How Do I Connect a PEEK Guard Cartridge to My HPLC Column?
- Locate the tubing in the HPLC that connects the injection valve to the inlet of the HPLC column. This tube will be made of stainless steel or PEEK, and is referred to as the column inlet tube or column inlet line.
- If the end of the column inlet tube that goes into the HPLC column is bare with no nut and ferrule, place a PEEK male nut/ferrule (10-32 threads) for 1/16 OD tubing over the tubing at the end of the tube going into the inlet of the column with the threads and tapered end of the ferrule facing toward the inlet of the HPLC column. If the column inlet tube has a stainless steel fitting on the tube, it will need to be replaced with a PEEK male nut/ferrule (10-32 threads) for 1/16 OD tubing. WARNING using a stainless steel nut on the PEEK female fitting of the guard cartridge holder will damage the threads.
- To connect the PEEK guard cartridge holder to the HPLC column, use a short piece of 1/16" OD PEEK tubing (~ 50 mm in length) and a PEEK male nut/ferrule (10-32 threads) for 1/16 OD tubing to connect one end of the tubing to the PEEK guard cartridge holder and another PEEK male nut/ferrule (10-32 threads) to connect the other end of the piece of tubing to the inlet fitting of the HPLC column.
- Using a 1/2" open end wrench to hold the the guard cartridge end cap, tighten the PEEK nut/ferrules into the threaded fittings until the connection is tight and the tubing cannot be pulled loose from the guard cartridge holder.
