What Vial Is Right for You?

If you're wondering which sample vial is best for you, know that it depends on several factors. To help you select the correct vial, consider the following:

Autosampler compatibility:

If you need vials to use with an autosampler, make sure you consider the type of autosampler you have and whether it uses robotic arms to pick up vials or trays. If the autosampler uses trays, you'll need to choose vials with dimensions to match the trays.

Sample volume and composition:

Consider the volume of the sample and the type of substance you'll be analyzing. For example, if you have a limited amount of the sample, you may have to use an insert with the vial. If you are working with a light-sensitive sample, make sure to choose amber glass.

Vial and cap material:

You'll need to consider a range of factors when thinking about a vial's materials, such as storage methods, chemical inertness, and durability. Also, think about whether you plan to use the vial with an autosampler or place it in storage, and choose a cap accordingly. Make sure the cap material is also inert.

Three Types of Common Using Vial

1. Screw top sample vial

The screw-top sample vial provides a low-evaporation, reusable, and less-harmful sealing method than the crimp cap, and no additional tools are required. Threaded cap sample vials are distinguished by different thread specifications, which are defined by the Glass Packaging Association (GPI). The threaded sample vial consists of two parts: a threaded bottle and cap septa.

Threaded sample vial caps are available as either an open perforated cap designed for automatic sampling, a solid cap designed for sample storage, or an integrated PP cap. This piercable screw cap is designed for a single injection because it does not require assembling the cap septa, which can save time for experiment preparation.

2. Crimp top sample vial

Crimped sample vials require aluminum caps for sealing, which are relatively inexpensive. When properly clamped, they provide the best seal for long-term storage. The jaw cover cannot be reused. The cap-pressing device is required to seal and the capping device is to remove the sealing cap.

Cappers and disappear are suitable for aluminum caps of different specifications, including an adjustable precision capper for selection. The adjustable manual capping device provides an adjustable stop point on the handle to ensure that the tightness of the cap is consistent every time. Adjust the screw in the metal jaws to change the jaw depth.

The correct jaws are critical because too-tight jaws can cause the septum to deform toward the center, damaging the needle and the Teflon layer to form holes larger than the correct jaws. Loose jaws can cause the septum to be punctured or the sample to evaporate.

The manual decrimper can safely and quickly remove the aluminum cover with just one grip. The design of decrimper pliers is similar to pliers, providing an economical option. When the sample contains harmful substances, it is necessary to use the decrimper, because the use of the decrimper is not easy to cause leakage.

3. Snap-top sample vial

Snap-top vials can be used with crimp caps or bayonet caps, and no tools are required when using bayonet caps. Since its tightness is not as good as crimp-top bottles or screw-top bottles, it is recommended for short-term sample storage or non-volatile samples.

Choosing the correct sample vial for your application is important. With lots of options to choose from, it’s also complicated to select them because there are many factors you should consider.

So more knowledge about choosing the right vials, please check my other article: 5 Vital Factors Help You to Choose the Right Chromatography Vial