Save more of your lab budget by always shopping smart. Research on options to consider first, what would and would not work for your requirements before adding to cart and checking out. If you do chromatography applications on a regular basis, read through this simple guide first from one of our popular suppliers, Qorpak, on how to select the right chromatography vials for your laboratory.
The process of selecting chromatography vials for your laboratory can be complicated because there are many factors to consider as well as numerous options to choose from. This article offers guidance by providing an overview of chromatography vial options and how each can suit specific needs.
When choosing a chromatography vial, the product material is of paramount importance. Depending upon the use, either glass or plastic testing vials may be best. Begin by considering the facts and benefits regarding glass vials.
Glass Vials
Glass vials are pure, meaning they have no traces of contaminants within their components, for example metal, which could potentially interfere with an experiment. Glass is also heat resistant, which is vital because glass chromatography vials may be heated to over 500 degrees Celsius. That makes glass vials a common choice for many labs.
Plastic Vials
Plastic vials have their own set of specifications and benefits. It is important to note that the type of plastic makes a difference in the vial and its uses. Plastic vials can be made of either polypropylene or poly methyl pentene (PMP). Polypropylene is the most popular plastic material available. To put it in perspective, the recyclable containers you store your dinner leftovers in are commonly made of this as well as the plastic lid on a box of Tic Tacs. Polypropylene vials have a heat resistance of up to 135 degrees Celsius, are translucent and are used commonly in chromatography experiments.
PMP has a higher heat resistance—up to 175 degrees Celsius—and is transparent, which increases visibility of the sample within the vial. Aside from scientific uses, PMP is used in the making of cookware, microwave components and even some windows.
Plastic vials provide the benefits of good chemical resistance, light weight construction, durability and affordability.
Chromatography Sizes
Vials come in a variety of sizes to suit many needs. Standard sizes include 12x32mm (2mL), 15x45mm (4mL) and 8x40mm (1mL). Users may also choose vials with a normal (4 mm) mouth opening or wide (6 mm) mouth opening depending upon the cap type to be chosen. Important also is whether your sample is handled via Robotic Arm Machine (R.A.M.). These vials must use a nonstandard 9 mm vial cap size. Samples to be examined are sometimes rather small, necessitating the use of Limited Volume Vials (LVVs). Depending on use or preference, this type of vial can be plastic, glass or both (i.e. plastic but sample insert is glass) and the insert can be attached or removable.
Color
Both glass and plastic vials can be either clear or amber in color. The reason for this concerns protection of the vial’s contents from UV light, which may damage certain chemicals. Easily damaged chemicals are best suited for amber vials, while clear vials provide for best visibility of chemicals. Glass amber vials are made from 33 expansion glass, which can be heated at higher temperatures during the manufacturing process (1,200°C) while clear glass vials are made from 51 expansion glass (heated at 1,00°C during manufacturing).
There are clearly numerous factors that come into play when choosing the best chromatography vial for specific scientific needs. The above information will help users to make an informed decision regarding the materials needed in the lab.
Need Quality Glass Vials for Your Chromatography Applications?
Check out strong, reliable, and pre-cleaned Qorpak® Borosilicate Glass Screw Thread Vials offered by SECO. These general purpose vials present protection from harmful light and UV rays for light sensitive products. If you require other Qorpak lab supplies such as dropping bottles, narrow neck glass bottles, wide neck plastic bottles and more, no need to look further. You can find them all here.