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Fittings
Fittings are needed to attach, adapt or adjust piping or tubing in HPLC systems. Polymer fittings can be used in most applications, regardless of the kind of tubing. Frequently used polymers are PEEK, PP, PCTFE or Delrin. Fittings made of stainless steel are often used in high pressure applications (e. g. UHPLC). Our product range includes low pressure fittings and high pressure fittings by numerous manufacturers such as Upchurch Scientific, Agilent Technologies, Applied Research Europe, Vici Jour and Vici Valco.
Here you can learn more about the chemical compatibility of materials and different types of fittings. For more information, please have a look at this product catalogue.
Metallic fittings by Upchurch Scientific and Applied Research Europe
For UHPLC and other super high pressure applications, most analysts use metallic nuts and ferrules or other specialized fittings designed for high pressures. If you connect a piece of tubing to a receiving port and plan to rarely take it out, a stainless steel fitting might be a good option for you. Generally, metallic fittings should not be used on plastic tubing. When a metallic fitting crimps down on plastic tubing, it firmly squezzes the tubing and might damage the tubing or the inner diameter. Most metallic fittings will hold to higher pressures than polymer fittings. We offer metallic fittings by Upchurch Scientific or Applied Research Europe.
Polymer fittings by Vici Jour, SGE, Upchurch Scientific and Applied Research Europe
Plastic fittings can be used with nearly any type of tubing. You only need to make sure the fitting will hold more than the pressure you expect with your application and your tubing is suited for the style of connection you want to make (e. g. external compression, internal expansion, etc.). If you plan to use the tubing in multiple locations, or if you expect to make frequent connections with the fitting, a polymer fitting will be a good option for you. A big advantage of polymer fittings is their superior chemical compatibility. Polymer fittings can hold to most required high pressure and low pressure applications and are reusable over and over again.
Polymer fittings made of PEEK, PP, PCTFE, Delrin and ETFE
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is one of the most used polymers. Its excellent chemical resistance to virtually all commonly used solvents is a big plus. However, the use of PEEK with nitric acid, sulfuric acid, halogenated acids (such as hydrofluoric acid and hydrobromic acid) and pure halogenated gases is usually not recommended. Hydrochloric acid though is approved for use in most applications. The thread strength of PEEK fittings is excellent. Maximum operating temperature for fittings: 125° C.
Polypropylene (PP) is a relatively soft polymer. It is commonly used in low pressure applications, especially in IVD and similar equipment. Polypropylene is ideal for aqueous solutions. It should not be used with chlorinated, aromatic and some organic solvents. The thread strength is fair. Maximum operating temperature for fittings: 40° C.
PCTFE (polychloro-trifluoroethylene) has excellent chemical resistance – in general, only THF and a few halogenated solvents will react with it. PCTFE is resilient and ideal for fittings and sealing surfaces. The thread strength of PCTFE fittings is good. Maximum operating temperature for fittings: 80° C.
Fittings made of Delrin exhibit excellent chemical resistance to most organic solvents and to most neutral-pH aqueous solvents. However, it is not suitable for use with acids, bases or oxidizing agents. A big advantage is the polymer’s high tensile strength. This means highly wear-resistant threads and excellent thread strength. Maximum operating temperature for fittings: 60° C.
ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) is a member of the fluoropolymer family. ETFE fittings have excellent solvent resistance. This material is ideal for demanding sealing applications. While most commonly used solvents do not interact with ETFE, some chlorinated chemicals might do so. ETFE has good thread strength. Maximum operating temperature for fittings: 80° C.
The following chart shows the chemical compatibility of the most commonly used polymers.
Chemical Compatibility Chart (Polymer Fittings)
| PEEK | PP (Polypropylene) | PCTFE | Delrin | |
| Chemical Family | ||||
| Ethers | M | NR | M | R |
| Aldehydes | R | R | R | R |
| Aliphatic Solutions | R | M | R | R |
| Amines | R | R | R | M |
| Aromatics | R | NR | R | R |
| Chlorinated | M | NR | M | M |
| Ketones | R | M | R | R |
| Bases | R | R | R | NR |
| Inorganic Acids | M | M | R | NR |
| Organic Acids | M | M | R | NR |
| Sulfonated Compunds | M | M | R | R |
| Thread Strength (Shear Strength) | Excellent | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Max. recommended Operating Temp. for Fittings (°C) | 125* | 40 | 80 | 60 |
R Recommended
M Some solvents in this category are satisfactory, while others are not. Maximum concentration can vary with the specific product type and chemical.
NR Not recommended
M Some solvents in this category are satisfactory, while others are not. Maximum concentration can vary with the specific product type and chemical.
NR Not recommended
*In some cases, PEEK fittings can be used at higher temperatures. Please see the specific product information.
Flangeless Fittings
Flangeless Fittings are removable and reusable and provide specific benefits – above all, this system eliminates the need to flange tubing. Further advantages are:
- Convenient to use: Just slip the nut and ferrule over the tubing and finger tighten the assembly into the receiving port. In tests, it is shown that the ideal amount of torque to achieve the expected part performance should be approximately 3–4 in-lbs (0.34–0.45 N·m). At Analytics-Shop.com you will find special tightening tools designed to adapt to many standard torque wrenches.
- Minimal Down-Time: Component replacement takes only a few seconds – unlike the significant time required to flange tubing.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Repairing a flanged tubing assembly requires a costly flanging tool or the purchase of a complete replacement assembly, including a new length of tubing and a set of fittings. The Flangeless Fittings system typically requires only one new ferrule at minimal cost when repairing a connection.
Super Flangeless Fittings by Upchurch Scientific provide supreme high pressure holding capability in a flat-bottom fitting system. The unique design eliminates loosening of fittings due to tubing twist and holds tight even through vibration. The high pressure fittings are excellent for tubing assemblies and applications with frequently broken connections.