DE202009019091U1 - Fitting element with front insert - Google Patents

Abstract

A fitting element (100) configured to provide a fluidic coupling to a fluidic device (103), the fitting element (100) comprising: a tubing (102); and a liner (210) extending in a cavity (400 a front side (146) of the tubing (102), wherein the insert (210) protrudes beyond the front side (146), at least prior to coupling the tubing (102) to the fluidic device (103), wherein - on the Coupling the tubing (102) to the fluidic device (103) - the forward side (146) is adapted to the fluidic device (103) for connecting a fluid path (410) of the tubing (102) to a fluidic fluid path (420) Device (103), and the insert (210) provides a seal of the fluid path (410, 420) of the tubing (102) and the fluidic device (103).

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a fitting element for a fluidic device, particularly in a high performance liquid chromatography application.

In high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a liquid is usually required to have a very controlled flow rate (eg in the range of microliters to milliliters per minute) and under a high pressure (typically 20-100 MPa, 200-1000 bar, and moreover, up to the present 200 MPa, 2000 bar), at which a compressibility of the liquid becomes noticeable. For liquid separation in an HPLC system, a mobile phase containing a sample liquid with compounds to be separated is driven through a stationary phase (such as a chromatographic column) and thereby separates various compounds of the sample liquid which can then be identified ,

The mobile phase, for example a solvent, is typically passed through a column of packing medium (also referred to as packing material) under high pressure and the sample (for example a chemical or biological mixture) to be analyzed is injected into the column. As the sample with the liquid passes through the column, the various compounds, each having a different affinity for the packing medium, move through the column at different rates. Those compounds which have a greater affinity for the packing medium move slower through the column than those which have a lower affinity, and this difference in speed results in the compounds being separated from each other as they pass through the column.

The mobile phase exits the column with the separated compounds and passes through a detector which identifies the molecules, for example, by spectrophotometric absorbance measurements. A two-dimensional plot of the detector measurement versus elution time or elution volume, known as a chromatogram, can be prepared, and the compounds can be identified from the chromatogram. For each compound, the chromatogram shows a separate curve or a separate "peak". Effective separation of the compounds through the column is advantageous because it provides for measurements that yield well-defined peaks with sharp maxima reversal points and narrow base widths, allowing for excellent resolution and reliable identification of the mixture constituents. Wide peaks caused by poor column performance, so-called "internal band broadening" or poor system performance, so-called "outer band broadening" are undesirable because they allow subcomponents of the mixture of major components to be masked and not identified.

An HPLC column typically comprises a stainless steel tube having a bore comprising a packing medium, for example, silane-derivatized silica beads having a diameter of between 0.5 to 50 μm, or 1-10 μm, or even 1-7 μm. The medium is packed under high pressure in highly uniform layers which ensure a uniform flow of the transport liquid and sample through the column to promote effective separation of the sample components. The packing medium is confined within the bore by porous plugs known as "frits" positioned at opposite ends of the tube. The porous frits allow the transport liquid and chemical sample to pass while retaining the packing medium within the bore. After being filled, the column may be coupled or connected to other elements (such as a controller, a pump, containers containing samples to be analyzed), for example, using fitting elements. Such fitting elements may have porous parts such as sieves or frit elements.

During operation, a flow of the mobile phase passes through the column which is filled with the stationary phase, and due to the physical interaction between the mobile and the stationary phase, a separation of different compounds or components can be achieved. In the case that the mobile phase contains the sample liquid, the separation characteristic is usually adjusted to separate compounds of such a sample liquid. The term compound as used herein is intended to cover compounds which could contain one or more different components. The stationary phase is subjected to a mechanical force generated, in particular, by a hydraulic pump which usually pumps the mobile phase from an upstream connection of the column to a downstream connection of the column. As a result of the flow, a relatively high pressure across the column occurs, depending on the physical properties of the stationary phase and the mobile phase.

Fittings for coupling various components, such as separation columns and conduits, to fluidic devices are commercially available and are offered, for example, by Swagelok (see, for example, U.S. Pat http://www.swagelok.com ). A typical tube fitting is disclosed in US patent application Ser US 5,074,599 A ,

US 6,494,500 discloses a self-adjusting high pressure liquid connector for use with high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns which require liquid tight and leak free seals between fittings and joints.

WO 2005/084337 discloses a coupling element comprising a male sealing element. The male sealing member may have a generally cylindrical shape and defines a fluid passage therethrough for the passage of liquid therethrough. The male sealing member is attached to a ferrule which is disposed within a cavity of the nut. The coupling element also includes a biasing element disposed between a retaining ring and the ferrule disposed in the nut cavity. This biasing element facilitates a liquid-tight, metal to metal (or metal to plastic, or plastic to plastic) seal between the male sealing member and a female sealing member.

The international patent application PCT / EP2008 / 058639 [Attorney reference 20080262] discloses a fitting for coupling a casing to another component of a fluidic device, the fitting comprising a male piece with a front ferrule and a rear ferrule, both sliding on the casing, the male piece further comprising a first connecting element , which is slidably configured on the casing, and a socket piece having a recess configured to receive the front ferrule and the casing and having a second connection member configured to be connectable to the first connection member, the rear ferrule in such Is configured such that upon connecting the first connecting element with the second connecting element, the rear ferrule exerts a compressive force on the front ferrule for providing a seal between the front ferrule and the socket piece, and the rear ferrule exerts a Greifk raft between the male piece and the tubing.

A low pressure fitting is from the US 4,690,437 A known. A ferrule of compliant deformable plastic material has a cylindrical forward part for sealing engagement.

US 4,565,632 A discloses a chromatographic cartridge column system with press-fitted end caps.

US 5,614,154 A discloses a connecting capillary comprising a glass capillary surrounded in its end by a sleeve of PEEK or a PEEK derivative.

A biocompatible column for use in liquid chromatography applications is known from US 5,651,855 A known.

US 5,540,464 A discloses a capillary connector.

US 4,619,473 A describes a fluid passage connector for a liquid chromatograph having a tube with a flat portion at one end and a seal seating surface. A similar device is known from the document "Viper Capillaries and Finger Tight Fitting System", Dionex, http://www.dionex.com/en-us/webdocs/78632 DS-Viper-Capillaries-17Jul2009-LPN2283.pdf ,

WO 2009/088663 A1 discloses high pressure seal liquid chromatography line assemblies. A fluid tight seal, proximal to the connection between two conduits, is provided, for example, by the use of pressure, while providing a stabilizing seal distal to the joint by adhering the conduits to the tube.

A high pressure connection fitting is disclosed in US 2008/0237112 A1 , A tip of a seal contacts the walls of a conical seal cavity to form a primary seal. The volume of a space between the extremity of the tip and the end of a seal cavity defines a dead space. When the seal is axially compressed within an annular recess, the tip engages the walls of the conical seal cavity to form the primary seal and further deforms to occupy a space that would otherwise be associated with the dead volume. As the tip of the seal engages the conical seal cavity, the end face of the seal presses against the end of the annular recess to form a secondary seal which extends radially around the tip of the seal.

A connector for a casing is in US 4,165,893 A disclosed. A tube extends through a central throughbore in the plug member and through a retention cup member and through a similar axial throughbore in a cylindrical block of resiliently deformable plastic material such as Polytetrafluoroethylene. This cylindrical block is retained within the cup member and has a flat end surface.

EPIPHANY

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fitting, especially for HPLC applications. The object is solved by the independent claims. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, a fitting element is configured to provide a fluidic device with a fluidic coupling. The fitting element has a tubing and an insert which is located in a cavity of a front side of the tubing. The insert projects beyond the front side, at least prior to coupling the tubing to the fluidic device. Upon coupling the tubing to the fluidic device, the front side is adapted to the fluidic device for connecting a fluid path of the tubing to a fluid path of the fluidic device and the insert provides a seal of the fluid path of the tubing and the fluidic device.

The fitting element according to the invention thus provides a front seal of the tubing at the transition to the fluidic device. The sealing properties can be adapted and adjusted to the particular application, in particular by the design parameters such as material of the insert, size and shape of the insert and height of the supernatant of the insert over the front of the tubing. By adequately selecting such design parameters, the liner will be pressed against the front side as the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device and will thus provide a seal.

