ASTM A269 TP316/316L Tubing for Chromatography Columns

Metalsin Tech supplies ASTM A269 TP316/316L tubing for the chromatography column industry. A chromatography column is an essential component of chromatographic techniques, used to separate and analyze mixtures of chemical compounds. It is a cylindrical tube filled with a stationary phase (solid or liquid), through which the mobile phase (liquid or gas) carries the sample mixture. The separation occurs based on the differential interaction of the components with the stationary and mobile phases, allowing for their identification, quantification, or purification. Chromatography columns are widely used in various analytical and preparative applications, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental testing, and chemical industries.

Chromatography columns made from ASTM A269 TP316/316L seamless tubing.

TP316/316L stainless steel tubing, widely used in the chromatography industry, is a high-performance material ideal for high-precision separation and analysis in techniques like gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These tubes, either seamless or welded, are usually known as instrument tubing made in accordance with ASTM A269. As a variant of 316 stainless steel, TP316/316L offers excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, making it suitable for demanding environments. The presence of 2-3% molybdenum in 316 stainless steel enhances its resistance to acidic and chloride-containing environments, while 316L, with lower carbon content (<0.03%), improves corrosion resistance during welding, especially in high-temperature applications.

ASTM A269 TP316L seamless tubes supplied to Australia. The interior is electropolished, while the exterior surface is mechanical polished.

ASTM A269 TP316/316L stainless steel tubing typically has very high dimensional precision, with inner diameters ranging from 0.1 mm to 12.0 mm, and outer diameters commonly 1/16 inch (about 1.6 mm) or 1/2 inch (about 12.7 mm). These sizes are suitable for standard chromatography column fittings and connectors. To ensure the separation efficiency and reproducibility of the chromatography columns, the dimensional tolerances of TP316/316L stainless steel tubing need to be very strict, typically achieved through high-precision manufacturing processes.

The interior surface finish inspection for ASTM A269 TP316/316L tubing.

The inner walls of TP316/316L stainless steel tubing usually undergo electropolishing or mechanical polishing to ensure a smooth surface, which helps reduce sample adsorption onto the tube walls, thereby enhancing separation performance and extending the lifespan of the chromatography column. Electropolishing can also further improve the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel tubing, allowing it to perform in more aggressive chemical environments for extended periods.