Understanding Septa for GC and HPLC
When performing Gas Chromatography (GC) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), achieving reliable results depends on more than just the column and detector. A frequently overlooked but essential element is the septum, a small component that seals vials, protects samples from contamination, and supports accurate, consistent analysis. In this blog, we’ll explore what septa are, their role in GC and HPLC, and how to choose the right one for your application. What is a Septum? A septum is the polymer disk that sits inside the cap of an autosampler vial. It provides a resealable barrier that allows a syringe needle to pierce through, withdraw or inject a sample, and then reseal to maintain sample integrity. While small, septa must withstand chemical exposure, repeated injections, and system conditions such as heat or pressure. The type of septum you select can directly influence the accuracy and reproducibility of your chromatographic results. Septa for Gas Chromatography (GC) In GC, samples are vaporized and introduced into the system at high temperatures. GC septa must therefore tolerate elevated heat and frequent needle injections without degrading or bleeding (releasing volatile contaminants). Key Considerations Temperature resistance: GC inlets can reach 250–400°C, so septa must remain stable without melting or leaking. Low bleed: Septa should minimize volatile compounds that might interfere with sensitive detectors (e.g., MS). Durability: Frequent injections demand resistance to needle coring (fragmentation of septum material). Common Materials Silicone rubber: Flexible and resealable, ideal for multiple injections. PTFE-faced silicone: Combines chemical inertness with silicone elasticity; common in GC applications. Advanced formulations: Special low-bleed septa are engineered for GC–MS compatibility. Septa for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Unlike GC, HPLC operates at ambient to moderately elevated temperatures and with liquid samples. HPLC septa must focus more on chemical compatibility and leachables than extreme heat resistance. Key Considerations Chemical resistance: Must withstand solvents such as acetonitrile, methanol, and buffers without swelling or degrading. Low extractables: Septa should not release compounds that could interfere with UV, MS, or fluorescence detection. Reseal-ability: Important for autosampler use, though demands are generally lower than in GC. Common Materials PTFE/silicone: Balances chemical inertness with dependable resealability, perfect for chemically demanding or multi-injection applications like autosampler runs, high-throughput testing, or long-term storage after piercing. PTFE-lined septa: Offer strong resistance to aggressive solvents. Polyethylene or butyl rubber blends: Typically utilized in applications where cost is a primary concern, and where samples are aqueous or exhibit low chemical reactivity, such as non-critical or single-injection procedures. How to Choose the Right Septum for GC or HPLC When selecting a septum for GC or HPLC, consider the following factors: Instrument type: GC vs. HPLC requires different resistance profiles. Sample chemistry: Ensure compatibility with solvents, buffers, and analytes. Temperature range: Match the septum’s heat tolerance to your injection port or sample storage conditions. Detection method: Low-bleed septa are essential for mass spectrometry. Injection frequency: Choose durable septa for high-throughput work. Best Practices for Septa Use Always use clean, fresh septa to prevent contamination. Avoid over-tightening vial caps, which can damage the seal. Store vials properly to reduce septa degradation. Replace septa regularly in GC inlets to maintain accuracy and reduce ghost peaks. Check that your syringe needle tip style is compatible with the septum. Follow the Instrument’s Manufacturer recommendations. Handle septa with clean, powder-free gloves to reduce the risk of introducing contaminants like skin oils, hand creams, etc. Keep unused septa in their original, clean packaging, and store them away from potential sources of contamination like chemicals or dust. Final Thoughts Septa may be small, but they are vital in ensuring reproducible, contamination-free results in both GC and HPLC workflows. Choosing the correct septum material and design for your application can reduce background noise, extend system life, and improve data quality. Whether you’re running high-temperature GC analyses or solvent-intensive HPLC separations, investing in the right septa is a simple but powerful step toward better chromatography. For more information, contact us.
