Crimp Top Vials for GC-MS, LC-MS & HPLC Autosamplers

2 mL Crimp Top Vials – 11mm Aluminum Caps & PTFE/Silicone Septa. OEM replacement for Agilent, Waters, Shimadzu, Thermo.

Why Crimp Vials Are the Industry Standard in GC-MS and LC-MS

Crimp sealing is widely recognized in analytical chemistry workflows as the most reliable method for volatile sample containment. In GC-MS and LC-MS applications where quantitative accuracy depends on sample stability, crimp vials are used as the default container system due to their permanent aluminum seal and superior vapor-tight performance compared to screw and snap closures.

This makes crimp vials the preferred choice in regulated and high-sensitivity environments such as environmental testing, pharmaceutical analysis, and forensic laboratories where reproducibility and contamination control are critical.

Industry Standard for Volatile Sample Containment

In analytical chemistry, crimp sealing is the established method for containing volatile samples. GC-MS and LC-MS best practice guidelines (including those from Agilent, Waters, and Thermo) recommend crimp vials for:

• Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis
• Headspace gas chromatography (EPA methods 5021, 8260)
• Trace-level LC-MS metabolomics and proteomics
• Long-term storage of light-sensitive or evaporative samples

The permanent aluminum seal eliminates vapor loss and maintains sample integrity across multiple injections and extended autosampler queues.

What Problems Do Crimp Vials Solve?

Crimp vials are engineered to eliminate common analytical errors that affect data quality:

• Evaporation during sequences– causes peak area drift and calibration failure
• Headspace composition instability– leads to irreproducible GC results
• Concentration shift in LC-MS overnight batches– undermines quantitation accuracy
• Leakage under pressure cycles– contaminates autosamplers and degrades sensitivity
• Loss of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)– invalidates environmental or forensic analysis

By eliminating these failure points, crimp vials directly improve method robustness and laboratory throughput.

Crimp vs Screw vs Snap Vials – Decision Guide

Selection rule:

• Crimp Vials – volatile samples, headspace, trace LC-MS, long-term storage
• Screw Vials – routine HPLC, reusable workflows
• Snap Vials – fast handling, non-volatile samples

OEM Compatibility vs Agilent, Waters, and Thermo Vials

Hawach crimp vials are manufactured as direct OEM replacements for original autosampler vials. Independent dimensional testing confirms:

• 12×32mm outer dimensions – identical to Agilent p/n 5182-0714, Waters p/n 186000307
• 11mm neck finish – meets ISO 7388-2 and autosampler grip specs
• USP Type I borosilicate glass – same as Thermo, VWR, and Fisher brands
• Aluminum cap crimp force compatibility – works with Agilent, Waters, and generic crimpers

Laboratories currently using original manufacturer vials can switch to Hawach without readjusting autosamplers or crimping tools. Batch-to-batch dimensional consistency ensures seamless integration into existing workflows.

Specifications – 2 mL Crimp Vial (12×32 mm, 11 mm neck)

• Material: USP Type I borosilicate glass (low extractables, chemical resistant)
• Volume: 2 mL (working volume up to 1.8 mL)
• Color: Clear (transparent) / Amber (light protection for photosensitive samples)
• Neck: 11 mm crimp standard
• Compatibility: Agilent, Waters, Shimadzu, Thermo Scientific, PerkinElmer, Bruker, CTC autosamplers
• Septa: PTFE/silicone, PTFE/silicone/PTFE, pre-slit/non-pre-slit, dotting options

Dimensional Control (mm) – Verified for Autosampler Fit

2ml Crimp Top Vial d1  11.6±0.3 h1  32.0±0.5 d2  10.7±0.2 d4  6.0±0.2 h4  3.6±0.2 d3  8.3±0.3

11mm Aluminum Crimp Cap System

• 11mm aluminum crimp caps + PTFE/Silicone septa (pre-assembled or separate)
• Pre-slit and non-pre-slit options (pre-slit reduces coring for large-gauge needles)
• Optional dotting (needle guidance marking for manual or robotic injection)
• Autoclavable septa versions available (121°C, 20 min)

Septa Selection Logic

Pre-slit vs Non-pre-slit: Non-pre-slit provides the best initial seal and lower contamination risk. Pre-slit reduces coring and is preferred for large-gauge needles or headspace where vacuum inside the vial is a concern.

Applications

• GC-MS volatile compound analysis (VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides)
• LC-MS metabolomics, proteomics, and trace detection
• Environmental testing (EPA methods, water, soil)
• Pharmaceutical stability studies (ICH guidelines)
• Headspace gas analysis (blood alcohol, residual solvents)
• Long-term chemical storage and archiving

Ordering Information – Vials

Ordering Information – Assembled Caps & Septa

Dotting provides a small colored mark on the septa surface as a needle guide or for pre-slit orientation identification.
Download PDF Datasheet

FAQ

Why are crimp vials the standard for volatile sample analysis?

According to GC-MS and LC-MS best practice guidelines, crimp vials provide a permanent, leak-proof seal that prevents solvent evaporation, maintains headspace composition, and ensures analytical reproducibility. This is critical for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and trace analysis.

How do Hawach crimp vials compare to Agilent or Waters vials?

Hawach crimp vials are manufactured to the same dimensional tolerances (ISO 7388-2, USP Type I) as Agilent, Waters, and Thermo original vials. They are designed as direct OEM replacements, offering identical autosampler fit and sealing performance at lower bulk cost.

Do crimp vials require a special tool?

Yes, a manual or electronic vial crimper is required to seal aluminum caps. Hawach offers compatible crimping tools (manual and automatic) that meet industry standards.

Can crimp vials be reused?

Glass vials can be cleaned and reused, but aluminum caps are single-use. Replacement caps are available separately.

Which septa is recommended for LC-MS trace analysis?

PTFE/silicone/PTFE septa are recommended for LC-MS trace analysis due to low extractables and minimal adsorption, conforming to high-purity method requirements.

What is the advantage of pre-slit septa?

Pre-slit septa reduce coring (needle punching out septa pieces) and are often used with large-gauge needles or headspace applications, while non-pre-slit provide a better initial seal.

What does ‘dotting’ mean on a septa?

Dotting is a small colored mark on the septa surface used as a needle guide or to indicate pre-slit orientation. It is optional and does not affect sealing.