Savillex PFA Labware for Mass Spectrometry Applications

Overview

Savillex PFA labware represents the gold standard in ultra-high-purity consumables for trace-level elemental analysis—particularly in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS), and high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS systems. Engineered from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PPVE), this material delivers unmatched chemical inertness, thermal stability, and elemental cleanliness. Unlike conventional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PFA exhibits superior melt-processability while retaining identical resistance to aggressive reagents—including hydrofluoric acid (HF), aqua regia, hot concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids, and organic solvents such as acetonitrile and methanol. Its non-wetting surface minimizes analyte adsorption and memory effects; its low coefficient of friction ensures smooth sample introduction and reduces particulate generation during handling. All Savillex PFA products undergo rigorous batch-certified trace-metal screening per ASTM D5127 and are manufactured under ISO 9001-certified cleanroom conditions to guarantee ≤10 fg/g background levels for critical elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co).

Key Features

• Ultra-low elemental background: Certified trace-metal-free for all major ICP-MS target elements; full certificate of analysis (CoA) provided with each lot
• Complete chemical resistance: Stable in HF (up to 49%), boiling HNO₃/HCl mixtures, and ≥95% H₂SO₄ at 200 °C—enabling closed-vessel microwave digestion and hotplate reflux without leaching
• Thermal robustness: Continuous service from cryogenic (–270 °C) to 260 °C; compatible with hotplate, oven, and microwave-assisted digestion protocols
• Dimensional stability: Low coefficient of linear expansion (1.1 × 10⁻⁴ /°C) ensures consistent fit in autosampler trays and ICP-MS nebulizer systems
• Non-stick surface: Dynamic coefficient of friction < 0.05 eliminates residue carryover between samples—critical for isotope ratio reproducibility
• USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 biocompatibility certified: Validated for use in regulated pharmaceutical QC/QA workflows requiring extractables/leachables documentation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

Savillex PFA labware is validated for direct contact with ultratrace environmental water standards (EPA Method 1638), geological reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 1640a, SLRS-6), biological digests (urine, serum, tissue homogenates), and semiconductor-grade reagents (SEMI F57). It complies with ASTM F2164 (Standard Specification for Perfluoroalkoxy Resin Materials), FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic record integrity when paired with Savillex’s optional barcode-labeled vials, and GLP/GMP audit trails for regulated laboratories. Each product lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Conformance listing residual fluorine content (<5 ppm), halogen impurities (<1 ppm total Cl/Br/I), and particle count data (≥0.5 µm particles <100/mL in ultrapure water rinse).

Software & Data Management

While PFA labware itself is hardware, Savillex provides digital traceability infrastructure supporting LIMS integration. Barcoded vials (e.g., PFA-BC series) feature GS1-compliant 2D DataMatrix codes readable by standard laboratory scanners. Serialized identifiers link directly to downloadable CoAs, lot-specific metal purity reports, and manufacturing date/time stamps—enabling full chain-of-custody documentation required under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7. Optional Savillex LabTrack™ software module allows automated import into Thermo Fisher Qtegra, Agilent MassHunter, and PerkinElmer Syngistix platforms for sample-to-report traceability.

Applications

• ICP-MS sample introduction: Concentric glass nebulizers with PFA uptake tubing; PFA micro-concentric spray chambers; low-volume PFA sample vials (1.5–15 mL) with septum-sealed caps
• Microwave digestion vessels: High-pressure PFA liners (up to 300 °C, 100 bar) compatible with CEM MARS 6 and Anton Paar Multiwave PRO systems
• Ultra-trace calibration standard storage: Long-term stability testing confirms 3% in borosilicate glass
• Isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS): PFA pipette tips and weighing boats eliminate isotopic fractionation artifacts caused by surface adsorption on quartz or stainless steel
• Pharmaceutical elemental impurities testing (ICH Q3D): Validated for USP / compliance with ≤10 pg/g detection limits for catalyst residues (Pd, Pt, Ir)

FAQ

Are Savillex PFA products suitable for hydrofluoric acid (HF) applications?

Yes—Savillex PFA labware is chemically resistant to HF concentrations up to 49% at ambient temperature and has been validated for use in HF-based geological sample dissolution protocols (e.g., USGS GSP-2).
Do you provide lot-specific certificates of analysis (CoA)?

Every shipment includes a printed and digitally signed CoA listing measured background levels for ≥15 elements, particle counts, and fluorine/halogen impurity data.
Can PFA labware be autoclaved?

No—autoclaving (121 °C, saturated steam) exceeds PFA’s continuous-use thermal limit and may induce microcracking; dry-heat sterilization at ≤200 °C for ≤2 hours is permissible.
What is the shelf life of unused PFA vials?

When stored sealed in original packaging at 20–25 °C and protected from UV light, shelf life is indefinite; however, we recommend use within 24 months of manufacture for optimal surface integrity.
Is custom geometry or labeling available?

Yes—Savillex offers OEM design support for application-specific geometries (e.g., tapered ICP-MS autosampler vials, integrated PFA capillary manifolds) with minimum order quantities starting at 500 units.