Supelco - VIALS

Importance of the Topic

• Sample containers, closures and accessories are critical for reliable chromatographic analysis.
• Vial geometry, material inertness and sealing performance directly affect analyte recovery and data quality.
• Proper vial selection prevents contamination, adsorption and UV-induced degradation of sensitive compounds.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

• Present a comprehensive product range of vials, caps, septa and accessories optimized for modern autosamplers and analytical techniques.
• Describe the classification of vials by dimensions, finish, material and specialized treatment (e.g., silanization, precleaning).
• Illustrate compatibility with major GC, HPLC, headspace and SPME autosamplers.
• Highlight custom ordering, contract pricing and technical service support.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

• Instrument compatibility is mapped across leading manufacturers (Agilent, Shimadzu, PerkinElmer, Varian, Waters, CTC, etc.).
• Vials are described by:
• Body diameter and height (e.g., 12 × 32 mm, 15 × 45 mm).
• Neck finish (crimp, screw, snap-ring, stepped or special headspace/SPME necks).
• Opening diameter (standard 4.6 mm, wide 6.0 mm, large headspace 8 mm).
• Bottom geometry (flat, conical, rounded).
• Caps and septa materials are classified by chemical compatibility and temperature limits (butyl, silicone, PTFE, red-rubber, Viton, Thermoseal barriers, Pharma-Fix septa).
• Glass inserts for low-volume sampling are detailed by volume capacity and vial neck inner diameter.
• Silanization uses a solvent-free, vapor-phase process to deactivate glass surface silanols, minimizing polar analyte adsorption.
• Precleaning follows EPA protocols, delivering vials with certified low-contaminant levels.

Main Results and Discussion

• A broad portfolio of autosampler vials supports volumes from 0.1 mL to 60 mL, UV-protective amber and clear glass, plus polypropylene options.
• Crimp top vials provide the tightest seal and are favored for long-term storage and headspace applications.
• Screw top vials allow rapid sample throughput and compatibility with automated systems using standard and universal thread finishes.
• Snap top and shell-style vials accelerate high-throughput workflows, eliminating the need for crimping tools.
• Custom deactivation and large-order pricing streamline method development and routine lab supply management.
• Instrument-specific vial and accessory tables enable selection of the exact closure type and dimensions for each autosampler model.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced data reproducibility through standardized, inert sample containers.
• Reduced sample loss and adsorption of polar compounds via silanized glassware and optimized septa.
• Greater lab efficiency by matching vial formats to autosampler robots without adapter needs.
• Cost savings via bulk ordering, contract pricing and precleaned consumables.
• Broad applicability across environmental, pharmaceutical, food, petrochemical and QC/QA laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Development of novel polymeric and composite vial materials offering ultra-low adsorption.
• Integration of RFID-enabled vial racks for advanced sample tracking in high-throughput facilities.
• Automated cleaning and deactivation systems delivering on-demand silanized vials.
• Customizable, application-specific vials designed for emerging microfluidic and nanoflow chromatography methods.
• Renewable and sustainable vial materials reducing laboratory plastic waste.

Conclusion

An informed selection of vials, caps, septa and accessories is essential for successful chromatographic analysis. Sigma-Aldrich provides a comprehensive portfolio, technical support and customization options to address modern analytical challenges and improve laboratory throughput and data quality.

References

• Sigma-Aldrich, Vials, Caps, Septa and Vial Accessories Product Catalog and Technical Bulletins.