How to Choose the Right LC Tubing

The ideal tubing depends on where it is installed in the LC system and how the method is operated. Important selection criteria include:

• Operating pressure: Standard HPLC, UHPLC and low-pressure solvent lines require different tubing materials and wall thicknesses.
• Inner diameter: A smaller ID reduces internal volume and can limit extra-column band broadening, which is particularly important for UHPLC, LC-MS, microflow and low-volume applications.
• Chemical compatibility: Tubing must be compatible with the mobile phase, cleaning solvents, buffers and samples used in the method.
• Length: Keep high-pressure connections as short as practical to minimize unnecessary system volume and pressure loss.
• Sample compatibility: For sensitive biological compounds, metal-sensitive analytes or demanding LC-MS applications, inert polymeric or specialized capillary materials may be preferable.
• Connection type: Tubing OD, fittings, ferrules and ports must match to provide reliable, low-dead-volume connections.

PEEK Tubing for Flexible HPLC Connections

PEEK tubing is widely used in liquid chromatography because it combines good chemical resistance with flexibility and convenient handling. It can be cut to the required length with an appropriate tubing cutter and is available in several inner diameters, often identified by color coding.

PEEK is a practical choice for many HPLC flow paths and applications in which metal contact should be reduced. Pressure capability depends on tubing dimensions, temperature and operating conditions, so the pressure specification of the selected tubing should always be checked before use. Standard PEEK tubing should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for every UHPLC pressure range.

Stainless Steel Tubing for High-Pressure LC and UHPLC

For demanding high-pressure applications, stainless steel HPLC and UHPLC tubing provides high mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Precision tubing and capillaries are commonly used for connections between pumps, injectors, columns, valves and detectors where a reliable high-pressure flow path is required.

The inner diameter is particularly important in modern UHPLC systems. Correctly dimensioned capillaries help control extra-column volume while maintaining an appropriate system pressure. Pre-cut tubing and capillaries also provide precisely defined lengths and clean connection surfaces.

For applications where interactions with metal surfaces need to be minimized, alternatives such as PEEK, PEEK-lined tubing, PEEKsil or other inert flow-path solutions can be considered.

PTFE, FEP, ETFE and PFA Tubing

Fluoropolymer tubing offers excellent options for solvent handling and other liquid-transfer applications. PTFE, FEP, ETFE and PFA tubing differ in flexibility, mechanical strength and pressure capability, allowing the tubing material to be matched to the individual LC application.

Larger-ID fluoropolymer tubing is especially useful for solvent inlet lines, mobile-phase transfer, waste lines and other low-pressure connections. When selecting a fluoropolymer, consider both chemical compatibility and the mechanical requirements of the installation.

Fused Silica and PEEKsil for Low-Volume Flow Paths

Applications such as LC-MS, micro-LC and nano-LC benefit from precisely controlled internal volumes. Fused silica capillaries are available with very small and tightly controlled inner diameters, making them suitable for low-volume fluid transfer.

PEEKsil tubing combines a fused silica flow path with a mechanically robust PEEK outer layer. This design provides precise internal dimensions together with convenient connection to suitable LC fittings. Depending on the product, these capillaries are supplied in defined lengths and should be handled according to the manufacturer's cutting and installation instructions.

LC Tubing from Leading Chromatography Manufacturers

BGB Analytik offers LC tubing and capillary solutions from established chromatography and fluidics manufacturers, including Agilent, BGB Analytik, FLOM, GL Sciences, IDEX Health & Science, Optimize Technologies, PerkinElmer, Polymicro (Molex), Restek, Thermo Scientific and VICI.

This broad manufacturer selection gives you access to OEM-specific HPLC capillaries, universal LC tubing, PEEK tubing, stainless steel tubing, fluoropolymer tubing and specialized fused silica solutions. You can select the appropriate tubing for instrument maintenance, replacement of existing fluid connections, method development or custom LC configurations.

Why Inner Diameter and Tubing Length Matter

Tubing is part of the chromatographic system volume. An unnecessarily large inner diameter or excessive tubing length can increase extra-column volume and contribute to peak dispersion. This becomes increasingly important when using short columns, small particle sizes, narrow-bore columns or low flow rates.

At the same time, reducing the tubing ID too far can increase flow resistance and backpressure. The best configuration therefore balances inner diameter, tubing length, flow rate and operating pressure.

For reliable connections, combine the selected LC tubing with compatible HPLC fittings, ferrules, unions and adapters. Correctly matched components help create a secure flow path with minimal dead volume and reduce the risk of leaks.

Find the Right LC Tubing at BGB Analytik

Whether you need HPLC tubing, UHPLC tubing, LC-MS tubing, PEEK tubing, stainless steel capillaries or chemically resistant fluoropolymer tubing, BGB Analytik provides solutions for a wide range of chromatographic systems and applications.