In the event that the liner is provided of a material that can be deformed under the influence of pressure, when the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device, such as a polymeric material (eg, PEEK), the tubing may provide a stopper functionality, so that the insert is only deformed until the front side is reached. In other words, the deformation of the insert will only occur until the protruding part of the insert has been deformed. This allows for limiting the amount of deformation and allows to ensure that the fluid flow path is not excessively narrowed under the influence of sustained pressure.

In preferred embodiments, the insert is formed into the cavity, with the cavity preferably located in the center of the front side of the tubing. The insert may be molded into the cavity and / or press fit. The insert may be secured in the cavity by employing the direct molding method, a welding method, an adhesive method and / or a thermal method. Such a thermal process may be any or a combination of thermoforming, overmolding, remelting, partial heating, laser heating, and ultrasonic heating. The insert can be preformed (outside the cavity) and then inserted into the cavity. Alternatively, the insert may also be formed directly in the cavity, e.g. by injection molding, wherein the tubing must be disposed in the injection mold while the polymer material is being injected.

The insert is preferably fixedly coupled in the cavity and may result in an integral part of the tubing. This allows the liner to remain attached to the tubing even if the tubing is removed from the fluidic device after it has been coupled thereto. This can overcome a common problem in conventional fittings, such as those mentioned above US 4,619,473 Type fittings, that a part of the fitting (in particular the front seal) in a receiving cavity of the fluidic device after the removal of the fitting element hangs / remains. In applications such as where the liner (partially) remains in the receiving cavity after opening the fitting, the liner can also be loosely inserted into the cavity. Alternatively, the insert may be provided of a material that allows the insert to be firmly molded into the cavity using pressure when the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device.

For firmly coupling the insert into the cavity, a thermal process may preferably be used, as fused contact with the tubing may prevent gaps or gaps that may cause further artifacts in a liquid, e.g. external band broadening or carryover.

In one embodiment, the insert extends laterally across the cavity and at least partially to the front side of the tubing. In other words, the insert extends radially beyond the boundaries of the cavity such that a portion of the insert sits on at least a portion of the front side of the tubing. This combines the sealing properties of the insert with a squish-type seal, but may also limit / reduce the stopper functionality provided by the tubing. In order to limit the seal provided by the cavity only for the front side, the insert may be limited laterally (or radially) only to the front side and thus can not be limited to extending the lateral side (s) of the tubing, eg to ensure that the tubing can be removed from the fluidic device after coupling.

In one embodiment, the liner only fills the cavity within the tubing and the overhang of the liner deforms without lateral deformation into a gap between the tubing and the fluidic device as it is compressed.

The terms "radial" and "axial" as used herein are intended to be defined with respect to the tubing having an axial direction in the direction of fluid flow and a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The tubing extends in the axial direction and the flow path of the tubing is radially enclosed by the tubing.

In one embodiment, the liner has a flow path such that when the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device, the flow path of the liner is (seamlessly) coupled between the flow paths of the tubing and the fluidic device. In other words, the liner provides a portion of the fluid flow path that conducts the fluid and thus can reduce interference. In one embodiment, the cavity is located in a central position of the front side of the tubing and opens into the flow path of the tubing.

In one embodiment, the liner has an outer surface that faces the fluidic device upon coupling. The outer surface may have a structure configured to increase a surface pressure between the liner and the fluidic device when the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device. Such increased surface pressure can improve sealing properties, for example by allowing it to withstand higher pressure. Further, such a structure may also allow to reduce the material (liner) involved when being tightened. In other words, by adequately designing the structure, the material which is displaced under the influence of pressure to provide the desired sealing characteristic can be reduced. The structure may include one or more wells, preferably (radially) concentric wells, one or more protrusions, preferably (radially) concentric protrusions, one or more microcavities or other types of inclusions for further acceptance of seal components or impregnation, or any combination thereof , exhibit. Within these cavities or inclusions, a material different from that of the insert may be attached. Such a material may be of reduced strength and / or increased moldability and / or wetting behavior (e.g., hydrophobicity of liquid wetted surfaces).

In one embodiment, the insert is or includes a polymeric material such as PEEK, PEKK, PE, polyimide and / or a metal material such as gold, titanium, SST alloys (preferably low yield strength). The material is preferably selected to conform to an opposite surface of the fluidic device without leakage under a certain pressure drop. The insert may also include a coating, such as gold, a polymer, e.g. a fluoropolymer, allowing covering and / or filling of smaller surface roughness when pressed. In the case of a metal type insert (i.e., the insert is made of a metal), a metal coating, such as gold, is preferably selected. In the case of a polymer type insert (i.e., the insert is made of a polymer), preferably a polymer coating is selected, such as a fluoropolymer.

In embodiments, the tubing is made of or includes a metal, stainless steel, titanium, plastic, polymer, glass, and / or quartz. The tubing may have a lumen with a diameter of less than 0.8 mm, in particular less than 0.2 mm. The tubing may have a circular, elliptical, rectangular, or any other suitable shape, as known in the art, and may also show variations in diameter and / or shape. The tubing can be or have a capillary.

In one embodiment, the tubing has an inner tubing and an outer tubing. The outer tubing surrounds the inner tubing (radial). The inner tubing may be made of a material different from the outer tubing. The outer tubing may be a socket for fitting to a desired outer diameter for the tubing and / or specific requirements for other tightening elements, e.g. Ferrülen.

When such tubings are used with inner and outer tubings, the insert may be configured to cover a contact area at an axial end of the tubing resulting where the inner and outer tubings abut each other. Such a contact area which occurs at the front side of the tubing may show a gap between the inner and outer tubing, or any other type of surface irregularity, and usually requires an extra step of closing such a gap and / or surface irregularity. Often, certain remain Surface irregularities exist, which then lead to cross-contamination, for example between different sample runs in HPLC. By designing the insert to cover the axial end of the contact area, e.g. Thus, for example, such that such a contact area is within the cavity of the tubing, the insert may close any surface irregularity and consequently reduce or even avoid potential cross-contamination.

If the inner tubing is made of a biocompatible material, such as polymer (eg, PEEK), and the outer tubing may be provided, in particular to increase mechanical strength, but not be biocompatible, at least as required, the insert may adhere to the inner tubing be fixed to become fluid-tight. The cavity, which may then also be provided of a biocompatible material, such as polymer (e.g., PEEK), and which seals the fluid from contacting the outer tubing so that biocompatibility of the tubing can be ensured. A fixing of the cavity to the inner tubing can preferably be achieved as described above, for example by a thermal method, in particular laser or ultrasonic heating.

In one embodiment, the inner tubing is a tube-in-tube arrangement wherein the liquid-carrying tubing is made of quartz glass or glass, and the second tubing covering the quartz glass or glass tubing is made of metal or polymeric material.

In one embodiment, the fitting element has another sealing element configured to seal against pressure in the fluid part of the tubing. The fitting element thus provides a two stage seal with the liner directly sealing where the tubing couples to the fluidic device and the further sealing providing an additional sealing step to securely seal against fluid pressure in the fluid path. In other words, the liner may provide a lower (lower) pressure seal on the front side of the tubing and the further sealing member may provide a high (higher) pressure seal disposed, for example, on or along a lateral side of the tubing.

It should be understood that the front side at the connection of the tubing to the fluidic device is often very difficult to seal, in particular because the shape of the counterpart element to the tubing can vary from one fluidic device to another and / or have surface imperfections. However, a contact pressure, in particular in the axial direction of the tubing, may be limited in order to avoid or reduce the destruction or deformation of the components involved. With increased fluid pressure, for example in the range of 1000 bar and above, conventional fitting systems have often shown that they are insufficient and can lead to leakage and / or cross-contamination. However, the two stage seal may allow fluid, even if it "leaks" through the first stage of the liner, to be completely sealed at the second stage and be limited from returning back into the fluid path, for example, during normal use.

