Selection Guide - GC ferrules

SilTite metal ferrules have been developed specifically for use with GCMS systems and have distinct advantages over graphite and composite ferrules for use with GCMS interfaces:

• SilTite ferrules form a strong permanent airtight seal around the capillary column.
• The metal SilTite ferrule and nut are made from the same material and therefore have the same thermal expansion coefficient. As the oven heats up and cools down, the nuts and ferrules expand and contract at the same rate, eliminating annoying leaks and the need to retighten the ferrule after installation.
• The base of the SilTite ferrule is flat and forms a perfect seal with the MS interface, covering the whole transfer interface.
• Specifically designed non-Swagelok SilTite nuts, characterized by two notches on the outer surface of the nut. The inner taper of the nut corresponds to the angle of the SilTite ferrule, ensuring an even closure of the ferrule around the whole column eliminating leaks.
• SilTite nuts are reusable. Unlike graphite Vespel^® ferrules that are nearly impossible to remove from the nuts after use, SilTite ferrules are easily removed from the specially designed nut while still attached to the capillary column.
• SilTite metal ferrules have a temperature tolerance well above the limit of the injector, MS interface or GC oven.
• SilTite nuts and ferrules are available for most major GC/MS instrument interfaces.
• Removes contamination caused by Vespel or graphite ferrules.
• Reduced air background gives a cleaner spectra with better library matches

Graphite GC ferrules are made from high purity exfoliated graphite. They seal with minimal torque and are reusable if they are not over tightened. Graphite GC ferrules do not shrink in use but are very soft and must be packed and handled with care.

Graphite ferrules are commonly used in GC systems on the inlet and detector ends because they don’t stick to the column, and can be removed and reinserted easily. They should not be used with GC/MS instruments because of permeability to air.

You should always trim a short piece of the column after replacing the ferrule to be sure that not graphite particles have plugged the column. Upper temperature limit of 450°C.

PTFE GC ferrules are made from 100% PTFE. They are soft, completely inert, and have very low friction. PTFE GC ferrules are hydrophobic and commonly used in liquid applications.

Upper temperature limit of 250°C.

Vespel GC ferrules are made from 100% high-temperature polyimide, a hard polymeric material that tends to seal permanently to capillary columns when in use. A firm torque is required to compress and seal. They are not reusable and tend to shrink through repeated heating and cooling cycles.

Vespel GC ferrules are excellent for creating seals on metal or glass and have long lifetimes. 100% Vespel is essentially non-porous to oxygen so it is ideal for GC/MS interface use, where air permeation can raise the background signal and contribute to phase degradation. They also work best in connections that are isothermal or insulated from oven temperature changes.

Upper temperature limit of 350°C.

Vespel/graphite GC ferrules are made from quality polyimide/graphite blend. They seal with minimal torque and can be reused and repositioned along capillary columns if not over compressed in the fitting. Due to slight shrinking at high temperatures, they must be retightened after initial temperature cycles to avoid leaks.

Two types of Vespel/graphite are commonly used, one with 40% graphite and one with 15% graphite. They are ideal for GC/MS interface applications because they are non-porous to oxygen. The inclusion of graphite increases high-temperature tolerance and reduces sticking and shrinkage.

Trajan offers both Vespel/graphite blends, a 60/40 mix and an 85/15 mix. The 85/15 maintains a high level of hardness and long lifetime. The 60/40 blend is softer, with improved wear resistance and lower friction. These ferrules will require less force to compress and form a seal.

Both blends have an upper temperature limit of 400 C.