VICI VALCO - Tools for science and medicine

Significance of Fluidic Components in Analytical Systems

Advanced chromatography and fluid-handling methods rely on precision fittings, valves and tubing to achieve high sensitivity, reproducibility and low dead volume. Compact, inert, high-pressure-rated components are essential to support UHPLC, HPLC, GC, FIA and related detection systems in research, QA/QC and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Document Overview

This catalog serves as a general reference for VICI/Valco/Cheminert instrumentation and accessories, detailing product ranges for UHPLC, HPLC, LC/FIA, GC, calibration gas standards, gas purification, detectors (PDD, TCD), and fluid-handling pumps. It aims to guide users in selecting and applying zero-dead-volume fittings, injectors, valves, tubing, column end fittings, unions, reducers and manifolds for optimized chromatographic performance.

Design Principles and Manufacturing Methodology

• Precision CNC machining with tight tolerances on pilot bores, ferrule seats and counterbores to minimize unswept volume and mixing.
• Controlled-radius and polymeric ferrules to prevent tubing deformation and ensure reliable sealing.
• Thorough cleaning protocols with deionized water and steam-cleaning to eliminate particulates and contaminants.
• Wide range of materials (stainless 303/316, Hastelloy C, titanium, brass, PTFE, PEEK, polyimide, CTFE, FEP, PFA) to match chemical compatibility and temperature requirements.

Main Product Highlights and Discussion

• Compression fittings and zero-dead-volume unions in internal, external and through-bore styles for 1/32″ to 1/2″ tubing.
• Reducing unions, ferrules and internal reducers (IZR) to connect mixed-OD tubing while maintaining low volume.
• Specialized adapters for fused silica capillaries, nano-flow UHPLC (360 µm fittings) and aerosol canisters.
• New instrument modules: multichannel fast temperature programmer (FTP-200), direct-connect low-dead-volume fittings for capillary GC, and the True Nano HPLC integrated pump/injector.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• Minimized dead volume enhances resolution and peak shape in high-throughput UHPLC and nano-LC.
• High-pressure ratings (up to 40 000 psi for UHPLC) support ultra-high-performance separations.
• Inert pathways and gold-plated ferrules enable trace-level gas analysis with leak rates <10⁻⁹ cc/atm·s.
• Modular designs allow easy system integration, rapid column changes and reliable front-end sample introduction.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Further miniaturization toward nanoscale fittings and integrated microfluidic systems.
• Digital control and auto-zero features in detectors (TCD-3) and solvent delivery modules.
• Expansion of biocompatible and single-use polymeric fittings for pharma and clinical applications.
• Development of multi-pump nano-HPLC platforms with gradient capability.

Conclusion

This reference consolidates the extensive VICI/Valco catalog of high-precision chromatography fittings, valves, detectors and instruments, emphasizing design features that reduce dead volume, support extreme pressures and ensure chemical compatibility. The modular, high-performance components enable robust analytical workflows across UHPLC, HPLC, GC and liquid-handling applications.

Reference

General Reference Catalog, Valco Instruments (2018)