For example, in an HPLC application, the front seal provided by the liner may allow fluid to "leak" during pressurization of the system (as the pressure in the system is raised to the desired target pressure). While the further sealing member completely seals so that no fluid can leak through such another sealing member, a gap between the first and second sealing stages can be filled with fluid. However, since such fluid used in the pressurization phase in HPLC is normally only solvent which does not contain any sample, the space between the first and second stages is thus filled only with such (no sample-containing) solvent, so that none Sample cross contamination may occur even if fluid contained in the internal space can return back into the fluid path. Further, it should be understood that system pressure, after a sample has been introduced into the HPLC, usually changes slowly and within a narrow range compared to the system pressure so that the liquid in the gap is held within the gap and only a very small one "Driving force" to communicate with the fluidic path of the interior of the tubing "sees". Such embodiments thus provide a "chromatographic seal" on the front side by means of the liner and a "system pressure seal" by means of the further sealing member. The term "chromatographic seal" may be understood as a seal sufficient during a sample run in an HPLC system such that carry-over (ie, the sample is temporarily captured and later released) or external band broadening (eg, the sample is placed in a "Dead space" where the sample is released only by diffusion) can be avoided or at least limited, preferably while maintaining the pressure within a narrow range when the sample has been introduced into the HPLC system.

In one embodiment, the further sealing element has a front ferrule, which can be displaceable on the tubing (at least before coupling the tubing to the fluidic device). The front ferrule may have a tapered forward portion configured to correspond to a conical portion of a receiving cavity of the fluidic device. Upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device, the tapered forward portion presses against the conical portion of the receiving cavity to seal against the pressure in the fluid path of the tubing.

The further sealing element is preferably configured to seal a receiving cavity of the fluidic device when the receiving cavity receives the fitting element upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device. The insert preferably seals the receiving cavity on the front side of the tubing, and the further sealing element further seals the receiving cavity along a (lateral) side of the tubing within the receiving cavity.

Embodiments of the fitting member may further include a biasing member configured to press the front side of the tubing in an axial direction of the tubing against the fluidic device when the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device. The biasing member may exert a spring-loaded and / or spring-biased pressing force on the front side of the tubing and against the fluidic device. The spring element may be configured to convey, to connect the tubing and the fluidic device, to advance the tubing to the fluidic device. The fluidic device may provide a stopper for such forward movement so that the insert is only deformed until the stopper is reached. Consequently, excessive deformation of the insert, which can also lead to a narrowing or deformation of the fluid path can be reduced and controlled.

Embodiments of the fitting member may further include a clamping member for conveying a clamping force for mechanically connecting the clamping member to the tubing when the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device.

Embodiments of the fitting element may further include a connecting element configured to connect to the fluidic device through a threaded connection.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a fitting configured to couple a tubing to a fluidic device comprises a fitting element according to the embodiments described above. The fitting member has the tubing and liner disposed in the cavity on the front side of the tubing. The fluidic device has a receiving cavity configured to receive the fitting element. Upon coupling the tubing to the fluidic device, at least one of the liner and the forward side of the tubing presses against a contact surface within the receiving cavity, and the fluid path of the tubing is connected to the fluid path of the fluidic device.

The terms "fitting" and "fitting element" as used herein are both intended to refer to coupling a tubing to a fluidic device. The term "fitting" is intended to cover all components necessary for coupling the tubing to the fluidic device and may itself comprise the tubing and / or the fluidic device, or parts thereof. The term "fitting element" is intended to cover a part of the fitting.

In one embodiment of the fitting, the fitting element has a front ferrule, a rear ferrule and a first connection element. The receiving cavity of the fluidic device is configured to receive the front ferrule and the tubing and has a second connection element configured to be connectable to the first connection element of the fitting element. The rear ferrule is configured in such a manner that upon connecting the first connecting member to the second connecting member, the rear ferrule exerts a spring biasing pressing force against the front ferrule to provide a seal between the front ferrule and the receiving cavity. Further upon connecting the first and second connecting members, the rear ferrule exerts a clamping force on the tubing.

In such an embodiment, the front ferrule, the rear ferrule, and the first connection member may be configured to be slidable on the tubing, at least before the tubing is coupled to the fluidic device. The rear ferrule may have a multiple spring configuration, which preferably has disc springs separated by a flat spring. The first connection member may include a sloped front surface configured to apply a bending moment to an annular rear spring of the rear ferrule. The receiving cavity may be configured to receive the rear ferrule and a portion of the first connector. The fitting member may include an additional spring member slidably mounted on the tubing between the rear ferrule and the first connecting member for transmitting a force exerted by the first connecting member on the rear ferrule.

Each of the further sealing element, the clamping element, the front ferrule, the rear ferrule, spring elements and the connecting element may be embodied as disclosed by the documents cited in the introductory part of the specification and in particular in the aforementioned international application PCT / EP2008 / 058639 [Anwaltsref. 20080262], the doctrine of which relating to the anterior ferrule is to be incorporated herein by reference.

The term "fluidic device" as used herein may cover or refer to a tubing or device such as an HPLC device, a fluid separation device, a fluid handling device and / or a measuring device in general. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention cover couplings between individual tubings as well as couplings between a tubing and a device / device.

The fluidic device may include a processing element configured to interact with a sample fluid. The fluidic device may be configured to direct a sample fluid through the fluidic device, a fluid separation system to separate compounds of a sample fluid, a fluid purification system to purify a sample fluid, and / or to analyze at least one physical, chemical, and / or biological parameter of at least one compound a sample fluid.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a fitting configured to couple a tubing to a fluidic device. The fitting has a fitting element which has the tubing, a first sealing element and a second sealing element. The fluidic device has a receiving cavity configured to receive the fitting element. Upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device, the first sealing member provides a first sealing step on a front side of the tubing where the tubing is pressed against a contacting surface within the receiving cavity. The second sealing member provides a second sealing step for sealing the receiving cavity along one side of the tubing within the receiving cavity. Such a fitting provides a two-stage seal as discussed above, and thus can provide a chromatographic seal through the first seal member on the front side of the tubing and a system seal through the second seal stage. The second sealing step thus seals a gap between the first and second sealing steps.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid separation system configured to separate compounds of a sample fluid in a mobile phase. The fluid separation system includes a mobile phase drive, such as a pump system, configured to drive the mobile phase through the fluid separation system. A separation unit, which may be a chromatographic column, is provided for separating compounds of the sample fluid in the mobile phase. The fluid separation system further includes a fitting member and / or a fitting as in any of the aforementioned embodiments for coupling a tubing (provided for guiding the mobile phase) to a fluidic device in such a fluid separation system. The fluid separation system may further include a sample injector configured to introduce the sample fluid into the mobile phase, a detector configured to detect separated compounds of the sample fluid, a collector configured to collect separated components of the sample fluid, a data processing unit configured to process data received from the fluid separation system and / or a degassing device to degas the mobile phase. The fluidic device to which the tubing is coupled and can be coupled may be any of such devices and a plurality of such fittings or fitting elements may be used within such a fluid separation system.

Embodiments of the present invention may be embodied based on most conventional HPLC systems available, such as the Agilent 1290 Series Infinity System, the Agilent 1200 Series Rapid Resolution LC System, or the Agilent 1100 HPLC Series (all provided by the assignee of Agilent Technologies - see www.agilent.com Which are incorporated herein by reference).

One embodiment includes a pumping device having a piston for reciprocation in a pump working chamber for compressing fluid in the pump working chamber to a high pressure at which compressibility of the fluid becomes noticeable.

One embodiment has two pumping devices coupled in either a serial or parallel manner. In the serial way, as in EP 309569 A1 discloses an outlet of the first pumping device coupled to an inlet of the second pumping device, and an outlet of the second pumping device providing an outlet of the pump. In the parallel manner, an inlet of the first pumping device is coupled to an inlet of the second pumping device and an outlet the first pumping device is coupled to an outlet of the second pumping device, thereby providing an outlet of the pump. In any case, a liquid delivery of the first pumping device is out of phase, preferably substantially 180 degrees, with respect to a liquid delivery of the second pumping device so that only one pumping device delivers into the system while the other receives liquid (eg from the supply) and thus allows it to provide a continuous flow at the exit. However, it will be understood that both pumping devices may also be operated in parallel (ie, simultaneously), at least during a particular transitional phase, eg, to provide a smooth transition of the pumping cycles between the pumping devices. The phase shift can be varied to compensate for a pulsation in the flow of liquid resulting from the compressibility of the liquid. It is also known to use three piston pumps which have about 120 degrees of phase shift.

