Victrex® PEEK™ polymer takes the pressure in HPLC quick-connect system

A state-of-the-art high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system featuring Victrex® PEEK™ polymer parts has been developed by Optimize Technologies of Oregon City, USA. The system’s patented high-pressure, low dispersion, quick-connect sealing interface relies on the polymer’s outstanding chemical resistance and mechanical performance in extreme pressure conditions.

HPLC works by pumping solvents around a system through very narrow tubing at high pressures. "It is important that the fluid connections are reliable for the instrument components that are placed in-line in the flow path," says David Ingram, marketing manager at Optimize Technologies. "The traditional way of making these connections involves the use of compression fittings, which are prone to leakage and can cause costly instrument downtime while the problem is fixed."

Optimize Technologies’ revolutionary quick-connect sealing interface, called OPTI-LYNX, has overcome these problems. By using Victrex® PEEK™ polymer, Optimize Technologies was able to satisfy two important parameters for working in HPLC. Firstly, the low volume/low dispersion design allows it to be used anywhere on an HPLC system, and, secondly, it can withstand operating pressures of up to 410 bar.

To make an OPTI-LYNX connection, two components — a slotted side and a pinned side — come together around a Victrex® PEEK™ polymer insert. Engaging the quick-connect device exerts considerable force on the Victrex® PEEK™ polymer tip of the insert as it is pressed into a cone shaped stainless steel receptacle on the mating component. This spring-loaded connection creates a robust seal with just a quarter turn, whilst the system’s ease of access facilitates maintenance and repairs within seconds.

HPLC involves working with a wide range of organic solvents and it is important to ensure that these liquids do not degrade the materials that are being used in-line. With its superior chemical resistance, Victrex® PEEK™ polymer contributes to an extended service life and reduced down time.

The tolerances of the mating surfaces are critical in the OPTI-LYNX design. Victrex® PEEK™ polymer’s combination of high strength, dimensional stability and creep resistance produces parts with outstanding dimensional accuracy, whilst its consistent ease of processing makes it an easy material to work with.

Reader enquiries

Helen Swarbrick
Victrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom

Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom
+44 1253 897700
info@​victrex.com
www.victrex.com

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Notes for editors

Victrex plc, which has its sales, technical and production headquarters at Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, had a turnover of more than £59m in the last financial year. The company exports 97 percent of its Victrex® PEEK™ polymer output to OEMs in the automotive, industrial, medical, food and electronics market sectors in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Information on products, technical support services and sales and distribution contacts worldwide, can be accessed through the company’s web site: www.victrex.com

The PEEK™ Trademark

For many years Victrex plc has been using the PEEK™ trademark to refer to its brand of Polyetheretherketone. Victrex plc is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the Victrex® PEEK™ brand polymer world-wide. PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex plc.