The Extreme Series remains similar in function, use and pressure capability to the traditional High Pressure Valved NMR Sample Tubes, but the PTFE fluoropolymer valve plug has been upgraded and improved by changes to the design of the o-ring seal.
The Extreme Series line consists of two categories: Level 1 and Level 3. Both levels incorporate a certain higher degree of valve seal integrity to guard against leakage or pressure loss due to o-ring failure caused by wear or other physical damage, and / or deterioration or damage caused by chemical exposure.
Level 1 includes an additional standard fluoroelastomer o-ring seal to augment the existing fluoroelastomer o-ring, thus providing a secondary, backup o-ring if the primary one leaks or fails because of wear or physical damage.
Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer o-rings offer the ultimate level of physical and chemical resistance with the inclusion of a secondary, backup o-ring.
Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer is made from tetrafluoroethylene, and so is virtually chemically identical to PTFE fluoropolymer, but physically Kalrez® behaves as an elastomeric material, unlike PTFE, which is a much harder and inflexible polymer.
Kalrez® furnishes the same unsurpassed chemical resistance and degree of inertness as that of PTFE, while also affording a higher service temperature limit (up to 288°C compared to 260°C for PTFE) and no propensity to cold flow (or distort under a constant mechanical force or pressure).