The separation device preferably has a chromatographic column which supplies the stationary phase. The column can have a glass or steel tube (eg with a diameter of 50 μm to 5 mm and a length of 1 cm to 1 m) or a microfluidic column (as disclosed, for example, in US Pat EP 1577012 or the Agilent 1200 Series HPLC Chip / MS System provided by the assignee of Agilent Technologies, see eg http://www.chem.agilent.com/Scripts/PDS.asp?IPage=38308 ). For example, a slurry can be prepared with a stationary phase powder and then poured into the column and pressed. The individual components are retained differently by the stationary phase and separate from each other as they propagate through the column at different rates with the eluent. At the end of the column, they elute at a time. Throughout the chromatography process, the eluent can also be collected in a number of fractions. The stationary phase or absorber in column chromatography is usually a solid material. The most common stationary phase for column chromatography is silica gel, followed by alumina. Cellulose powder has often been used in the past. Also possible are ion exchange chromatography, reversed-phase chromatography (RP), affinity chromatography or expanded bed absorption (EBA). The stationary phases are usually finely ground powders or gels and / or are microporous for increased surface area although a fluidized bed is used in EBA.

The mobile phase (or eluent) can be either a pure solvent or a mixture of different solvents. It can be chosen, e.g. to minimize the retention of the components of interest and / or the amount of mobile phase to perform the chromatography. The mobile phase can also be selected so that different components can be effectively separated. The mobile phase may further comprise an organic solvent such as e.g. Methanol or acetonitrile, often diluted with water. For gradient operation, water and organics are delivered in different bottles from which the gradient pump delivers a programmed mix to the system. Other commonly used solvents may be isopropanol, THF, hexane, ethanol and / or any combination thereof or any combination of these with the aforementioned solvents.

The sample fluid may be any type of process fluid, natural sample such as juice, body fluids such as plasma, or it may be the result of a reaction such as from a fermentation broth.

The fluid is preferably a liquid, but may also be or include a gas and / or a supercritical fluid (such as used in supercritical fluid chromatography - SFC - as disclosed, for example, in US Pat US 4,982,597 A ).

The pressure in the mobile phase can range from 2-200 MPa (20 to 2000 bar), especially 10-150 MPa (100 to 1500 bar), and more specifically 50-120 MPa (500 to 1200 bar).

The HPLC system could further comprise a scanning unit for introducing the sample liquid into the mobile phase stream, a detector for detecting separated compounds of the sample liquid, a fractionating unit for dispensing separated compounds of the sample liquid, or any combination thereof. Further details of an HPLC system are disclosed with respect to the aforementioned Agilent HPLC series provided by the assignee of Agilent Technologies, at www.agilent.com, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the invention may be partially or fully embodied or supported by one or more suitable computer programs stored or otherwise provided by any type of data carrier and which may be embodied in or by any suitable data processing unit. Software programs or routines may preferably be applied in or by the control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more particular description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Features that are substantially or functionally the same or similar are referenced by the same reference numeral (same reference numerals). The illustration in the drawings is schematic.

1 shows a schematic view of a fluid separation system 10 according to embodiments of the present invention, eg used in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fitting 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 shows a three-dimensional view of a front ferrule and a rear ferrule assembly of the fitting of 2 ,

4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the fitting 100 ,

5A and 5B show in cross-sectional view and in greater detail the front part of the tubing 102 which the deposit 210 wearing.

6 shows a three-dimensional view of the fitting 100 according to the embodiment of 4 ,

7 shows in more detail the front part of the tubing 102 in a three-dimensional view.

Referring now in more detail to the drawings 1 a general schematic representation of a fluid separation system 10 , A pump 20 picks up a mobile phase from a solvent supply 25 typically via a degasser 27 which degas and consequently reduces the amount of dissolved gases in the mobile phase. The pump 20 - As a mobile phase drive - drives the mobile phase through a separator 30 (such as a chromatographic column) which has a stationary phase. A scanning unit 40 can be between the pump 20 and the separator 30 be provided to suspend the mobile phase of a sample liquid or add a sample liquid (often referred to as sample introduction). The stationary phase of the separator 30 is configured to separate connections of the sample fluid. A detector 50 is provided for detecting separated compounds of the sample liquid. A fractionation unit 60 may be provided for dispensing separated components of the sample fluid.

While the mobile phase may consist of only one solvent, it may also be mixed of several solvents. Such a mixture may be a low pressure mixture and upstream of the pump 20 be provided so that the pump 20 already picks up and pumps the mixed solvents as the mobile phase. Alternatively, the pump could 20 consist of a plurality of individual pumping units, wherein a plurality of pumping units each receive and pump a different solvent or mixture, so that the mixture of the mobile phase (as of the separating device 30 recorded) at high pressure and downstream of the pump 20 (or as part of) occurs. The composition (mixture) of the mobile phase can be kept constant over time, the so-called isocratic mode, or varied over time, the so-called gradient mode.

A data processing unit 70 , which may be a conventional PC or workstation, could be attached to two or more of the devices in the fluid separation system 10 be coupled (as indicated by the dashed arrows) to receive information and / or to control an operation. For example, the data processing unit could 70 the operation of the pump 20 control (eg, setting control parameters) and receive this information regarding actual working conditions (such as outlet pressure, flow rate, etc. at an outlet of the pump). The data processing unit 70 could also operate the solvent supply 25 (eg, setting the solvent (s) or solvent mixture (s) to be delivered) and / or the degasser 27 (eg, setting control parameters such as vacuum level) and may receive this information regarding actual working conditions (such as solvent composition delivered over time, flow rate, vacuum level, etc.). The data processing unit 70 could also be the operation of the scanning unit 40 controlling (eg, controlling sample injection or synchronizing sample injection with operating conditions of the pump 20 ). The separator 30 could also be done by the data processing device 70 be controlled (eg selecting a specific flow path or column, setting operating temperature, etc.), and - in return - information (eg operating conditions) to the data processing unit 70 send. Accordingly, the detector could 50 through the data processing unit 70 be controlled (eg with respect to spectral or wavelength settings, setting of time constants, Start / stop data acquisition), and information (eg, about the detected sample compounds) to the data processing unit 70 send. The data processing unit 70 could also be an operation of the fractionation unit 60 control (eg in conjunction with data coming from the detector 50 receive) and return data.

For transporting fluid within the fluid separation system 10 For example, tubings (eg, tubular capillaries) are typically used as conduits for conducting the fluid. Fittings are commonly used to couple multiple tubings together or to couple a tubing to any device. For example, fittings may be used to connect respective tubings to an inlet and an outlet of the chromatographic column 30 in a liquid-tight manner. Each of the components in the fluid path (solid line) in FIG 1 Can be connected by tubings using fittings. While the fluid path to the column 30 Usually at low pressure, eg 50 bar or below, is the fluid path from the pump 20 to the inlet of the column 30 under high pressure, currently up to 1200 bar, and therefore makes high demands on fluid-tight connections.

2 shows an embodiment of a high-pressure fitting 100 for coupling a tubing 102 (which has an inner fluid channel (not shown) for conducting fluid, eg the mobile phase with or without a sample liquid) to another fluidic device 103 such as the chromatographic column 30 from 1 , In the schematic view of 2 is only the part of the device 103 which is for coupling with the tubing 102 is relevant.

