3i Stainless Steel Capillary Tubing for Gas Chromatography Systems
| Brand | 3i |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | 1/16″ OD × 0.3 mm ID |
| Material Grades | ASTM A213/A269/A312-compliant TP304, TP321, TP316L, TP304L, Monel 400, Inconel 600 |
| Outer Diameter Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Wall Thickness Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Max Length per Coil | 1000 m |
| Surface Finish | Electropolished (optional) |
| Pressure Rating | Up to 900 psi (6.2 MPa) at 25°C |
| Temperature Range | –200°C to +450°C (dependent on grade and configuration) |
| Packaging | Anti-vibration, dust-proof, abrasion-resistant coil packaging |
Overview
3i Stainless Steel Capillary Tubing is a precision-engineered fluidic conduit designed specifically for high-integrity gas chromatography (GC) systems, particularly in ultra-high-purity gas analysis applications. Constructed from rigorously certified austenitic and nickel-based alloys—including TP304, TP316L, and Inconel 600—the tubing delivers exceptional dimensional stability, low extractables, and resistance to thermal cycling, oxidation, and halogen-induced stress corrosion cracking. Its seamless, weld-free construction—verified via hydrostatic testing and eddy-current inspection—ensures zero internal discontinuities, eliminating flow path anomalies that compromise retention time reproducibility and peak symmetry in GC separations. The tubing complies with ASTM A269 (seamless stainless steel tubing for general service), ASTM A213 (boiler and superheater tubes), and ASME SA-312 (seamless and welded stainless steel pipe), making it suitable for installation in regulated analytical environments operating under GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks.
Key Features
- Seamless, single-coil construction up to 1000 meters—no butt welds or mechanical joints in the fluid path
- Tight dimensional tolerances: ±0.1 mm on outer diameter and wall thickness, ensuring consistent column oven fitment and carrier gas flow dynamics
- Electropolished interior surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm, optional) minimizes active site adsorption of polar analytes (e.g., H2S, NH3, formaldehyde)
- Thermal stability across –200°C to +450°C, supporting cryogenic trapping and high-temperature GC oven operation
- Compatible with standard 1/16″ compression fittings (VCR, Swagelok®-type) and GC inlet/outlet modules
- Low hydrogen permeability and helium leakage rate (<1×10–9 atm·cm3/s), critical for trace-level gas impurity analysis
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The tubing is validated for use with inert and reactive carrier gases (He, H2, N2, Ar) and sample matrices including ultra-high-purity industrial gases (UHP N2, O2, CO2, CH4, SF6), semiconductor process gases (NH3, SiH4, PH3), and environmental air monitoring streams. It meets material compatibility requirements outlined in ASTM D6866 (bio-based content), USP (plastic components), and ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1 purity for compressed air/gas lines. Each production lot is supplied with full mill test reports (MTRs) certifying chemical composition, mechanical properties, and non-destructive testing results.
Software & Data Management
While the tubing itself is a passive component, its dimensional consistency and material traceability directly support instrument qualification protocols required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11. When integrated into automated GC systems, its stable flow characteristics reduce the need for frequent pressure/flow recalibration—enabling longer intervals between system suitability tests (SSTs). Batch-specific MTRs are digitally archived and cross-referenced in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to satisfy audit trails for ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 (traceability of reference materials).
Applications
- Carrier gas delivery lines in high-resolution capillary GC systems for ppb-level impurity profiling
- Transfer lines between gas sampling valves, purifiers, and detector inlets in ASTM D7606 (high-purity helium analysis) workflows
- Calibration gas distribution manifolds in environmental monitoring stations (EPA Method TO-15, ISO 16017-1)
- Process gas sampling loops in semiconductor fab tool exhaust analysis (SEMI F57)
- High-temperature GC-MS interfaces requiring thermal shock resistance and low bleed
FAQ
Is this tubing compatible with hydrogen carrier gas at elevated temperatures?
Yes—TP316L and Inconel 600 grades are qualified for continuous H2 service up to 450°C with no measurable embrittlement under ASTM G142 testing.
Can I order custom lengths with pre-installed VCR fittings?
Yes—custom cut-to-length segments with certified leak-tested VCR end fittings are available; lead time and minimum order quantities apply.
Do you provide certificates of conformance for pharmaceutical use?
All batches shipped for regulated applications include CoC, MTR, and a statement of compliance with USP and ISO 10993-1 biocompatibility screening (for non-invasive contact).
What is the maximum allowable pressure at 300°C?
For TP316L 1/16″ × 0.3 mm tubing, the ASME B31.3-derived maximum working pressure is 420 psi (2.9 MPa) at 300°C—derated from the room-temperature rating of 900 psi.
How is cleanliness verified prior to shipment?
Each coil undergoes ultrasonic cleaning in high-purity acetone and IPA, followed by helium leak testing (≤1×10–9 atm·cm3/s) and residual carbon analysis (≤10 ng/cm² via XPS).
