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5 Optimizing Performance
Choice of Rotor Seal
Choice of Rotor Seal
Vespel™ Seal (for standard valves only)
The standard seal has sealing material made of Vespel. Vespel is suitable for
applications using mobile phases within the pH range of 2.3 to 9.5, which is
suitable for the majority of applications. However, for applications using
mobile phases with pH below 2.3 or above 9.5, the Vespel seal may degrade
faster, leading to reduced seal lifetime.
Tefzel™ Seal (for standard valve only)
For mobile phases with pH below 2.3 or above 9.5, or for conditions where the
lifetime of the Vespel seal is drastically reduced, a seal made of Tefzel is
available. Tefzel is more resistant than Vespel to extremes of pH, however, is a
slightly softer material. Under normal conditions, the expected lifetime of the
Tefzel seal is shorter than the Vespel seal, however, Tefzel may have the longer
lifetime under more extreme mobile phase conditions.
PEEK Seal (for preparative injection valve only)
The preparative injection valve has a sealing material made of PEEK. This
material has high chemical resistance and versatility. It is suitable for
application using mobile phases within a pH between 1 and 14.
This seal is also used for the G1329B module.
NOTE
Strong oxidizing acids such as concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids are not compatible
with PEEK.