The fitting 100 has a male piece 104 with a front ferrule 106 (For example, made of a polymer material) on and has a rear ferrule 108 (eg made of a metallic material). The front ferrule 106 and the rear ferrule 108 are integrally formed and are together over the tubing 102 (which could have an outer metal tubing or pedestal as later shown in more detail) slidably. In addition, the male piece has 104 a first connecting element 110 which is on the tubing 102 is configured to be movable. Consequently, to assemble the fitting 100 on the tubing 102 the integrally molded front ferrule rear ferrule configuration 106 . 108 about the tubing 102 pushed and then the first connection element 110 on the tubing 102 pushed. The front ferrule 106 , the rear ferrule 108 and the first connection element 110 together form the male piece 104 ,

After the male piece 104 about the tubing 102 can be pushed, a female piece 112 which is a receiving cavity 114 (eg a depression) over the tubing 102 from the right side to the left side of 2 be pushed. The female piece 112 has the receiving cavity 114 configured to receive the front ferrule 106 , the rear ferrule 108 , a part of the first connecting element 110 and the tubing 102 , and has a second connecting element 116 configured to work with the first connector 110 to be connectable. The first and the second connecting element 110 . 116 may be secured together by a threaded connection, as will be described in greater detail below.

A lumen 126 the front ferrule 106 is sized to receive the tubing 102 with game. A lumen 132 the rear ferrule 108 is sized to receive the tubing 102 with game. The first connection element 110 also has a lumen 150 which is configured to receive the tubing 102 with game.

The rear ferrule 108 is configured so that upon connection of the first connecting element 110 with the second connecting element 116 the rear ferrule 108 a pressing force on the front ferrule 106 for providing a seal between the front ferrule 106 and the female piece 112 , At the same time, such a connection has the consequence that the rear ferrule 108 a clamping force between the male piece 104 and the tubing 102 exercises, and that the front ferrule 106 against the tubing 102 is sealed to prevent any fluid leakage. The pressing force has a direction which is longitudinal (parallel to an extension of the tubing 102 ), whereas the clamping force has a direction perpendicular to the extension of the tubing 102 is. Like the clamping force, the rear ferrule creates a positive locking force between the male piece 104 and the tubing 102 , This prevents the tubing 102 laterally slides after the two fasteners 110 . 116 were fixed to each other.

As 2 can be removed, has the front ferrule 106 a tapered front part 118 which is shaped and dimensioned to a conical part 120 the receiving cavity 114 of the female piece 112 correspond to. Consequently, a positive connection between the conical front part of the receiving cavity 114 on the one hand and the tapered front part 118 the front ferrule 106 be achieved. In addition, the front ferrule has 106 a tapered rear part 122 (which may also be arranged vertically or upright), which is shaped and dimensioned to an inclined annular front spring 124 the rear ferrule 108 correspond to. Although the forms of the two components 122 . 124 are adapted to match one another, it is nonetheless possible that upon application of corresponding forces, the inclined annular front spring 124 is bent. The inclined annular front spring 124 is adapted to be bent on connecting the first connecting element 110 to the second connecting element 116 , in an upright position (see arrow 152 ) for promoting forward movement of the front ferrule 106 towards a stopper part 118 the receiving cavity 114 of the female piece 112 ,

An annular rear spring 128 is provided as a part of the ferrule 108 , which is adapted to connect the first connection element 110 with the second connecting element 116 a forward movement of the tubing 102 towards a stopper part 148 the receiving cavity 114 of the female piece 112 which provides a spring-loading force to assist.

Between the annular rear spring 128 and the inclined annular front spring 124 (two disc springs) is a sleeve element 130 (a flat spring) arranged. The sleeve element 130 is tapered and has a thicker part, which is the first connecting element 110 opposite, and has a thinner part, which is the front ferrule 106 opposite. A thickness s _{1 of} the thinner part is smaller than a thickness s _{2 of} the thicker part. These different thickness values allow the sleeve member 130 , the force distribution in a longitudinal direction of 2 to improve.

The first connection element 110 is configured to connect to the second connector 116 to be connected by a screw connection. Consequently, in one part 140 an inner thread of the female part 112 in an external thread in the first connecting element 110 of the male piece 104 be screwed. A user simply has to tighten this screw connection and thus automatically seals the front ferrule against the female element 112 and exerts a clamping between the rear ferrule 108 and the tubing 102 out.

An inclined surface 134 of the first connecting element 110 is configured to apply a bending moment to the annular rear spring 128 the rear ferrule 108 , The inclined surface 134 closes an acute angle α = 60 ° with an outer surface of the tubing 102 one. With such an acute angle 0 <α <90 °, a desired bending of the spring components 128 . 130 the rear ferrule 108 and an optional additional spring 136 be effected. As an alternative to the configuration described, it is possible for the rear spring 128 is inclined and the front spring 124 is upright, or that both, the rear spring 128 and the front spring 124 are inclined in a way that both make an acute angle with the sleeve element 130 lock in.

A force transmitting annular metal ring 136 (which adds extra force to the front ferrule 106 supported, without the radial clamping on the tubing 102 to increase) is slidable on the tubing 102 arranged between the rear ferrule 108 and the first connection element 110 , and transmits a force passing through the first connecting element 110 is exercised on the rear ferrule 108 , The power transmission element 136 operates as a stop disc and is provided as a separate element which is not integrally formed with a front ferrule 106 and a rear ferrule 108 , The additional metal ring 136 may be added to increase the sealing force and the elastic deformation regardless of the supplied clamping force.

2 shows a non-prestressed condition of the fitting 100 , In a sealed configuration, a first sealing joint is achieved in an area 142 between the front ferrule 106 and the female part 112 and a second seal is achieved in an area 144 between the front ferrule 106 and the tubing 102 , In a front side (or frontal surface) 146 of the tubing 102 Optionally, it is possible to provide a polymer coating to further suppress sample contamination since this measure seals the sealing performance between the front side 146 and the stopper part 148 further increased.

The following explains the power transmission: After the front ferrule 106 and the rear ferrule 108 on the tubing 102 were postponed and after the first connecting element 110 on the tubing 102 has been pushed, the first connecting element by screwing with the second connecting element 116 get connected. This transfers the rear ferrule 108 in a prestressed state, allowing a clamping between the tubing 102 and the rear ferrule 108 is produced. As the clamping force increases, the force along the capillary axis increases analogously and provides pressure on the sealing areas 146 . 148 , A corresponding power transmission further results in an upward pivoting of the front spring 124 the rear ferrule 108 as by arrow 152 specified. This presses the polymer material of the front ferrule 106 in a forward position, ie to the right side of 2 and puts pressure on the sealing areas 142 . 144 ,

Like the three-dimensional view of 3 can be removed, the sleeve part 130 the rear ferrule 108 a plurality of circumferentially equally distributed slots 200 on. These slots or grooves 200 allow the tube diameter to shrink and the tubing 102 to grab.

2 and 3 show a high pressure ferrule configuration 100 for providing a sealed flow connection between an open-ended tube 146 of the tubing 102 or sleeve (includes, for example, a quartz glass tubing), and a base member is provided configured for pressure rating beyond 1000 bar with long-term durability at an operating temperature above 100 ° C.

A component of such a fitting 100 is a releasable fixing element (for example, a fitting screw, realized as a screw connection between the connecting elements 110 and 116 from 2 ).

• • eine federvorgespannte Kraft zum Deformieren und Dichten der vorderen Ferrule 106 und Stützkraft für ein Kriechen unter Kompression;
• • eine federvorgespannte Kraft zum Pressen des Tubings 102 gegen das Basiselement;

A ferrule assembly 106 . 108 is provided, which is a (eg polymer type) gasket (front ferrule 106 ) and a (eg metal type) elastic clamping element (rear ferrule 108 ) having. This can provide both a releasable radial clamp and a spring biased force against the front ferrule 106 as well as the fixing element when locked. The required actual sealing force is divided and adjusted for:

• • a spring-biased force to deform and seal the front ferrule 106 and supporting force for creep under compression;
• • a spring-biased force to press the tubing 102 against the base element;

• • Ferrule 106, 108 Position axial wiederholbar einstellbar auf dem Tubing 102;
• • Material der vorderen Ferrule 106 kann Polymer sein (zum Beispiel PEEK);
• • Material für die hintere Ferrule 108 kann Edelstahl sein mit hoher elastischer Dehnung;
• • Das System kann die Fähigkeit haben für eine elastische radiale Klemmung auf das Tubing 102;
• • federvorgespanntes Element 124, 128 für die Dichtungskraft;
• • federvorgespanntes Element 128, 136 zum Drücken der Röhre 102 gegen das Basiselement 116 (zum Beispiel Verbund);
• • Hängenbleiben auf dem Tubing 102 als Vorfixierung oder zum Unterstützen von Unverlierbarkeit des Fittings;
• • Einstückhandhabung ist möglich, was für einen Benutzer einfach ist;
• • austauschbare Konfiguration;
• • geringe axiale Ausdehnung;

