Microfluidic interconnect

An analytical instrument system comprising at least one microfluidic connection, wherein said microfluidic connection comprises:

• a) a port in a chip, wherein said port has a first port end, a second port end, and an inner port surface with a tapered portion, wherein each port end has an opening with a diameter, wherein the diameter of the first port end is smaller than the diameter of the second port end, wherein the second port end is in fluid communication with a fluid channel in the chip, and wherein said port defines a frusto-conical shape;
• b) a seal having a passageway therethrough, an outer seal surface slidably and removably coupled to the inner port surface, a first seal end, a second seal end, and an inner seal surface, wherein each seal surface has a tapered portion, and wherein an inner diameter of the first seal end is larger than an inner diameter of the second seal end, an outer diameter of the first seal end is smaller than an outer diameter of the second seal end, and the outer diameter of the second seal end in an uncompressed state is larger than the outer diameter of each port end, wherein said seal defines a frusto-conical shape, and wherein the second seal end and the second port end are sealingly engaged;
• and
• c) a tube having a passageway therethrough and having a first tube end and a second tube end, wherein a portion of said tube is located within the passageway of said seal and within said port, and wherein the second tube end is sealingly engaged with the second port end, and wherein at least a portion of said tube proximal the second tube end has an outer diameter that is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the second seal end.

A microfluidic fitting assembly comprising:

• a) a port in a chip body, wherein said port has a first port end, a second port end, and an inner port surface with a tapered portion, wherein each port end has an opening with a diameter, and further wherein the diameter of the first port end is smaller than the diameter of the second port end, wherein the second port end is in fluid communication with a fluid channel in the chip body, and wherein said port defines a frusto-conical shape;
• b) a seal having a passageway therethrough, an outer seal surface slidably and removably coupled to the inner port surface, a first seal end, a second seal end, and an inner seal surface, wherein each seal surface has a tapered portion, and wherein an inner diameter of the first seal end is larger than an inner diameter of the second seal end, an outer diameter of the first seal end is smaller than an outer diameter of the second seal end, and the outer diameter of the second seal end in an uncompressed state is larger than the outer diameter of each port end, wherein said seal defines a frusto-conical shape, and wherein the second seal end and the second port end are sealingly engaged;
• and
• c) a tube having a passageway therethrough and having a first tube end and a second tube end, wherein a portion of said tube is located within the passageway of said seal and within said port, and wherein the second tube end is sealingly engaged with the second port end, and wherein at least a portion of said tube proximal the second tube end has an outer diameter that is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the second seal end and elongates the inner diameter of the second seal end within a range of 4% to 35%.