Capillary column sealing technique

Abstract

A method and apparatus for creating a fluid tight seal between a capillary column and a connector. The method and apparatus are easy to employ and do not require the use of screws, ferrules, or additional tools. The method can be used for any capillary tubing as well as for megabore and microbore columns and tubing. In the method, a length of auxiliary tubing is placed over the outside of tubing requiring a fluid tight seal, such as a capillary column. After the capillary column is inserted into the connector, the length of auxiliary tubing is press-fit into the connector creating a secondary fluid tight seal. The auxiliary tubing provides additional mechanical stability during mechanical vibration and dramatically increases the tensile force required to compromise the fluid seal. This method can be used for many types of chromatography including gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. A connector assembly and fluid tight seal assembly are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.