PEEK tubing is widely used in industries that require precise fluid handling under demanding conditions, particularly in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications. PEEK, or polyether ether ketone, is a thermoplastic known for its exceptional chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. These properties make PEEK tubing an ideal choice for transporting liquids and gases in situations where both durability and purity are essential.
One of the most common uses for PEEK tubing is in HPLC systems, where it serves as a conduit for solvents, mobile phases, and samples as they move through the chromatographic equipment. HPLC requires tubing that can withstand high pressures—often exceeding 5000 psi—while maintaining chemical inertness. PEEK tubing excels in this regard because it resists a wide range of solvents, acids, and bases without reacting or degrading, ensuring that the substances flowing through the tubing remain uncontaminated. This is a significant advantage over metal tubing, such as stainless steel, which can sometimes corrode or leach metal ions into the system, affecting the accuracy of the chromatography results.
Additionally, PEEK tubing is favoured in HPLC applications because it can endure the harsh conditions of repeated use without suffering from wear or chemical breakdown. In bioanalytical laboratories, where the integrity of samples is crucial, PEEK tubing maintains its performance under constant exposure to organic solvents and other aggressive chemicals. For example, in pharmaceutical testing, PEEK tubing ensures that sensitive drug compounds are not exposed to contaminants, thus preserving the accuracy of results. Traditional plastic tubing, such as that made from nylon or polypropylene, may break down under similar conditions, compromising the integrity of both the tubing and the test results. PEEK's resistance to temperature fluctuations further enhances its performance in HPLC, where precise control over temperature and pressure is often required for optimal separation of compounds.
The manufacturing process for PEEK tubing typically involves extrusion, where PEEK granules are melted and forced through a die to create the tubing's shape. This process allows for the production of continuous lengths of tubing with consistent inner and outer diameters, which is crucial for maintaining uniform flow rates and minimizing variations in pressure within HPLC systems. Once extruded, the tubing is cooled and cut to size, resulting in a finished product that offers the precise dimensions required for complex laboratory setups. The high-quality extrusion process ensures that the tubing has smooth inner walls, which reduces the risk of clogging and improves the efficiency of fluid transport.
Beyond HPLC, PEEK tubing finds applications in various industries where its unique properties are beneficial. In the medical field, PEEK tubing is used in catheter systems and other medical devices, where biocompatibility and chemical resistance are essential. PEEK tubing’s ability to withstand sterilisation methods, such as autoclaving, makes it a preferred choice for devices that require long-term reliability and exposure to the human body. Similarly, in the oil and gas industry, PEEK tubing is valued for its resistance to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for downhole applications where other materials might fail under pressure or corrosive environments.
Despite its higher cost compared to lower-grade plastics, PEEK tubing offers long-term value by providing superior performance and durability in demanding applications. Its ability to maintain structural integrity under high pressure, resist chemical attack, and withstand extreme temperatures makes it a preferred choice in critical environments. This reliability reduces the need for frequent replacement and minimises the risk of contamination or system failures, making PEEK tubing a cost-effective solution for industries that require precision and durability.
In conclusion, PEEK tubing is an essential material for industries that demand under challenging conditions. Its use in HPLC highlights its strengths, including chemical resistance, pressure tolerance, and purity, ensuring accurate and reliable results in critical analytical applications. The extrusion manufacturing process ensures consistent quality, while PEEK’s versatility extends its usefulness to medical, industrial, and scientific applications. For any situation requiring robust, long-lasting tubing, PEEK offers a superior solution, providing durability and reliability where other materials fall short.