Optional metal column outlet tubes are recommended in certain cases based on concerns over usability, durability, and solvent compatibility.
The two versions of optional replacement column outlet tubes are thin, flexible, and metal, like the default tube installed in some original Alliance iS systems. You can choose to use this metal tube to replace the bent, PEEK tube that may be in your Alliance iS system as standard. Review the following criteria to determine if you should upgrade to the metal replacement tube.
- Usability: If you preferred the user experience with the original Alliance iS system (with a metal column outlet tube installed) compared to that with your current Alliance iS family system, you should consider upgrading the tube.
- Durability—The metal tube's tool-free fitting (TFF):
- Can withstand repeated reuse, allowing for numerous column changes.
- Is attached to the tube, providing the Waters TFF benefit of a retained fitting that is prevented from falling off during use.
- Solvent compatibility:
- When using acetone, ethyl acetate, hexane, or THF, Waters strongly recommends minimizing the use of PEEK components by replacing PEEK tubes with metal tubes.
- Strong acids and bases can negatively affect PEEK tubing. PEEK can be degraded in strong mineral acids, such as nitric and sulfuric acids, especially in the presence of halogens and halogen-containing chemicals.
Column heater maintenance procedures
