FAQ

How do I select the most appropriate treatment for my application?
The following definitions explain the various treatments currently available and their recommended applications:

• SilcoNert™ 1000 (Silcosteel®)
  A general-purpose passivation layer for steel and stainless steel.
• SilcoNert™ 2000 (Siltek®/Sulfinert®)
  The ultimate passivation of treated surfaces, from glass to high nickel alloys of steel. A required treatment for metal components when analyzing for parts-per-billion levels of organo-sulfur compounds & mercury.
• Silcolloy™ 1000 (Silcosteel®-CR)
  A corrosion resistant layer that increases the lifetime of system components in acidic environments containing hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, or seawater.
• SilcoKlean™ 1000 (Silcosteel®-AC)
  Dramatically reduces carbon buildup on stainless steel components.
• SilcoGuard™ 1000 (Silcosteel®-UHV)
  Greatly reduces outgassing from components of ultra-high vacuum systems.

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Can ferrules be treated?
SilcoTek does not recommend coating ferrules as we have found this may lead to leaking problems after coating.

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How can I receive pricing for custom surface treatment?
To request a quotation for custom surface deactivation of sample pathway components, inlet liners, etc., complete the following form and submit it to us. Please forward a scaled drawing or photograph detailing the product to be treated. Upon receipt of this completed worksheet, SilcoTek’s Technical Staff will contact you with a quotation, typically within 1-2 business days. When you are ready to send items to SilcoTek for treatment, contact technical support at 814-353-1778 to request service number. When submitting parts for treatment, remember that parts must be completely dissembled, and components that cannot withstand the high (400°C) temperatures associated with the process (rubber o-rings, brass, etc.) must be removed. Note that SilcoTek cannot assume liability for warping of stainless regulators due to process heat.

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What is SilcoNert™ 2000?
SilcoNert2000™ (U.S. patent 6,444,326) is a passivation process that applies an inert, integral layer to components used for chromatographic analysis. Unlike traditional deactivations, it is not susceptible to cleavage or formation of active silanols and, therefore, greatly reduces bleed, and breakdown or adsorption of active components, compared to conventional surface coatings.

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Does anyone else offer an equivalent to SilcoNert™ 2000 deactivation?
No. SilcoNert™ 2000 deactivation was created exclusively by SilcoTek and is protected by a US patent (Pat. No. 6,444,326).

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How thick is the SilcoNert™ 2000 layer? Depending on the item, the SilcoNert™ 2000 layer can be as much as 2,500 Angstroms (250 nanometers) thick. At this thickness, the layer exhibits a reflective silver color on treated glass surfaces or a rainbow on metal surfaces. Chromatographic performance does not depend on the thickness of the layer.

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Does SilcoTek offer custom SilcoNert™ treatment?
We are always interested in your specific surface passivation needs. Surface deactivation of glass or metal with a SilcoNert™ 2000 layer is available on a custom basis, and liner deactivation has become popular with some customers. Please keep in mind that treated surfaces must be able to withstand temperatures up to 400°C, as well as vacuum and pressure environments. It is important to remove any o-rings, seals, or other materials that will not withstand the treatment environment prior to sending items to SilcoTek for coating.
Our SilcoTek Group can provide a quote. Please submit a quote or contact us at 814-353-1778.

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Can you coat my Varian ion trap with a SilcoNert™ 1000 layer?
Components of Varian ion traps are SilcoNert™ 1000 treated, through a service we provide for Varian. End-users should deal directly with Varian for ion trap replacement. Varian receives the parts, and subjects them to a prpprietary cleaning and pre-treatment process, before sending them to us for SilcoNert™ 1000 treatment.

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Are secondary deactivations available for SilcoNert™ 2000 treated materials?
There are no secondary deactivations available for SilcoNert™ 2000 products at this time.

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Can SilcoTek coat valves, regulators, and flow controllers?
Absolutely! SilcoTek can coat the internal and external metal pathways for most flow regulating and metering devices to enhance their inertness and provide corrosion resistance. In order to coat the surfaces, all valves, regulators, and flow meters should be dissembled and all seals or parts which cannot be exposed to temperatures of approximately 400°C must be removed. Disassembly should only be performed by qualified personnel with the appropriate seal kits, tools, and training OR damage or failure to the device will occur. For these reasons, SilcoTek cannot take on the responsibility of disassembly or reassembly of any valve, regulator, or flow meter. If you do not have the experience and parts necessary to dissemble these devices, we recommend that you get in touch with Swagelok, Parker, or your valve manufacturer and order the coating treatment directly from them. SilcoTek has business relationships with most manufacturers and routinely coats the internal and external surfaces of valves, regulators, and flow meters for them. The manufacturer will send the parts prior to assembling to SilcoTek for coating and will assemble the parts at their factory under the guidance of their quality systems.

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Will brazing impact the quality of the coating?
Yes, brazed joints will outgas during the coating process and will negatively impact the coating quality. SilcoTek does not recommend coating over brazed joints. Coated brazed joints appear as a matte brown finish and can have increased activity/reactivity at the brazed joint. SilcoTek recommends vacuum brazing or welding of joints for best coating quality. Vacuum brazing is a high temperature, flux-free brazing process that results in a contamination free joint. SilcoTek recommends vacuum brazing services from Solar Atmospheres Inc.

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Can SilcoTek coat fritted liners?
SPECIAL NOTE: Coating of glass fritted liners: SilcoTek would prefer that all glass liners be sent without deactivation (e.g. silanization) since the deactivation layer will prevent our intermolecular coatings from bonding to the surface. For most glass liners, our cleaning process will remove all prior deactivants. However, SilcoTek cannot put fritted liners through our cleaning process without damaging the frit.

Fritted liners are special because there is no effective way of cleaning glass frits or stripping the coating in case of failure.  As we continue to gain experience with glass frits and tailor our processes, we will get better.  Our major hurdle is being able to “test” fritted liners prior to coating to ensure they are clean.  We continue to work on this aspect of our operation.

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