Optimizing Performance 2
1100 Series WS MWS Reference Manual 53
Choice of Rotor Seal
Vespel™ Seal
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 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 (see “Injection-Valve Assembly" on page 167). 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.