Microvolume unions, tees, crosses, and Y's have a unique two-piece design which allows an extremely small bore in a conventional ferrule and nut fitting. The actual connection area is separated from the nut threads, with the ferrule detail in a metal or polymer insert and the threads machined into a stainless steel or PEEK ring.
Since the insert has a much smaller diameter than a standard one-piece fitting, it can be drilled with much shorter tools; and, since a shorter drill has less tendency to wander or break, holes as small as .006" (0.15 mm) can be machined with the same high degree of concentricity found in all Valco fittings.
Inserts are made of stainless steel, Hastelloy C, Titanium, PEEK, or CTFE. PEEK rings are not as robust as stainless steel, and are not usable above 75°C. The stainless steel ring with a metal insert can operate at up to 10,000 psi for HPLC or SFC.
All standard Valco zero dead volume reducing ferrules (ZRF, FS, and FSR) will work in these fittings. They are uniquely designed to fill the void between the fitting pilot and the smaller tubing OD, eliminating any dead volume in the fitting. Reducing ferrules such as our RF series should be avoided, since they leave dead volume.
Microvolume unions
Microvolume unions are available with 1/16" or 1/32" Valco ZDV fittings, with 0.15 mm or 0.25 mm bore.
Microvolume tees
Microvolume tees are available with 1/16" or 1/32" Valco ZDV fittings, with 0.15 mm or 0.25 mm bore.
Microvolume Y's
Microvolume Y's are available with 1/16" or 1/32" Valco ZDV fittings, with 0.15 mm or 0.25 mm bore.
Microvolume crosses
Microvolume crosses are available with 1/16" or 1/32" Valco ZDV fittings, with 0.15 mm or 0.25 mm bore.
Replacement components
Replacement components can be ordered separately. Inserts are made of stainless steel, Hastelloy C, Titanium, PEEK, or CTFE. Rings are made from PEEK or stainless steel.
