VICI AG International, based in Schenkon, Switzerland, is a manufacturer of analytical, biomedical and biocompatible precision instrument valves and fittings. It is the first company to use VICTREX ™ PAEK high-performance polymers to provide new integrated accessories. According to VICI, the economical injection-molded VICTROXT HT accessory can withstand the high pressures inherent in liquid chromatography systems. In fact, the accessory can withstand pressures up to 1000 bar (14500 psi), making it more flexible and easier to handle.

Since the particle size of the separation material (usually modified silica gel) is usually only about two microns or less, the pressure required for liquid chromatography has gradually increased over the past five years. In this way, the substances in the mixture can be separated faster with the same efficiency.

Quality materials-quality accessories

To meet these requirements, VICI introduced a new one-piece fitting made of VICTREX HT high-performance polymer that can withstand pressures up to 500 bar (7250 psi) with manual tightening. 1 In contrast, conventional PEEK fittings can only withstand up to 350 bar (5000 psi). According to Dr. Andre Hütz, Product Manager of VICI AG International, according to tests performed by the company, the carbon fiber reinforced VICTREX HT fitting can withstand higher pressures up to 1000 bar (14500 psi) if the carbon fiber reinforced VICTREX HT fitting is tightened with the appropriate tool. In a high performance liquid chromatography system (UHPLC), such high pressures are generated between the pump and the column, and the stainless steel connection capillary used in the high pressure range needs to be fixed with suitable fittings. Many UHPLC applications have an operating pressure range of approximately 600-800 bar, which means that steel capillaries used between the pump and the column must use such fittings to provide a pressure-tight connection between system components.

Compared to unreinforced PEEK, VICTREX HT polymer is stronger and therefore prevents joints from breaking when tightened because the injection process aligns the carbon fibers in parallel. This extra strength extends the life of the accessory and allows multiple tightening and loosening of the accessory. 1 In the past, this was only possible with traditional two-piece "nut and ferrule" fittings or complex one-piece fittings in the high pressure range. The design of this one-piece accessory means that it is only suitable for a specific connection and is usually only used for a single purpose.

"Thanks to the help of Vigers and its materials and specialized processing, we have developed and commercialized new products in this field. Compared with steel screw accessories, it gives users more flexibility And reusability, and more importantly, easier handling. In addition, injection molding production is also more cost-effective. "Explains Dr. Andre Hütz, Product Manager, VICI AG International. "Our tests show that the new VICTREX HT accessory can be used at pressures of 500 bar and above when tightened by hand. When tightening with a tool, if it is used for the first time at a test pressure of 950 bar, then at least Can also be reused three times.

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