Column splitters

[MichaelVW]

One injection port, two columns, two ECDs. I've been using Y presstight splitters, which work well but I might be getting a new instrument anyway...

Does anyone have an opinion on...

Option A: Agilent 5989-9667EN capillary flow splitter.
Option B: A Y-union connector kit like Restek 21388..

[antonk]

Option A: Agilent 5989-9667EN capillary flow splitter.

Low dead volume, high-quality. Very expensive with very expensive replaceable parts (ferrules etc). TCO is very high.

Option B: A Y-union connector kit like Restek 21388..

Easy to use. Once we built a Dean's switch from 5 Y-connectors.

Just for fun: Restek Y-connectors even can be removed from column and reused. Heat the connecting end with lighter flame and pull the column out.

[70 eV]

Place I'm at now bought a new 8890 with a splitter that had the AUX EPC and I couldn't get that thing to not tail for the life of me. Scrapped it and went back to my tried and true. I jam both columns in the inlet with a recessed single taper for 504, 505, 515, and 552. Restek #22409.
I'm running 1.2 mm gold/siltek seals instead of the more common 0.8 mm ones which now that I'm thinking about it doesn't make a lot of sense. I should be able to jam two into a 0.8 mm, it's just what was in there when I started.

[James_Ball]

We use those metal Y connectors from Restek in all our dual column instruments. Ferrules are not too expensive and they work great. But since the ferrules contain Vespel, just remember to check the tightness after a few oven temperature cycles as they can shrink and begin to leak. After a few cycles and a tightness check they are usually good to go until you need to trim columns.