Why Septa Quality Matters in Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Learn why septa quality matters and how to get the high-quality septa you need. In analytical laboratories, every part of the mass spectrometry (MS) workflow plays a role in ensuring reliable results. Advanced instruments like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems often take center stage, but small consumables such as silicone septa are critical to data quality. Frequently overlooked, septa serve as a key interface in sample introduction. Poor-quality or incompatible septa can cause contamination, inconsistent results, instrument downtime, and added expenses from repeated injections or reanalysis. Keep reading to learn more about septa quality, and contact SSP for standard and custom products. How Septa Fit into Mass Spectrometry Workflows Septa are typically used as part of a closure for sample vials or inlet systems, providing a seal that prevents sample loss while allowing needle penetration during injection. In GC-MS and LC-MS, septa form the first point of contact between the sample and the analytical system. Because they interact directly with samples and solvents, septa material quality, cleanliness, and chemical compatibility are essential for accurate and reproducible results. How Low Septa Quality Can Affect Mass Spectrometry Analysis There are four ways that low-quality septa can affect mass spectrometry analysis. 1. Contamination and Background Noise Low-grade septa may release volatile or semi-volatile compounds that appear as ghost peaks or background signals in MS. This contamination can mask analytes of interest, reduce sensitivity, or complicate interpretation. 2. Leachables and Chemical Interference Certain septa materials may leach additives and plasticizers into the sample. These compounds can interfere with ionization, leading to inaccurate quantification or false positives. 3. Mechanical Failures Poor-quality septa may fragment or shed particles during repeated needle punctures (coring). These particles can clog injector liners, damage needles, and contaminate columns, leading to maintenance downtime and higher laboratory operating costs. 4. Reduced Reproducibility Inconsistent septa performance (e.g., variable sealing, uneven resealing) can affect injection precision and retention time stability. This variability undermines method reproducibility and can compromise regulated testing. How to Choose High-Quality Septa To ensure reliable MS performance, choose septa that are: Low-bleed: Minimal contribution to background noise, verified for GC-MS use. Chemically inert: Resistant to solvents and sample matrices. Durable: Capable of withstanding multiple injections without coring. Thermally stable: With high tolerance to injection port temperatures. How to Order Quality Septa Silicone septa are relatively inexpensive consumables; however, the effects of septa quality on mass spectrometry results is profound. Investing in high-quality, MS-compatible septa, such as SSP’s Ultra Low Bleed Septa, minimizes contamination risk, enhances sensitivity, and extends instrument lifespan. In a field where accuracy and reproducibility are paramount, this small yet crucial consumable can have a significant impact. For septa quality you can depend on, contact SSP.
SSP Welcomes Juan Carlos Reina
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) is pleased to introduce Juan Carlos Reina as our new Business Development Associate for Laboratory Products. He succeeds Karen Heidenstrom, who is retiring after a distinguished career. Juan joins SSP after spending 26+ years working for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Division (CMD). He lives in Florida and will work remotely while reporting to Kevin Wickert, SSP’s Sales & Marketing Manager. Industry Experience Juan’s experience with chromatography consumables and commodity products is a great fit for SSP’s Laboratory Division, which produces septa, caps and cap mats under the SeptaSource name. At Thermo Fisher Scientific’s CMD Division, Juan was responsible for managing distribution partners in the Latin American region. Previously, he supported North American, European, and Asian partners in areas such sample handling and environmental and critical products. As a seasoned sales professional, Juan understands how to build strong, long-lasting relationships with partners, end users, and co-workers in various departments. Along with extensive business-to-business experience, he has a proven track record of delivering results. His skills include pricing and contract negotiations, market research, the development of key performance indicators (KPIs), annual operating plan (AOP) goal setting, project management, and strategic data analysis. Education and Interests Juan is bilingual in English and Spanish and proficient in Portuguese. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia, and has worked as a Continuing Education Program Instructor for Spanish-speaking students at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina. There, he also designed and taught Spanish language programs for English-speaking adults. When he’s not working, Juan enjoys volleyball, cooking, traveling, and photography. He also volunteers as a coach in a youth soccer league. Please join us in welcoming Juan Carlos Reina to the SSP Team and look for future communications from him regarding SeptaSource laboratory products.
