UltiMate
®
3000 Viper™ Capillary Kits for Intelligent LC (LCi) System Solutions
Quick Installation Guides
January 2010
Rev. 02
Page 3
©
2010 Dionex
1.3.2 Dual-Stack
Whenever bench space is of no concern but reduced system height is more important to users,
the system can be configured as a dual-stack. Several different combinations are conceivable,
depending on the kind and number of modules included in a system. The Viper LCi capillary kits
have been carefully developed to cover as many individual situations as possible for the use of
all UltiMate 3000 modules in single-stack or dual-stack configurations. In some cases, however,
limitations may occur. The details on possible limitations will be outlined in the according
paragraphs. Figure 2 illustrates the two most common dual-stack configurations
.
Figure 2:
Dual-stack with U-shaped flow profile
Figure 3:
Dual-stack with Z-shaped flow profile
1.4 Viper Connections
When working with small column volumes, capillaries and connections require special attention.
But even with conventional columns and moderate pressures, mediocre connections can cause
retention time shifts and peak distortions. Conventional stainless steel HPLC connectors use a
ferrule and a nut to establish connections. A flaw of the conventional design is that a void
volume-free connection is not guaranteed, particularly when changing the tubing between
differently shaped threads (e.g. when changing a column). Viper connectors provide zero dead
volume by sealing at the tubing tip, hence ensuring optimized connections.
Viper is a revolutionary finger tight fitting system, which provides ease of use and dead-volume-
free plumbing of conventional HPLC and modern UHPLC systems. Together with 1/32” flexible
stainless steel (SST) capillaries, it opens a new dimension in modern liquid
chromatography (LC). Viper improves chromatographic results, independent from column
brands and system back pressures, and allows for connecting LC modules, valves, and columns
quickly, easily, and reproducibly without any additional tools.
Even though Viper withstands UHPLC backpressures of up to 1,200 bar (17,400 psi), it is a
finger tight fitting system, which requires only small torques to seal. Therefore, it is essential to
obey the following guidelines to avoid damages by over-tightening.
Summary of Contents for UltiMate 3000 LCi
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