Tapered ceramic GC fitting and assembly

Abstract

The present invention is a ferrule for gas chromatography fittings comprising a body having a first end, a second end, and an internal bore extending length of the body; a tip integral with the body and protruding from the first end is disclosed. The tip has a flat surface through which the internal bore extends and wherein the flat surface of the tip is of smaller area than the first end and is perpendicular to the body. In one embodiment the body of the ferrule is formed from Zirconia ceramic. A connector assembly for creating a gas seal between chromatographic tubing is also disclosed.

1 . A ferrule for gas chromatography fittings comprising: 
 a rigid body having a first end, a second end, and an internal bore extending the length of the body; and    a tip integral with the body and protruding from the first end, wherein the tip has a flat surface through which the internal bore extends and wherein the flat surface of the tip is of smaller area than the first end and is perpendicular to the body.    
   
   
       2 . The ferrule of  claim 1  wherein the body is formed from Zirconia ceramic.  
   
   
       3 . The ferrule of  claim 1  wherein the flat tip diameter is less than 0.7 mm.  
   
   
       4 . The ferrule of  claim 1  wherein the internal bore is tapered in the direction of the first end.  
   
   
       5 . The ferrule of  claim 3  wherein the internal bore is tapered in the amount of 2.5 degrees.  
   
   
       6 . The ferrule of  claim 5  wherein the internal bore is flared at the second end.  
   
   
       7 .- 20 . (canceled)