Autosampler Platforms Covered
Waters has produced several widely used autosampler systems, including:
- Waters Alliance HPLC System
- Waters ACQUITY UPLC System
- Waters ACQUITY Arc System
- Waters ACQUITY H-Class System
- Waters ACQUITY I-Class System
Although tray formats vary slightly, most Waters LC autosamplers are designed around standard 12 × 32 mm autosampler vials with a 9 mm thread.
Recommended Vial Type for Waters Autosamplers
Standard configuration used in most laboratories
- Vial size: 12 × 32 mm autosampler vial
- Volume designation: 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL
- Thread finish: 9 mm screw thread
- Material: Type I borosilicate glass
- Closure: PTFE/silicone septa with slit
This configuration is widely used because it provides:
- Reliable needle penetration
- Consistent vial positioning in trays
- Compatibility with Waters injection needles
- Reduced risk of septa coring
At Chrom Tech, these specifications reflect the vial format most commonly used by laboratories running Waters LC and UPLC instruments. The Chrom Tech Limited Volume Tapered Vial with High Purity MS Quality slit septa is in stock and is a best-selling vial option for customers using Waters ACQUITY autosamplers.
Thread Finish Considerations
9 mm Screw Thread
This is the most commonly used vial closure for Waters autosamplers. Benefits include:
- Easy handling for high-throughput labs
- Consistent sealing pressure
- Compatibility with automated injection cycles
Crimp Top Vials
Crimp vials may be used in some applications, typically chain-of-custody workflows, but they are less common for routine LC methods due to:
- Additional preparation time
- Need for crimping tools
- Reduced convenience during batch preparation
Since chain-of-custody samples require crimping, Chrom Tech recommends a blue aluminum crimp cap option to reduce potential reflectivity issues from silver aluminum caps in Waters ACQUITY autosamplers:
- CTC-1109B
- CTC-1109B-SLIT
Insert Selection for Low-Volume Samples
When working with limited sample volumes, Chrom Tech recommends either limited volume vials with a tapered bottom or vials with fused inserts.
Recommended Limited Volume Vials
- CPH-0955-MSQ — 1.5 mL vial with tapered bottom, with PTFE/silicone slit closure
- CP-0955-03 — 300 µL fused insert in 9 mm vial, with PTFE/silicone slit closure
These help minimize:
- Sample loss
- Carryover
- Missed injections
Differences Between Alliance and ACQUITY Autosamplers
While vial dimensions are largely consistent, there are practical workflow differences between Waters platforms.
Alliance HPLC Systems
- Often used with traditional HPLC methods
- Slightly more tolerant of vial style variations
ACQUITY UPLC Systems
- Higher pressure and faster injection cycles
- Benefit from high-quality vials with consistent dimensions
- Septa quality becomes more critical
Chrom Tech Application Guidance
Chrom Tech works directly with laboratories running Waters systems and has observed several best practices that consistently improve results:
- Use high-quality glass to prevent variability in injection depth
- Match septa hardness to injection frequency
- Select inserts carefully for small-volume work; tapered vials or fused inserts help minimize issues
- Avoid inconsistent vial manufacturing tolerances
- If requiring crimping for chain-of-custody samples, use a blue aluminum seal to reduce reflectivity-related errors from traditional silver crimp seals
These details can significantly impact chromatography performance, especially in regulated or validated methods.
Quick Compatibility Summary
Waters autosamplers are typically compatible with:
- 12 × 32 mm autosampler vials
- 9 mm screw thread vials (most common)
- 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL capacity vials
- Vials with inserts for low-volume analysis
When to Verify Vial Compatibility
You should confirm vial selection when:
- Installing a new autosampler
- Switching vial suppliers
- Experiencing injection variability
- Running regulated or validated methods
- Using specialty trays or plates
Need Help Choosing the Right Vial?
Chrom Tech chromatography specialists can help match:
- Instrument model
- Sample volume and injection volume
- Method requirements
to the correct vial configuration. This helps your autosampler operate at peak performance while protecting sample integrity.