Meet SSP at Pittcon 2025
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) is excited to announce our participation in Pittcon 2025. This year’s Pittcon Conference and Exposition is scheduled for March 1-5, 2025, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts (USA). SSP will be represented by Adam Stiles, President and Chief Operating Officer; Kevin Wickert, Sales and Marketing Manager; and Karen Heidenstrom, Senior Account Manager. SSP’s primary goal in attending Pittcon 2025 is to engage existing and prospective customers. We also look forward to discussing emerging industry trends and exploring new product opportunities. If you plan to attend Pittcon, we invite you to meet us there. To schedule a meeting, please contact Kevin Wickert at kwickert@sspinc.com. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the advancement of laboratory science. What to Expect at Pittcon 2025 Pittcon was established in 1950 and is a dynamic international conference and exposition with a rich histroy. This annual event is a premier venue for presenting advances in analytical research and scientific instrumentation. It’s also a robust platform for scientific collaboration and continuing education. This year’s event features six tracks, 45 short courses, 375 speakers, 1200 presentations, and 500 exhibitors. Over the years, Pittcon has attracted a wide range of companies specializing in laboratory equipment, scientific instrumentation, and analytical services. From industry leaders to emerging innovators, Pittcon attendees gather to explore advances in laboratory science. They also discover cutting-edge technologies, network with other industry professionals, and gain exclusive access to educational sessions. SSP and SeptaSource at Pittcon 2025 For over 35 years, SSP has been a trusted name in the chromatography industry. Today, our SeptaSource products are world-renowned for using ultra-pure silicone septa and caps to ensure analytical purity. SSP’s silicone septa protect the purity of samples used in liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC), providing the reliability and performance that our customers depend on. SeptaSource products belong to these categories. Autosampler septa are designed for today’s laboratory equipment. GC septa are available in both disc-shaped and Shimadzu plugs. Ultra-low bleed septa are ideal for sensitive analytical techniques. EasyPierce™ septa supports multiple piercings with a needle or syringe. EPA/VOA septa promote the accuracy of volatile organic analysis (VOA). Custom septa are designed and made for application-specific requirements. Bonded Caps are made of polypropylene (PP) plastic and bonded to silicone septa. Magnetic Caps include screw caps and crimp caps for use with autosamplers. PFAS-free products use a PP film instead of a PTFE film in a 9-mm PP screw cap. Cap mats are for round or square plugs and fit precisely over the wells of microplates. Will you be at Pittcon 2025? SSP invites you to connect with us and to schedule a meeting by contacting Kevin Wickert at kwickert@sspinc.com.
SSP’s Ultra-Pure GC Septa: Made in USA with Analytical Purity
Discover SSP’s ultra-pure GC septa and the difference that analytical purity maks. Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) has been a trusted name in the chromatography consumables industry for over 35 years. We take pride in manufacturing all our products right here in the USA at our Ballston Spa, New York facility. With a commitment to quality and innovation, SSP provides gas chromatography (GC) septa with the highest level of analytical purity in the industry. Why Choose SSP’s Ultra-Pure GC Septa? Here are four reasons to choose GC septa from Specialty Silicone Products. Analytical Purity Our GC septa are formulated with ultra-pure silicone elastomers, ensuring precision and reliability. They are conditioned for: Ultra Low Bleed: Minimize baseline disruptions and prevent ghost peaks in chromatograms with our high purity septa. High Temperature Resistance: Withstand up to 240°C without degradation. Durability: Designed for multiple injections, resisting wear and coring over time. Syringe Injections In gas chromatography systems, samples are injected through a rubber septum into a heated vaporization chamber. SSP’s high-quality septa ensure: Leak-free sample introduction, including EasyPierce™ septa. Exceptional performance under high-temperature conditions. Custom Septa SSP also offers custom septa to meet your specific requirements, giving you the flexibility to tailor products for unique applications. Made in the USA and ISO Certified Every silicone septum is manufactured in the USA under our ISO 9001:2015-certified Quality Management System (QMS). This guarantees that SSP’s products meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. Learn More about Ultra-Pure GC Septa from SSP As a pioneer in chromatography consumables for over three decades, SSP stands behind every product we sell. We are committed to providing solutions you can rely on to support your laboratory’s success. From GC septa and Shimadzu plugs to customized solutions, SSP has the products you need for gas chromatography applications. Visit our website to learn more and choose SSP for unmatched quality, precision, and reliability in chromatography consumables. Video: SSP makes high analytical purity septa in bulk.
