analytical technique widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food safety. During HPLC analysis, reagents are pumped at high pressure through the system, which places substantial stress on the tubing. This makes it essential to use tubing that is strong, chemically resistant, and capable of withstanding high temperatures.
PEEK tubing, with its excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance, is designed to meet these demanding requirements. It is resistant to pressures up to 300 bar, making it ideal for use in HPLC applications. Moreover, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) does not elute metal ions, ensuring that the analysis remains free from contamination, which is critical in analytical processes where precision is everything.
Key Features of 1/16” PEEK Tubing
Maxi Scientific Instruments (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. offers 1/16” PEEK tubing in a variety of sizes, allowing you to choose the tubing that best fits your HPLC setup. The outer diameter (OD) of the tubing is 1/16” (1.58 mm), a standard size that fits most HPLC systems. The available inner diameter (ID) options include 0.13mm, 0.18mm, 0.25mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm, and 1mm, providing you with a wide range of options for different flow rates and applications.
PEEK tubing from Maxi Scientific Instruments is known for its tight tolerance of ± 0.001” (0.03mm) for both inner and outer diameters, ensuring consistency in performance. This precision is vital for reliable HPLC results, where even slight variations can impact the quality of analysis. Additionally, for orders of PEEK tubing over 5 meters, a free tubing cutter is provided, which makes cutting the tubing to your desired length easy and precise.
Advantages of Using PEEK Tubing in HPLC
1. High Pressure Resistance: PEEK tubing is specifically designed to withstand high-pressure environments, making it perfect for HPLC applications where reagents are pumped under extreme pressure. It maintains its integrity under pressure levels of up to 400 bar, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted flow during your analysis.
2. Chemical Resistance: One of the standout features of PEEK tubing is its exceptional chemical resistance. It can handle a wide range of solvents, including acids, bases, and organic solvents, without degrading or leaching harmful contaminants into the system. This makes it ideal for sensitive chemical analyses that require purity and accuracy.
3. Thermal Stability: PEEK tubing also boasts an impressive melting point of 350°C, making it resistant to high temperatures that can occur during prolonged or high-temperature analyses. This heat resistance ensures that the tubing remains functional even in high-temperature environments, providing reliability across various experimental conditions.
4. Compatibility with Finger-Tight Fittings: PEEK tubing is designed to work seamlessly with finger-tight fittings, providing a simple and efficient connection without the need for complex tools. This user-friendly feature makes it easier to set up and maintain your HPLC system.
5. Color-Coded for Easy Identification: The PEEK tubing is color-coded based on the inner diameter (ID) to help with easy identification. While the ink may wear off with usage, it does not affect the performance of the tubing, ensuring that you can still rely on it for your analysis.
What to Avoid When Using PEEK Tubing
While PEEK tubing is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, there are some exceptions. Concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid can damage the tubing, so they should be avoided. Additionally, PEEK tubing can expand when exposed to certain solvents like DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), dichloromethane, and THF (tetrahydrofuran), which may affect the system’s integrity over time.
Real-World Applications of PEEK Tubing
Many laboratories and industries rely on PEEK tubing for a variety of HPLC applications. For instance, pharmaceutical laboratories utilize PEEK tubing to ensure precise and accurate separation of compounds in drug formulations. Similarly, environmental testing facilities use PEEK tubing for analyzing water and soil samples without risking contamination from the tubing itself.
Optimize Your HPLC System with PEEK Tubing
PEEK tubing is a must-have for any laboratory conducting high-performance liquid chromatography. With its high-pressure resistance, excellent chemical resistance, and thermal stability, PEEK tubing ensures that your HPLC system delivers accurate and reliable results. Maxi Scientific Instruments offers 1/16” PEEK tubing in a range of sizes and precision tolerances to suit various applications, making it the go-to choice for laboratories worldwide.
Contact us today to learn more about our premium PEEK tubing and how it can improve the efficiency and accuracy of your HPLC analyses.
Post time: Dec-18-2024