In the following, advantageous properties of the ferrule configuration will be discussed 106 . 108 noted:

• • ferrule 106 . 108 Position axially repeatable adjustable on the tubing 102 ;
• • Material of the front ferrule 106 may be polymer (for example PEEK);
• • Material for the rear ferrule 108 can be stainless steel with high elastic elongation;
• • The system may have the ability for elastic radial clamping on the tubing 102 ;
• • spring-loaded element 124 . 128 for the sealing force;
• • spring-loaded element 128 . 136 to push the tube 102 against the base element 116 (for example, Verbund);
• • getting stuck on the tubing 102 as a pre-fixation or to assist in captivity of the fitting;
• • One-piece handling is possible, which is easy for a user;
• • replaceable configuration;
• • low axial extent;

• • eine erste Scheibenfeder 124 ist bereitgestellt gegenüber der vorderen Ferrule 106;
• • eine flache zweite Scheibenfeder 128 ist bereitgestellt gegenüber dem Fixierelement 110;
• • eine konzentrisch angeordnete flache Federreihe 130 ist bereitgestellt in der mittleren Sektion zwischen den Scheibenfedern 124, 128.

The embodiment of 2 . 3 provides three simultaneously activatable spring sections 124 . 128 . 130 on the back ferrule 108 :

• • a first disc spring 124 is provided opposite the front ferrule 106 ;
• • a flat second disc spring 128 is provided opposite the fixing element 110 ;
• • a concentric flat spring row 130 is provided in the middle section between the disc springs 124 . 128 ,

As 3 can be taken, two or more separating slots 200 in the middle section 130 be formed, for example arranged in a radially-symmetrical manner. A longitudinally reinforced middle section 130 may be effective from the first disc spring 124 to the second disc spring 128 , A structured surface of the middle section 130 (see reference number 200 ) to the tubing may be provided to increase the frictional force or even to form a positive fit in the area surrounding the tubing 102 touches what a reinforced clamp on the tubing 102 causes. Such a structured surface can be realized with a defined spatial surface roughness, the provision of concentric multiple grooves (respectively ribs), a helical groove (respectively a helical rib), a helical groove (respectively a helical rib) with half the flank in front of it Fitting element when screwed. Other structured surface configurations are a special coating optionally in combination with one or more of the above measures. Surface hardening may also be provided optionally in combination with one or more of the above measures.

The fixing element 110 may be provided with a conical shape opposite to the flat second disc spring 128 , A compression lip can be attached to the front ferrule 106 be attached, which has a defined sliding and clamping along the tube 102 supported. A second disc spring may be arranged in parallel.

While the embodiments of 2 and 3 As illustrated above in great detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to such embodiments and that other types of fittings may be used accordingly. This will become apparent from the following.

Coming back on again 2 carries the tubing 102 a deposit 210 in his front page 146 which can be seen in more detail in 4 , and will be explained in more detail.

4 illustrates another embodiment of the fitting 100 and substantially corresponds in function to the embodiment of FIG 2 , The deposit 210 is in a cavity 400 the front side 146 of the tubing 102 arranged. As in 4 stated and how better in 5A can be seen is the deposit 210 over the front side 146 before, at least before the tubing 102 to the fluidic device 103 is coupled. When the tubing to the fluidic device 103 is coupled, as in 2 shown is the front side 146 to the fluidic device 103 adapted, leaving a fluid path 410 (please refer 4 ) of the tubing 102 with a fluid path 420 (please refer 2 ) of the fluidic device 103 is connected. When the tubing 102 coupled with the fluidic device provides the liner 210 a seal to the fluid paths 410 . 420 of the tubing 102 and the fluidic device 103 ,

5A and 5B show in greater detail the front area of the tubing 102 which the deposit 210 wearing. While 5A a condition prior to coupling the tubing 102 to the fluidic device 103 shows, illustrated 5B a condition during or after coupling the tubing 102 to the fluidic device 103 , resulting in a deformation of the insert 210 results.

The deposit 210 in 5A stands over the front side 146 by a narrow distance d, which may be about 0.01-0.2 mm. The (axial) height D of the insert 210 may be about 0.1-1 mm. The cavity 400 is in the center of the front page 146 of the tubing 102 arranged and the deposit 210 is formed in and substantially fills the entirety of the cavity 400 out. In the embodiment of 5A is the deposit 210 into the cavity 400 molded by application of thermoforming, such as laser heating or remelting of a preformed insert into the cavity around the required final shape by ultrasonic energy or hot stamping, or the insert is fully injection molded.

The deposit 210 can be lateral (in the radial direction) over the cavity 400 a part 500 extend, which could extend beyond the front side 146 , In the embodiment of 5A and 5B the cavity has a smaller conical area to the front side 146 way and the area 500 the deposit 210 is essentially limited to such a conical area. However, the area can 500 continue on the front side as well 146 extend. By limiting the range 500 so he does not have the front side 146 and on one side 510 of the tubing 102 enough, can be ensured that no material from the deposit 210 to such a lateral side 510 will flow, what else is the tubing 102 from removal from the fluidic device 103 (not shown in 5A and 5B ) can block. It is clear that the expansion of the area 500 along the front side of the tubing can reduce the stopper functionality and the overload protection of the tubing 102 , and depends on the material combination of the insert 210 and the tubing 102 and the pressure applied to it.

Like 5B can be seen is the deposit 210 inside the cavity 400 completely compressed during the coupling of the tubing 102 to the fluidic device 103 , In this embodiment, the insert is 210 made of a polymeric material such as PEEK, while the front side 146 of the tubing 102 made of a harder material, such as stainless steel (SST). Accordingly, the front side represents 146 a stopper for forward movement of the tubing 102 when the tubing 102 to the fluidic device 103 is coupled. This limits the amount of compression of the insert 210 and can also make sure a fluid path 520 the deposit 210 deformed only to a certain extent, as in 5B specified. It will be understood that any limitation or narrowing of the flow path diameter should be minimized to prevent pressure increase and flow disturbance. The in-mold design allows the system pressure to stabilize the interior shape of the wetted liner and help to increase sealing pressure. The flow path 520 the deposit 210 can also have an extended area 530 towards the fluidic device 103 to reduce a restriction of the flow path. A fair selection of the material of the deposit 210 and the formation in particular of the flow path 520 may allow to minimize such a narrowing.

6 shows a three-dimensional view of the fitting 100 which is the embodiment of 4 equivalent.

7 shows in more detail the front part of the tubing 102 from 6 with its front side 146 which the deposit 210 in the cavity 400 carries (see 4 and 5 ). The embodiment of 7 has an outer surface 550 which is a structure 560 what is also in the cross-sectional view of 5A can be seen. The structure 560 is designed for increasing surface pressure between the insert 210 and the fluidic device 103 , In the embodiment of 5A and 7 is the structure 560 provided by concentric depressions and / or projections. The outer surface 550 may also be coated with a relatively soft material, such as gold, to equalize small imperfections or surface roughness of the contact surface coming from the fluidic device 103 provided.

Coming back on again 5A and 5B (as well as in 4 seen), has the tubing 102 in this embodiment, an inner tubing 570 and an outer tubing 575 which is the inner tubing 570 surrounds. Furthermore, a pedestal surrounds 580 the outer tubing 575 , While the inner tubing 570 , the outer tubing 575 and the pedestal 580 also in 4 are shown, the reference numerals are in 4 omitted. The short rigid capillary 102 (eg 1/6 inch), as in 4 seen, can as well as pedestal 580 be designated.

