Savillex PFA Acid-Resistant Vial

Overview

The Savillex PFA Acid-Resistant Vial is a high-purity, ultra-inert sample containment solution engineered specifically for trace-level elemental analysis—particularly inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ICP-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and high-resolution sector-field MS applications. Constructed from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PAVE), these vials deliver exceptional chemical resistance, thermal stability, and elemental cleanliness. Unlike standard polypropylene or borosilicate glass, PFA exhibits near-zero extractables and leachables—even under aggressive digestion conditions involving hydrofluoric acid (HF), aqua regia, or hot concentrated nitric/hydrochloric acid mixtures. Its amorphous microstructure and low surface energy minimize analyte adsorption and memory effects, making it indispensable for sub-ppt quantification in environmental, geochemical, nuclear, and pharmaceutical compliance testing.

Key Features

• Ultra-high purity PFA resin (ASTM D4895-compliant), manufactured under controlled cleanroom conditions to ensure <10 pg/g metal impurity levels (including Na, K, Ca, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Ti)
• Continuous-use temperature range: −270 °C to +260 °C; short-term exposure up to 300 °C without deformation or degradation
• Chemical resistance validated against ASTM D543: fully inert to HF (up to 49%), HNO₃ (concentrated), HCl (concentrated), H₂SO₄ (fuming), H₃PO₄, organic solvents (acetone, methanol, acetonitrile), and mixed acid digestants
• Low coefficient of friction (0.04–0.08) and non-stick surface reduce sample residue carryover between runs
• High tensile strength (21–27 MPa) and elongation at break (100–300%) provide mechanical robustness during automated autosampler handling and centrifugation
• Zero biological reactivity and USP Class VI certification support GLP/GMP-compliant bioanalytical workflows and regulatory submissions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These vials are compatible with liquid, solid, and digested matrix samples—including seawater, soil extracts, biological fluids, semiconductor slurries, and nuclear fuel cycle materials. Their seamless, injection-molded construction eliminates weld lines or particulate-generating seams. All vials undergo rigorous batch-certified cleaning: triple-rinsed with 18.2 MΩ·cm deionized water, followed by Class 100 cleanroom packaging. Each lot is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) listing residual metals (by ICP-MS), total organic carbon (TOC), and particle count (per ISO 14644-1 Class 5). Compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements, EPA Method 200.8 and 6020B, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity guidelines when used with validated LIMS-integrated workflows.

Software & Data Management

While the vial itself is a passive consumable, its integration into regulated analytical workflows is supported through traceability features: each vial batch carries a unique alphanumeric lot code linked to full QC documentation (available digitally via Savillex’s secure portal). When deployed in automated ICP-MS platforms (e.g., Thermo Fisher iCAP RQ, Agilent 8900, PerkinElmer NexION), the vial’s consistent geometry and dimensional tolerance (<±0.05 mm) ensure repeatable autosampler positioning and aspiration accuracy—critical for instrument calibration stability and long-term method reproducibility. Audit trails generated during sample tracking (via barcoded vial labels) meet ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Ultra-trace metal analysis in environmental monitoring (EPA 1638, ISO 17294-2)
• High-purity acid digestion of geological and metallurgical reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 2711a, BCR-660)
• Pharmaceutical elemental impurities testing per ICH Q3D and USP /
• Isotope ratio measurements (MC-ICP-MS) requiring ultra-low blank performance
• Calibration standard preparation and long-term stock solution storage
• Wafer cleaning and etch process validation in semiconductor front-end fabrication

FAQ

Are Savillex PFA vials certified for use with hydrofluoric acid (HF)?
Yes—PFA is one of only two fluoropolymer chemistries (alongside FEP) rated for prolonged contact with ≥49% HF at elevated temperatures. Savillex validates HF resistance per ASTM D543 immersion testing protocols.
Do these vials require pre-cleaning before first use?
No. All Savillex PFA vials are factory-cleaned and packaged in ISO Class 5 cleanrooms. Pre-rinsing is unnecessary unless specified by internal SOPs for ultra-low detection limit applications.
Can they be sterilized via autoclaving?
Yes—autoclaving at 121 °C, 15 psi for 20 minutes is fully supported. However, repeated autoclave cycles beyond 10 may accelerate surface aging; for critical applications, single-use protocols are recommended.
What is the shelf life under proper storage conditions?
Unopened vials retain specification compliance for 5 years when stored at ambient temperature (15–25 °C), away from UV light and ozone sources.
Is lot-specific traceability available for regulatory audits?
Yes—each package includes a QR-coded label linking to downloadable CoA, manufacturing date, resin lot number, and QC test results. Digital archives are retained for 10 years per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8.