Vials come in various types, shapes, and sizes depending on the specific application and the instrumentation being used. Common vial types include:
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Autosampler Vials: These are specifically designed to be used with autosamplers in HPLC, GC, and other automated analytical systems. They are usually available in 1.5 mL or 2 mL volumes and are often made of high-quality borosilicate glass for chemical resistance and transparency.
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Crimp-Top Vials: These vials are sealed with an aluminum crimp cap and are commonly used when strong, secure closure is required to avoid evaporation or contamination.
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Screw-Top Vials: Featuring a threaded neck, these are convenient for manual use and easy opening/closing. They are often preferred in general-purpose sample storage.
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Snap-Cap Vials: These offer quick sealing with a plastic snap cap and are often used for short-term storage or non-critical applications.
Vials are typically used in combination with caps and septa. The cap ensures a tight seal, while the septa (often made of silicone, PTFE, or rubber) allows for sample injection by a syringe or autosampler needle without opening the vial.
Materials and properties of vials can vary:
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Glass Vials are preferred for high-purity or organic solvent samples due to their inertness and clarity.
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Plastic Vials (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene) are more resistant to breakage and are ideal for aqueous or biological samples.