To provide biocompatibility, eg as required in many HPLC applications, the inner tubing should 570 be formed of a polymeric material, preferably PEEK. The outer tubing 575 , also referred to as tubing liner, may be provided to increase mechanical strength and / or stability and, in this embodiment, should be formed from a metal such as stainless steel (SST) or nickel (Ni). As an alternative, biocompatible solution could be the inner tubing 570 made of quartz glass with the outer tubing made of a polymeric material, such as PEEK, to allow the inner quartz glass tubing 570 to flexibly couple, even under high pressure, and to provide general protection for the fragile quartz glass tubing. The tubing base 580 may be provided to adapt to a 1/16 inch fitting system, as often used in HPLC applications, and could be made of a metal such as SST. Furthermore, the quartz glass tubing 570 which is coated in the majority of cases with a thin layer of polyimide, a metallic outer tubing 570 have, for example, galvanically nickel tubing. This type of tubing composite can be easily attached to the pedestal 580 be attached by laser welding, where, for example, the nickel front side of the outer tubing 575 from the deposit 210 is covered.

To maintain biocompatibility even when less biocompatible materials are used, such as metal, eg, for outer tubing 575 and / or the pedestal 580 , is the deposit 210 , which is also to be formed of a biocompatible material such as a polymer and preferably PEEK, with the inner tubing 570 firmly connected, preferably by applying ultrasonic heating, thus resulting in an integral material transfer between the insert 210 and the inner tubing 570 leads. Accordingly, the outer tubing 575 sealed and contact of fluid from within the flow path 410 to the outer tubing 575 is avoided. The sealing property of the insert 210 may further include contact of the fluid from within the flowpath 410 with the material of the base 580 avoid. While the sealing, which by the insole 210 on the front side 146 may be sufficient in certain applications, it may be particularly for high pressure applications, for example when a fluid pressure within the flow path 410 eg applied in the range of 100-1500 bar will not be sufficient depending on the material used in the components which connect to the front side of the fitting. In such a case, another seal may be required which can be achieved by the front ferrule 106 , as in 2 - 4 shown. How best in 2 can be seen presses the rear ferrule 108 , on a coupling of the tubing 102 to the fluidic device 103 - against the area 148 , This closes and seals a gap around the front part of the tubing 102 which is from the front side 146 over the lateral side 510 (please refer 5A ) extends to the area where the front ferrule 106 against the area 142 seals (see 2 ). Furthermore, having a two-stage seal also provides an additional design parameter in balancing the fit to the geometry of the contacting surfaces and a degree of deformation, particularly the flow path (as a result of applying a high contact pressure). For example, the first stage could be on the front page 146 intentionally designed to only seal against a lower pressure for the benefit of limiting deformation and consequently constriction in the flow path.

During pressurization of the flow path 410 For example, as fluid pressure rises to a target system pressure, fluid could pass through the primary seal stage extending from the liner 210 is licked into the gap. By forming the secondary sealing step provided by the front ferrule 106 , to complete sealing against the maximum pressure within the flow path 410 , liquid may fill the gap until the pressure difference between the system pressure and the pressure within the gap reaches the sealability of the primary seal. Because the primary seal can be optimized for optimal pressure differential capability, the secondary seal can be optimized to the required system pressure. For example, the split into two functional or cascaded pressure drops, as achieved by a primary and a secondary seal, allows the primary seal design to be kept unmodified while the system pressure requirements can be solved with the secondary seal.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5074599 A [0007]
• US 6494500 [0008]
• WO 2005/084337 [0009]
• EP 2008/058639 [0010, 0050]
• US 4690437 A [0011]
• US 4565632A [0012]
• US 5614154A [0013]
• US 5651855 A [0014]
• US 5540464A [0015]
• US 4619473A [0016]
• WO 2009/088663 A1 [0017]
• US 2008/0237112 A1 [0018]
• US 4165893 A [0019]
• US 4619473 [0025]
• EP 309569 A1 [0057]
• EP 1577012 [0058]
• US Pat. No. 4,982,597 A [0061]

Cited non-patent literature

• http://www.swagelok.com [0007]
• http://www.dionex.com/en-us/webdocs/78632 DS-Viper-Capillaries-17Jul2009-LPN2283.pdf [0016]
• www.agilent.com [0055]
• http://www.chem.agilent.com/Scripts/PDS.asp?IPage=38308 [0058]

Claims (33)

