MXT™ Low Dead Volume Connectors Instructions

How Can I Connect Fused Silica Capillaries Without Using Press-Tight Connectors?

You can easily connect fused silica capillaries using Restek's MXT™ Low Dead Volume Connectors.

Union: - RK21384, RK21385, RK21386
'Y’ connector–RK21387, RK21388, RK21389
Replacement ferrules- RK20137 for tubing 0.25mm to 0.4mm OD; RK20140 for tubing 0.4mm to 0.5mm OD RK20141 for tubing 0.5mm to 0.8mm OD 

Below are the step by step instructions provided by Restek.

Installation Instructions

  1. Slide the threaded screw and ferrule onto one column end.
  2. Cut the column end using a ceramic scoring wafer (RK20116 or C11150). It is important to obtain a square, uniform tapered cut or poor chromatographic performance will result. Once a square, tapered cut has been obtained, remove finger oils by wiping the column end with a towel moistened with methanol. 
  3. Insert the column end into the connector. Push the column end until it touches the bottom of the connector. Tighten the nut until the column is held firmly in place. 
  4. Repeat steps 1–3 for the other end of the column.
  5. Install the column into the detector as specified in your GC manual. Turn on the carrier gas (He or H2 preferred) and set the column head pressure (follow the column installation guide). Leak check the connection with the Restek Leak Detector (RK28500). Do NOT use liquid leak detectors or contamination will occur. 
  6. Inject 1.0µL methane (or another appropriate gas for determining dead volume time) and carefully inspect the peak shape and detector response. A symmetrical methane peak and good detector response indicate a good connection. Next, inject 1.0µL of solvent and examine the peak shape. A tailing solvent peak indicates a poor connection. If either the methane or solvent peak tails, reinstall the connector. 
  7. Once a proper, leak-free connection has been made, briefly condition the column as outlined in the column installation guide. Now you are ready to analyze your samples. 

Still Have Questions?

You can give us a call or email us and we can guide you through the process.  It's our pleasure to help you and it's free!

1-800-267-8103 or tech@chromspec.com