Connection assembly for ultra high pressure liquid chromatography

An analytical instrument system comprising at least one fitting assembly having:

• a) a nut having a first end and a second end, and having a passageway therethrough, wherein said passageway has an internally tapered portion and a lip proximal said second end of said nut, and wherein said second end of said nut has an externally threaded portion;
• b) a ferrule having a first externally tapered end and a second end and having a passageway therethrough, wherein said first externally tapered end of said ferrule is adapted to securely engage with said tapered portion of said passageway in said nut;
• and
• c) a ferrule tip having a first externally tapered end, a central portion, and a second externally tapered end, and having a passageway therethrough, wherein said first externally tapered end and said central portion define a first lip and said second externally tapered end and said central portion define a second lip, and wherein said first end of said ferrule tip is adapted to abut with said second end of said ferrule within said passageway of said nut, and said first lip of said ferrule tip securely engages said lip of said nut.

A method of connecting tubing in a liquid chromatography system comprising connecting a fitting assembly comprising a tube extending therethrough to a port, fitting or component of said liquid chromatography system;

• wherein said fitting assembly comprises:
• a) a nut having a first end and a second end, and having a passageway therethrough, wherein said passageway has an internally tapered portion and a lip proximal said second end of said nut, and wherein said second end of said nut has an externally threaded portion;
• b) a ferrule having a first externally tapered end and a second end and having a passageway therethrough, wherein said first externally tapered end of said ferrule is adapted to securely engage with said tapered portion of said passageway in said nut;
• and
• c) a ferrule tip having a first externally tapered end, a central portion, and a second externally tapered end, and having a passageway therethrough, wherein said first externally tapered end and said central portion define a first lip and said second externally tapered end and said central portion define a second lip, and wherein said first end of said ferrule tip is adapted to abut with said second end of said ferrule within said passageway of said nut, and said first lip of said ferrule tip securely engages said lip of said nut;
• wherein said port, fitting or component comprises a first end having an internally threaded portion and an internally tapered portion, a second end and a passageway therethrough, and wherein said internally threaded portion of said fitting or component is adapted to securely engage with said externally threaded portion of said nut, and wherein the internally tapered portion of said fitting or component is adapted to receive and hold said second externally tapered end of said ferrule tip.