Chromatography Forum

I was trying to change the HPLC column yesterday and realised that the ferrule is stuck inside the column. I tried screwing back the nut and unscrewing again, but it is stuck pretty tightly. I even tried to get it out with a plier but I have not been able to. Can someone please tell me how I can get it out?? Thank you .

I'm assuming you are referring to a PEEK ferrule and not a stainless steel one.

The trick I used to use a flatblade "jeweler's" type screwdriver



You need on slightly larger than the internal hole in the ferrule. I would then force the screwdriver into The PEEK matertial then unscrew the ferrule from the column. As long as you're not too aggressive, the column threads will not be damaged and you will just need a new PEEK ferrule.

Go to Ace Hardware or similar and get a small extraction tool. It has left hand fluted threads and will stick in there and you can pull that plastic ferrule right out. This also works great for broken fingertight plastic nuts.

See Restek #25325 at http://www.restek.com/restek/prod/3735.asp

http://www.restek.com/restek/images/ext ... 60-001.pdf

Hi

If its a PEEK ferrule, a wood screw can be used as a tool

If Its a SS ferrule, its more difficult, but with a drlll press, it schould be posible, too ( be careful, dont damage the end-fitting of the column)

best regards
Chris

I had this problem several times. My way is to use a small and sharp cutting pliers to take it out. You press slightly the ss tube (1/16 in) and pull. 100% successful (at least for me).

Thank you for your suggestions. actually it is not a PEEK ferrule, it a stainless steel. I tried again with the plier but it is not budging. I don't want to cut the connection and have this ss ferrule stuck to the column. I don't know how the drill press would work, has anyone tried it??

I said cutting pliers and it must be very hard (I am lucky to have one). It's so hard that it can score a little bit on the stainless steel and you can pull it out. And not just pull it straight out but lift it out as a lever (sorry, I can not describe more clearly).

wow a labmate finally got it out with a plier. Thanks for your suggestions, I think I am going to change to PEEK ferrules now.

Thanks again

i know, it is late and it is not even peek ferrule, but for them I have always used a narrow triangular rasper, takes time but it works

Chances are good that if a stainless steel ferrules got stuck that the seating cone of the column part of the fitting is damaged. In that case you may have to use PEEK ferules to get a tight fitting or replace the column plumbing, which most likely will introduce a void.

To avoid a flamewar: yes, I am working at Dionex. This post is meant to be a useful hint and not an advertisement.

However, I suggest that you check out our new Viper fittings. You'll not have any trouble with stuck ferrules or void volumes again.

Regards,
Wulff

Wulff Niedner
Product Manager LC
Dionex Corporation

Wulff, mentioning your own products on the Forum is tolerated (in fact, encouraged), with two constraints:

1. it's a legitimate response to a post (which this was).
2. you clearly identify your affiliation (which you did).