A Comparison of Surface Inertness
in Process Analytical Systems
Introduction
Recent innovations in coating technologies have dramatically improved
the analytical sensitivity and test precision of process sample transfer
and analytical systems. Poor surface inertness can result in performance
issues ranging from poor sensitivity and resolution, to adsorption/
desorption and catalytic effects. The overall impact to the customer
includes regulatory compliance issues, lost product, poor process yields,
and ultimately lost customers.
This study compares the surface inertness of 2 coatings on the inner walls
of 1/8” stainless steel tubing: SilcoNert™2000 (SilcoTek™Corporation) and
Silonite (Entech Instruments Inc.). The data show significant differences in
surface inertness of the two coatings.
Experimental
SilcoNert™2000 and Silonite coated
tubing sections (1.0m long x 1/8” OD x
0.85” ID) were tested for various active
compounds (see appendix A for test
compounds and test results). The test
tubing was connected to the end of
an MXT-5 analytical column (Restek
Corp.), and tested on an Agilent gas
chromatograph model 6890 (Figure 1)
See appendix B for test conditions.
Figure 1 - Experimental setup
comparing the inertness of
SilcoTek
TM
2000 and
Silonite tubing.
Lit Cat # SN-014
