Thermo Scientific Chromatography Columns and Consumables 2016-2017

Importance of the Topic

Selecting the right vials and closures is essential in chromatographic analysis to ensure sample integrity, reproducibility, and minimal contamination. High-quality materials and precise seal designs directly impact analytical performance across GC, HPLC, headspace, TOC, EPA, and scintillation applications.

Objectives and Overview

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Thermo Scientific™ Chromacol™ portfolio, covering glass and consumable options for chromatography and sample handling. It summarizes the design, material specifications, compatibility features, and application-specific offerings for vials, closures, and associated tools.

Methodology and Product Range

• Glass Composition: Borosilicate and Gold-grade low-expansion, high-purity glass for reduced active sites.
• Vial Types: 2 mL to 40 mL crimp top, screw thread, snap cap, shell (neckless), headspace, sample storage and specialized micro-inserts.
• Closure Designs: Aluminum crimp caps, magnetic seals for autosamplers, polypropylene snap caps, screw caps with bonded or pre-slit septa.
• Septa Materials: Natural rubber, chlorobutyl, silicone, PTFE, multilayer laminated liners for chemical resistance and minimal bleed.
• Instrument Kits: Convenience and Instrument Select (IS) kits configured for major autosampler brands.
• Accessories: PTFE and glass support sleeves, storage racks, freezer boxes, and electronic/manual crimping and decrimping tools.

Used Instrumentation

The Chromacol range is engineered for compatibility with a wide selection of autosampler platforms, including GC, HPLC, headspace units from Thermo Scientific, Agilent, Shimadzu, PerkinElmer, Waters, CTC, Gilson, Knauer, Spark Holland, Varian, and VWR/Hitachi systems.

Main Features and Discussion

• Low Residual Volumes: Designs supporting sample volumes down to 1 µL with low dead space.
• High Recovery Vials: Mandrel-based and high-recovery styles for microsampling.
• Advanced Closure Systems: AVCS technology for 9 mm wide-neck vials, ensuring reproducible seals and eliminating septum push-through.
• Automated Crimping: Electronic and high-power crimp/decrimp stations for consistent, tool-free operation.
• Certified Clean Vials: EPA, TOC and scintillation vials meeting strict contamination and background count specifications.
• Storage Solutions: Temperature-resistant racks and boxes for bench, freezer and transport.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Improved analytical precision and reproducibility.
• Reduced risk of sample contamination and septum bleed.
• Seamless integration with standard autosampler trays and robotic systems.
• Broad chemical compatibility across diverse sample matrices.
• Time savings through ready-to-use convenience kits and reusable support sleeves.

Future Trends and Applications

The evolving landscape of chromatography emphasizes miniaturization, higher throughput and automation. Future developments may include advanced polymer and composite vial materials, intelligent sealing systems with digital feedback, further integration with laboratory information management systems and expanded customization for non-routine matrices.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Chromacol portfolio offers a versatile and high-purity consumables ecosystem that addresses the full spectrum of chromatography and sample handling challenges. By selecting appropriate vial, closure and accessory combinations, laboratories can achieve optimal performance, reliability and workflow efficiency.

References

No external references were provided in the source document.