SSP: Your Partner for World-Class Autosampler Septa and Caps
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) is proud to be a world-class manufacturer of autosampler caps and septa, serving the diverse and demanding needs of laboratories worldwide. From high-purity materials to state-of-the-art production capabilities, SSP delivers superior products that meet the rigorous requirements of today’s lab environments. Engineered for Compatibility and Performance SSP supplies autosampler septa and caps that are compatible with a wide variety of laboratory equipment, including both liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) instruments. We use high-purity silicone rubber and premium-quality PTFE films to ensure exceptional performance. These materials are designed to handle the demanding conditions of laboratory applications, such as high temperatures, high pressures, and prolonged exposure to challenging environments. Our septa are: Tailored for Performance: Offering cleanliness, ease of piercing, and optimal compatibility with autosamplers. Versatile: Available for headspace vials and magnetic caps, as well as open-top or closed-top screw caps. Reliable: With superior re-sealing properties to maintain sample integrity. Unmatched Manufacturing Capabilities At SSP, our Ballston Spa, New York manufacturing facility is equipped with cutting-edge cutting and insertion equipment, ensuring precision and quality in every septa we produce. Unlike many competitors, we maintain large inventories of process materials, enabling us to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently. Our in-house machine shop allows us to design, build, and maintain all our molds and dies, reducing the time and cost required for new tooling. Whether you need standard products or custom solutions, SSP’s vertical integration means faster turnaround times and reduced costs for your laboratory needs. The Science Behind Superior Septa Autosampler closures play a critical role in automated sampling, where robotic devices pick, place, and pierce vials with a high degree of precision. SSP’s autosampler septa are designed to withstand these demanding conditions, offering exceptional durability, analytical purity, and ease of use. Key features include: Platinum-Cured Silicones: Our ultra-low bleed platinum-catalyzed silicones won’t release byproducts into samples, ensuring sample purity. Easy Pierce™ Technology: Balancing ease of needle penetration with re-sealability and resistance to evaporation. Unlike some septa that compromise on penetration, our Easy Pierce™ technology protects needles and prevents disruptions to autosampler motors. Application-Specific Designs: SSP septa are tailored to withstand high-pressure liquid chromatography and the extreme temperatures of gas chromatography ovens. Made in the USA for Quality You Can Trust Every SSP septa and cap is proudly made in the USA at our Ballston Spa facility, where quality control and customer satisfaction are our top priorities. Our autosampler septa come in a range of options, including: Specific PTFE films in various colors and thicknesses. Bags of 100 or 1000. Pre-assembled options for headspace vials or screw, snap, crimp, or magnetic caps. Why SSP? When you choose SSP, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in a trusted partner. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service sets us apart as a global leader in septa and cap manufacturing. Whether you need standard products or customized solutions, SSP has the expertise and resources to meet your laboratory’s unique requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our autosampler septa and caps or to place your order. Experience the SSP difference and see why we’re the preferred choice for laboratories worldwide.
