Waters Atlantis T3, DC18 and HILIC Silica Columns - Manual (Page 3)

[ Care and Use ManUal ]
Atlantis Columns 3
Figure 2: Waters and Parker Ferrule Types
Waters Ferrule Setting Parker Ferrule Setting
Figure 3: Proper Tubing/Column Connection
Tubing touches the bottom of the column endfitting, with no void between them.
Attention: A void will occur if tubing with a Parker ferrule is connected
to a Waters style endfitting (Figure 4). This will dramatically reduce the
efficiency of the column and cause peak shape distortion.
Figure 4: Parker Ferrule in a Waters Style Endfitting
To fix this problem: Cut the end of the tubing with the ferrule, place a
new ferrule on the tubing and make a new connection. Before tighten-
ing the screw, make sure that the tubing bottoms out in the endfitting
of the column.
Conversely, if tubing with a Waters ferrule is connected to a column
with Parker style endfitting, the end of the tubing will bottom out
before the ferrule reaches its proper sealing position. This will leave a
gap and create a leak (Figure 5).
Caution: The connection will leak if a Waters ferrule is connected to a
column with a Parker style endfitting.
Figure 5: Waters Ferrule in a Parker Style Endfitting
There are two ways to fix the problem:
1. Tighten the screw a bit more. The ferrule moves forward, and
reaches the sealing surface. Do not overtighten since this may
break the screw.
2. Cut the tubing, replace the ferrule and make a new connection.
Alternatively, replace the conventional compression screw fitting with
an all-in-one PEEK
™ fitting (Waters Part Number PSL613315) that allows
resetting of the ferrule depth. Another approach is to use a Thermo
Hypersil
™ Keystone, Inc. SLIPFREE ® connector to ensure the correct
fit. The fingertight SLIPFREE connectors automatically adjust to fit all
compression screw type fittings without the use of tools (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Single and Double SLIPFREE Connectors
Table 1. Waters Part Numbers for SLIPFREE Connectors
SLIPFREE Type and Tubing Internal Diameter
Tubing Length 0.005” 0.010” 0.020”
Single 6 cm PSL 618000 PSL 618006 PSL 618012
Single 10 cm PSL 618002 PSL 618008 PSL 618014
Single 20 cm PSL 618004 PSL 618010 PSL 618016
Double 6 cm PSL 618001 PSL 618007 PSL 618013
Double 10 cm PSL 618003 PSL 618009 PSL 618015
Double 20 cm PSL 618005 PSL 618001 PSL 618017
d. Band Spreading Minimization
Internal tubing diameter influences system band spreading and peak
shape. Larger tubing diameters cause excessive peak broadening and
lower sensitivity (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Effect of Connecting Tubing on System
Diluted/Distorted Sample Band
0.005 inches
0.020 inches
0.040 inches