Valco Fittings & Accessories

Valco Fittings

Chrom Tech provides a complete line of Valco HPLC fittings and fluidic connections engineered for leak-free, high-pressure performance. These precision-machined stainless steel components—including unions, tees, crosses, reducers, and adapters—are designed to deliver secure, consistent flow paths in liquid chromatography systems.

Valco fittings utilize a compression-style ferrule design to create tight, reproducible seals without tubing deformation or flow restriction. Whether connecting capillary tubing, adapting between thread types, or linking multiple flow paths, Valco hardware delivers reliable performance and broad chemical compatibility for demanding analytical workflows.

From internal unions and reducing connectors to NPT adapters and syringe fittings, Chrom Tech supports laboratories with durable fluidic components that help maintain system integrity and chromatographic precision.

Valco Connector Categories

Explore popular Valco connection types for chromatography and lab fluidics.

Key Definitions â–¶
Compression Fitting
A fitting style that uses a nut and ferrule to compress around tubing, forming a secure seal without adhesives or permanent deformation.
Ferrule
A small sleeve that is compressed by the nut to grip the tubing and create a leak-resistant connection in Valco-style compression fittings.
Internal Union
A zero-dead-volume connector with female threads used to join tubing segments while maintaining a continuous internal flow path.
Reducing Connector
A fitting used to connect two different tubing sizes or internal diameters while maintaining a controlled transition in the flow path.
NPT Adapter
An adapter that interfaces National Pipe Taper (NPT) threads with chromatography-style ports or tubing connections for instrument and utility plumbing.
Capillary Tubing
Small-ID tubing used in HPLC and UHPLC to minimize dispersion and control system volume, often paired with zero-dead-volume fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¶
What makes Valco fittings ideal for HPLC systems?
Valco fittings are manufactured to high precision tolerances, providing excellent sealing, corrosion resistance, and mechanical stability under high-pressure chromatographic conditions.
How do internal unions differ from reducing unions?
Internal unions connect tubing with the same internal diameter, while reducing unions join tubing of different sizes to support controlled transitions without introducing unnecessary dead volume.
Are Valco fittings compatible with other manufacturer systems?
Yes. Many Valco stainless-steel fittings and adapters follow common HPLC thread and port conventions, making them compatible with most major instrument brands and connection types.
How do I choose the correct union bore for my tubing?
Choose a union with a bore that matches the tubing ID whenever possible. If you are joining tubing with different IDs, select the bore that matches the smaller tubing ID to help minimize dispersion and turbulence.
What is “zero dead volume,” and why does it matter in HPLC?
Zero dead volume refers to a connection design that minimizes void space between components. In HPLC and UHPLC, reduced dead volume helps limit band broadening, preserving peak shape and separation efficiency.
Can I reuse Valco nuts and ferrules?
Reuse depends on application demands and whether the ferrule has deformed. For best sealing reliability—especially in high-pressure systems—inspect fittings carefully and replace worn or deformed ferrules as needed.