Elveflow hints & tips:
How to deal with a leaking connection?
fittings & connectors types available from Elveflow
Fig. 1: Elveflow mainly provides fittings for 1/16 OD tubing and for 3/32 ID tubing
There are few things you need to verify if your connection has a leak:
1-Are you using the right fittings?
Check that any part used (fitting, ferrule, adapter, etc…) is compatible with the receiving port and consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer, if available.
2 - Is the fitting tightened enough?
Fingertighten the nut until snug, while continuing to hold the tubing against the bottom of the port, if necessary.
Some types of fittings need to be tightened using a wrench and if using a wrench to further tighten Hex Head nuts if required, we recommend tightening no more than an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn past finger tight.
Additionally, fittings can be secured with teflon tape to adjust tightness if required.
3 - Is there a fitting element damaged?
The small ferrule can become distorted when it is screwed on to adapt to the port internal geometry and make a tight sealing and tube grip. As a consequence, if the ferrule is worn out, you will have to replace it.
4 - Is the receiving port damaged?
You may verify if the internal screw thread and the bottom surface of the ports are damaged, and replace the defective elements if necessary.
5 - Is your tubing mounted correctly?
The fittings using a ferrule (e.g. for ¼-28 fittings 1/16 OD tubing) can be quite tricky at first, but easy to use once we've figured out how it works. Regarding the use of ferrules (small tapered elements), just slide the nut and ferrule, in that order, onto the tubing, being certain the narrower end of the ferrule faces towards the nut.
Then insert the assembly into the receiving port. Push the tubing into the port until it bottoms out against the ferrule. Same principle applies to fittings ¼-28 fittings for 3/32 ID tubing.
Finally, as for any finger tigh element (luer to barb included), just fingertighten the nut until snug.
6 - Did you check the chemical compatibility?
Tubing, fluidic parts, but also gaskets seals can be damaged if they are put in contact with chemicals incompatible with the materials they’re made of.