A fitting element ( 100 ), which is configured to be a fluidic device ( 103 ) to provide a fluidic coupling, wherein the fitting element ( 100 ): a tubing ( 102 ), and a deposit ( 210 ), which are in a cavity ( 400 ) a front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ), the deposit ( 210 ) on the front side ( 146 protruding, at least before coupling the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), where - on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) - the front side ( 146 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) is adapted for connecting a fluid path ( 410 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) with a fluid path ( 420 ) of the fluidic device ( 103 ), and the deposit ( 210 ) a seal of the fluid path ( 410 . 420 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) and the fluidic device ( 103 ). The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 claims, comprising at least one of: the cavity ( 400 ) is located in the center of the front side ( 146 ); the deposit ( 210 ) is in the cavity ( 400 ) shaped; the deposit ( 210 ) is in the cavity ( 400 ) adapted to shape; the deposit ( 210 ) is in the cavity ( 400 ) press-fitted; the deposit ( 210 ) is in the cavity ( 400 ) firmly coupled; the deposit ( 210 ) is in the cavity ( 400 ) by at least one of a direct molding method, a welding method, an adhesive method, a thermal method such as thermoforming, overmolding, remelting, partial heating, laser heating, ultrasonic heating. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of: the insert ( 210 ) extends laterally across the cavity ( 400 ) on the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ); the deposit ( 210 ) extends laterally across the cavity ( 400 ), but is limited to at least a portion of the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ); the deposit ( 210 ) extends laterally across the cavity ( 400 ), but is limited to the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ), so that - on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) - the front side ( 146 ) a stop for forward movement of the tubing ( 102 ); on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) pushes the front side ( 146 ) to a contact side of the fluidic device ( 103 ), for coupling the fluid path of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluid path of the fluidic device ( 103 ); the deposit ( 210 ) has a flow path, wherein - the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) - the flow path of the insert ( 210 ) between the flow path of the tubing ( 102 ) and the flow path of the fluidic device ( 103 ) is coupled; the cavity ( 400 ) is in a central position of the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) and is in the flow path of the tubing ( 102 ) opened. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of: the insert ( 210 ) has an outer surface ( 550 ), wherein upon coupling, the outer surface of the fluidic device ( 103 ), and the outer surface is a structure ( 560 ) which is configured to increase a surface pressure between the insert (FIG. 210 ) and the fluidic device ( 103 ). The fitting element ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the structure ( 560 ) has at least one of: one or more recesses; one or more concentric wells; one or more supernatants; one or more concentric supernatants; one or more micro-cavities for the further uptake of sealing components or an impregnation; one or more inclusions for further inclusion of sealing components or impregnation. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of: the insert ( 210 ) is made of or has a polymeric material, preferably at least one of PEEK, PEKK, PE and polyimide; the deposit ( 210 ) is made of or has a metal material, preferably at least one of gold, titanium, an SST alloy; the tubing ( 102 ) is or comprises at least one of a group consisting of a metal, stainless steel, titanium, a plastic, a polymer, glass, and quartz; the tubing ( 102 ) has a lumen which has a diameter which is less than 0.8 mm, in particular less than 0.2 mm; the tubing ( 102 ) has one of a circular, elliptic or rectangular shape; the tubing ( 102 ) is or has a capillary; the tubing ( 102 ) has an inner tubing ( 102 ) and an outer tubing ( 102 ), whereby the outer tubing ( 102 ) the inner tubing ( 570 ) surrounds; the tubing ( 102 ) has an inner tubing ( 570 ) and an outer tubing ( 575 ), whereby the outer tubing ( 575 ) the inner tubing ( 570 ), whereby the inner tubing ( 570 ) is made of a different material than the outer tubing ( 575 ); a socket ( 580 ), which tubing ( 102 ) surrounds. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tubing ( 102 ) an inner tubing ( 570 ) and an outer tubing ( 575 ), wherein the inner tubing ( 570 ) consists of a polymer material, the insert ( 210 ) is made of a polymer material or comprises a polymer material, preferably at least one of PEEK and polyimide, the insert ( 210 ) the inner tubing ( 570 ) to prevent any fluid from entering the outer tubing (FIG. 575 ) penetrates. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a further sealing element configured to seal against a pressure in the fluid path of the tubing ( 102 ). The fitting element ( 100 ) of the preceding claim, comprising at least one of: the further sealing member comprises a front ferrule; the further sealing element has a front ferrule, wherein the front ferrule on the tubing ( 102 ) is displaceable, at least before coupling the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ); the further sealing element has a front ferrule which has a tapered front part which is configured to reach a conical portion of a receiving cavity of the fluidic device ( 103 ), with reference to the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), the tapered front portion against the conical portion of the receiving cavity presses against the pressure in the fluid path of the tubing (FIG. 102 ); the further sealing element is configured to seal a receiving cavity of the fluidic device ( 103 ), when the receiving cavity the fitting element ( 100 ), on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ); the further sealing element is configured to seal a receiving cavity of the fluidic device ( 103 ), when the receiving cavity the fitting element ( 100 ), on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), whereby the deposit ( 210 ) the receiving cavity on the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ), and the further sealing element further defines the receiving cavity along one side of the tubing (FIG. 102 ) within the receiving cavity seals. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising a biasing element configured to press - to couple the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) - the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) in an axial direction of the tubing ( 102 ) against the fluidic device ( 103 ). The fitting element ( 100 ) of the preceding claim, comprising at least one of: the biasing member applies at least one of a spring-loaded and a spring-biased pressing force to the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) out; a spring element which is configured to, for connecting the tubing ( 102 ) and the fluidic device ( 103 ), a forward movement of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) to promote; a spring element which is configured to, for connecting the tubing ( 102 ) and the fluidic device ( 103 ), a forward movement of the tubing ( 102 ) towards a stop of the tubing ( 102 ) to promote. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of: a clamping element configured to convey - to the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) - a clamping force to the clamping element with the tubing ( 102 ) mechanically connect; a connecting element which is configured for connection to the fluidic device ( 103 ) by means of a screw connection. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert ( 210 ) has a flow path and wherein, on a coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), the flow path of the insert ( 210 ) between the flow path of the tubing ( 102 ) and the flow path of the fluidic device ( 103 ) is coupled. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubing ( 102 ) has inner and outer tubing, the outer tubing radially surrounding the inner tubing. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer tubing is a pedestal. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 15, wherein the base is a base for fitting to a desired outer diameter for the tubing and / or specific requirements for tightening elements. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the insert is configured to form a contact area at an axial end on the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing, in which the outer tubing and inner tubing abut each other. A fitting element ( 100 ) configured to a fluidic device ( 103 ) to provide a fluidic coupling, wherein the fitting element ( 100 ): a tubing ( 102 ), and a deposit ( 210 ), which are in a cavity ( 400 ) a front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ), the deposit ( 210 ) on the front side ( 146 protruding, at least before coupling the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), wherein the fitting element ( 100 ) is adapted so that when coupling the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), the front side ( 146 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) is guided around a fluid path ( 410 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) with a fluid path ( 420 ) of the fluidic device ( 103 ), and the insert ( 210 ) a seal of the fluid path ( 410 . 420 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) and the fluidic device ( 103 ). The fitting element ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insert ( 210 ) has a flow path and when coupling the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) the flow path of the insert ( 210 ) between the flow path of the tubing ( 102 ) and the flow path of the fluidic device ( 103 ) is coupled. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 18 or claim 19, wherein the tubing ( 102 ) has inner and outer tubing, the outer tubing radially surrounding the inner tubing. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the outer tubing is a pedestal, in particular a pedestal for fitting to a desired outer diameter for the tubing and / or specific requirements for tightening elements. The fitting element ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the insert is configured to form a contact area at an axial end on the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing, in which the outer tubing and inner tubing abut each other. A fitting ( 100 ) which is configured to couple a tubing ( 102 ) to a fluidic device ( 103 ), wherein the fitting has a fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting element ( 100 ) a tubing ( 102 ) and a deposit ( 210 ), which in a cavity ( 400 ) a front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ), wherein the fluidic device ( 103 ) has a receiving cavity, which is configured to receive the fitting element ( 100 ), wherein the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ) at least one of the deposit ( 210 ) and the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) presses against a contact surface within the receiving cavity, and the fluid path of the tubing ( 102 ) with the fluid path of the fluidic device ( 103 ) connected is. The fitting ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein: the fitting element ( 100 ) has a front ferrule, a rear ferrule and a first connection element, the receiving cavity is configured to receive the front ferrule and the tubing (FIG. 102 ) and a second connection member configured to be connectable to the first connection member, wherein the rear ferrule is configured in a manner such that upon connection of the first connection member to the second connection member, the rear ferrule has a spring Preload force exerted against the front ferrule to exert a seal between the front ferrule and the receiving cavity, and the rear ferrule a clamping force on the tubing ( 102 ) exercises. The fitting ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one of: one or more of the front ferrule, the rear ferrule and the first connecting element are on the tubing ( 102 ) is slidably configured, prior to coupling the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ); the rear ferrule has a multiple spring configuration, preferably comprising two disc springs separated by a flat spring; the first connecting element has an inclined front surface which is adapted to exert a bending moment on an annular rear spring of the rear ferrule; the receiving cavity is configured to receive the rear ferrule and a portion of the first connecting element; the fitting element ( 100 ) has an additional spring element, which on the tubing ( 102 ) is slidably disposed between the rear ferrule and the first connection member for transmitting a force exerted by the first connection element on the rear ferrule. The fitting ( 100 ) according to claim 23 or any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of: the fluidic device ( 103 ) is or refers to at least one of: a second tubing ( 102 ), a device, an HPLC device, a fluid separation device, a fluid handling device, a measuring device; the fluidic device ( 103 ) has a processing element configured to interact with a sample fluid; the fluidic device ( 103 ) is configured to at least one of: a sample fluid through the fluidic device ( 103 ), a fluid separation system for separating compounds of a sample fluid, a fluid purification system for purifying a sample fluid to analyze at least one physical, chemical and / or biological parameter of at least one compound of a sample fluid. A fitting ( 100 ) which is configured to couple a tubing ( 102 ) to a fluidic device ( 103 ), wherein the fitting has a fitting element ( 100 ) having the tubing ( 102 ), a first sealing element and a second sealing element, wherein the fluidic device ( 103 ) has a receiving cavity, which is configured to receive the fitting element ( 100 ), wherein, on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), the first sealing element a first sealing step on a front side ( 146 ) of the tubing ( 102 ) where the tubing ( 102 ) presses against a contact surface within the receiving cavity, and the second sealing element seals a second sealing step to seal the receiving cavity along one side of the tubing (FIG. 102 ) within the receiving cavity. The fitting ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first sealing element is an insert ( 210 ), which of the tubing in its front side ( 146 ) will be carried. The fitting ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insert ( 210 ) has a flow path, wherein, on the coupling of the tubing ( 102 ) to the fluidic device ( 103 ), the flow path of the insert ( 210 ) between the flow path of the tubing ( 102 ) and the flow path of the fluidic device ( 103 ) is coupled. The fitting ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the tubing ( 102 ) has an inner and an outer tubing, wherein the outer tubing surrounds the inner tubing radially and wherein in particular the outer tubing is a pedestal. The fitting ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insert is configured to form a contact area at an axial end on the front side ( 146 ) of the tubing, in which the outer tubing and inner tubing abut each other. A fluid separation system for separating compounds of a sample fluid in a mobile phase, the fluid separation system comprising: a mobile phase actuator, preferably a pumping system configured to drive the mobile phase through the fluid separation system, a separation unit, preferably a chromatography column, which is configured to separate compounds of the sample fluid in the mobile phase, a fitting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims for coupling a tubing ( 102 ) for guiding the mobile phase to a fluidic device ( 103 ) in the fluid separation system.  The fluid separation system of the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of: a sample injector configured to introduce the sample fluid into the mobile phase; a detector configured to detect separated compounds of the sample fluid; a collection unit configured to collect separated compounds of the sample fluid; a data processing unit configured to process data received from the fluid separation system; a degassing device for degassing the mobile phase.

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