Why Silicone Septa Are the Superior Choice for Chromatography Applications
When it comes to chromatography, the materials you choose for your septa can have a profound impact on the quality and reliability of your results. Among the options available, PTFE/silicone septa consistently outperform alternatives like red rubber and butyl in purity, cost-effectiveness, and resealability. At Specialty Silicone Products (SSP), we pride ourselves on providing high-quality silicone septa that meet the demanding requirements of chromatography professionals. Keep reading to learn more and contact us to discuss your application. Purity Matters Purity is critical in both HPLC and GC applications. PTFE/silicone septa are engineered to minimize extractables, which can interfere with analytical results. Compared to red rubber and butyl, our septa offer significantly lower background and blank values. This ensures that your data is as clean and accurate as possible, even in highly sensitive tests. To further enhance purity, a thin layer of PTFE is laminated to the side of the septum facing the sample. This barrier limits the exposure of the silicone elastomer to solvents, reducing the risk of contamination while maintaining the chemical integrity of your samples. Versatility and Performance PTFE/silicone septa are incredibly versatile, thanks to their customizable formulations. SSP offers options tailored for specific applications, including variations in hardness (durometer) to accommodate different needle types. This adaptability ensures consistent performance across a wide range of chromatographic applications. With excellent chemical compatibility, low penetration force, and highly effective sealing and resealing properties, these septa are ideal for demanding environments. Whether you’re working with high-throughput or specialized chromatography, these septa provide the reliability and durability you need. Resealability and Cost-Effectiveness In applications requiring multiple punctures, resealability is a key consideration. Silicone’s natural elasticity makes it the perfect material for maintaining a tight seal even after repeated needle insertions. Unlike red rubber and butyl, which degrade more quickly, silicone septa provide long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements. When factoring in the extended usability and minimized risk of contamination, PTFE/silicone septa offer excellent value for their cost. This combination of affordability and performance makes them a superior choice for labs seeking both quality and efficiency. Why Choose SSP’s Silicone Septa? At SSP, our septa are designed with the chromatography professional in mind. We understand the importance of precision, reliability, and cost in your applications. That’s why our silicone septa are rigorously tested to ensure consistent performance and meet the highest industry standards. Choose SSP for your chromatography needs and experience the difference that high-purity, versatile, and cost-effective silicone septa can make in your lab. Contact us today to learn more or request a sample!
Bonded Caps for Clean, Pure Septa
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) makes bonded caps for clean, pure septa that won’t contaminate your laboratory samples. To ensure analytical purity, SSP uses a proprietary bonding technology to join our platinum-cured silicone septa to polypropylene plastic caps. These screw caps come in a choice of colors and sizes and are available with a single slit for venting during injection. Platinum-Cured Silicone Septa Silicones are formed into solid materials through a process called curing. There are two commonly used curing systems: peroxide and platinum. Peroxide curing is less expensive, but it releases byproducts called volatile organic acids (VOAs) that can leach or bleed into laboratory samples. Platinum curing is more expensive, but it does not release byproducts. SSP makes platinum-cured silicones and fabricates them into septa at our ISO 9001:2015, Made in USA manufacturing facility. Our products include high-purity ultra-low-bleed (ULB) septa for highly sensitive analytical testing. High-purity ULB septa are free from siloxanes, organic compounds that can affect test results from mass spectrometry or chromatography. Polypropylene Plastic Caps The polypropylene plastic that SSP uses in its bonded caps is a tough, lightweight material with excellent temperature and chemical resistance. These plastic screw-on caps also feature outer-diameter ribbing so that they’re easier to hold in the hand. Bonded caps come in standard colors that include white, blue, red, and black. They’re available in the following sizes. 9 mm screw 13-425 screw 24-400 screw 24-414 screw SSP supplies caps in bags of 100 or 1000. PTFE Liners and PFAS-Free Septa Caps Most of the bonded caps that SSP provides use a PTFE liner for added strength and toughness. Although our current silicone/PTFE septa are technically PFAS-free, PTFE is being lumped in with PFAS, a category of widely used “forever chemicals” that are the subject of state and federal regulations. Therefore, SSP is preparing for a range of regulatory scenarios. Thanks to the efforts of our in-house research and development team, SSP now offers a PFAS-free septa cap that uses a polypropylene film instead of a PTFE film. Our current offering is a 9 mm screw cap, but additional products are being developed and will be available soon. If you’d like to receive samples of bonded caps, contact us.
