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Rheodyne Tech Tip 2:
Burst Pressure of PEEK Tubing

PEEK tubing can be used instead of stainless steel tubing in most applications. PEEK is inert to almost all organic solvents and is biocompatible. Unlike metals, plastics are viscoelastic and, therefore, the yield strengths are not well defined. Many factors affect the burst pressure of PEEK tubing. PEEK tubing will burst at a lower pressure when you:

  • Increase the inside diameter.
  • Increase the temperature.
  • Increase the time of exposure.
  • Increase the concentration of organic solvents.
  • Expose tubing to specific solvents. DMSO, THF, and methylene chloride cause the PEEK tubing to swell. Concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid weakens the tubing.
Suggested Maximum Pressure for PEEK Sample Loops.
Tube
OD
Tube
ID
Sample
Loop
Water
(1)
1:1
ACN/Water
100%
ACN
100%
THF
100%
IPA
1/16"
0.007"
5 µL
>5500
>5500
4000
2500
>5000
1/16"
0.010"
10, 20 µL
5500
5500
3500
2500
5000
1/16"
0.020"
50, 100,
200 µL
4500
4500
3000
1500
4000
1/16"
0.030"
0.5, 1.0, 2.0,
5.0, 10 mL
3500
3500
3000
1500
4000
1/8"
0.062"
2.0, 5.0 mL
4500
4500
4000
2500
3000
1/8"
0.080"
10, 20 mL
>5000
>5000
2000
1000
2500