Elevate Your Laboratory Testing with SSP’s High-Quality EPA/VOA Septa
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) is a trusted partner to laboratories around the world. We make high-quality septa and caps that are designed specifically for chromatography, including ultra-pure septa that meet water and soil testing requirements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These ultra-clean septa also support the accuracy of volatile organic analysis (VOA). Avoid Ghost Peaks SSP’s EPA/VOA septa are made from platinum-cured silicones and offer exceptionally-low siloxane bleed, helping you avoid the ghost peaks that can disrupt your gas or liquid chromatography analyses. We understand the critical importance of purity in your testing processes, which is why we are committed to providing products that ensure accurate and reliable results every time. Prevent Contamination In volatile organic analysis (VOA), avoiding contamination is paramount. Our EPA/VOA septa are engineered to prevent the introduction of contaminants such as siloxanes, fluorinated compounds, acetones, and solvents—ensuring the integrity of your samples during soil and water testing. By choosing SSP, you’re selecting a partner that provides the cleanest, most reliable products available. Choose the Option You Need SSP offers three main types of standard EPA/VOA products to suit your specific requirements: Stand-Alone Septa: Designed for those who require flexibility, our stand-alone septa are not fitted or bonded to caps, offering you versatility in use. Septa Fitted to Caps: Pre-assembled but not bonded, these septa are ready for immediate use and provide convenience without compromising quality. Bonded Caps and Septa: Using our proprietary process, we bond the cap to the septa, ensuring a clean, secure fit without affecting the septa’s low-bleed properties. Choose Specialty Silicone Products At SSP, we work tirelessly to create products that meet your needs and set the standard for quality and performance in the industry. Whether you’re conducting critical analyses or routine tests, our products are designed to support your work with the highest levels of purity and reliability. Thank you for your continued trust in SSP. We look forward to supporting your laboratory with septa and caps that help you achieve the most accurate and reliable results. For more information, contact us.
SSP’s Cap Mats: Precision and Protection for Chromatography Applications
When it comes to chromatography and other laboratory testing, the integrity of your samples is paramount. Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) understands this need and offers 96 well cap mats that provide superior protection and performance. These cap mats are engineered to fit precisely over the wells of microplates, ensuring each sample is securely sealed and protected. Cap Mats: Materials and Custom Options SSP’s cap mats are crafted from a proprietary platinum-catalyzed, premium-grade, FDA compliant silicone elastomer. This material is known for its durability and resistance to contamination. For applications requiring analytically pure conditions, our Ultra Low Bleed mats are specifically formulated to minimize siloxane peaks, ensuring that your results are free from interference. Cap Mats with Precision Fit and Versatility Our cap mats are available with either round or square plugs to suit different microplate designs. The 96 round cap mats come with two plug diameter options: 7 mm and 8 mm. The 7 mm plugs are ideal for plates holding samples over 1 ml, while the 8 mm plugs are suited for shallower plates with samples under 1 ml. This flexibility ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance for various laboratory needs. Round Cap Mats and Square Cat Mats: Easy Access and Sample Integrity To facilitate easy access to samples, SSP offers round cap maps and square cap mats with cross slits. These slits allow pipettes or syringes to penetrate the mat effortlessly, ensuring convenient sample retrieval without compromising the seal. This feature is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your samples by preventing evaporation and contamination. Cap Mat Customization to Meet Unique Needs At SSP, we understand that some projects require bespoke solutions. That’s why we offer custom cap mat configurations, including unique designs and colors. Our in-house, on-site machine shop allows us to design, build, and maintain custom molds efficiently, reducing lead times and costs. Whether you need a specific color to differentiate between samples or a unique design for a specialized application, SSP can accommodate your requirements. Made in the USA Cap Mats All our cap mats are manufactured at our facility in Ballston Spa, New York, ensuring stringent quality control and adherence to high manufacturing standards. We take pride in producing reliable, high-quality products that support critical analytical research and laboratory testing. Product Information for Cap Mats For detailed information about our standard cap mats, including dimensions and specifications, please refer to the product tables below. If you have unique requirements, do not hesitate to ask us about custom solutions. Ask SSP for Cap Mats With SSP’s 96 well cap mats, you can trust that your samples are protected, your results are accurate, and your research can proceed without interruption. Choose SSP for superior quality, reliability, and customized solutions in chromatography and laboratory testing. Contact us today.