20MM Crimp Top Headspace Vials in 6ml,10ml,20ml
Headspace Gas Chromatography (HS-GC) requires vials that can withstand high pressure and temperature. Choosing the correct vial size is essential not only for sample volume but also for ensuring the correct “headspace” (gas phase) ratio for volatile analyte extraction. Our series features the standard 20mm bevelled crimp top finish, compatible with magnetic caps and standard aluminum seals.
Standard Headspace Vial Dimensions Table
When configuring your autosampler (such as PerkinElmer, Tekmar, or Agilent), inputting the correct vial dimensions is critical to prevent mechanical errors.
| Nominal Volume | Actual Capacity | Diameter (OD) | Height | Cap Size |
| 6mL Vial | ~8-9 mL | 22 mm | 38 mm | 20mm Crimp |
| 10mL Vial | ~12 mL | 22.5 mm | 46 mm | 20mm Crimp |
| 20mL Vial | ~22 mL | 22.5 mm | 75.5 mm | 20mm Crimp |
Choosing Between 10mL and 20mL Vials
The 10mL and 20mL vials are the most common sizes in headspace analysis.
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10mL Vials: Ideal for liquid samples where you need a higher concentration of volatiles in the gas phase. A smaller total volume can lead to higher sensitivity for certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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20mL Vials: Provides a larger buffer zone for the gas phase. This is often preferred when the sample volume is larger (e.g., 5mL – 10mL of liquid) to maintain a safe pressure ratio during heating.
Flat Bottom vs. Rounded Bottom
Our headspace vials are available with either a flat or rounded bottom. Rounded bottoms (DIN style) are generally preferred for robotic arm transport (magnetic pick-up) as they self-center more easily in the heating block, providing better thermal contact and reproducible heating profiles.

What is the neck finish on these headspace vials? These vials feature a 20mm beveled neck finish. This specialized design ensures a tighter seal when crimped with aluminum or bi-metal magnetic caps, which is crucial for maintaining pressure during heating.
Are these vials suitable for SPME? Yes, our 10mL and 20mL headspace vials are fully compatible with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) applications, provided you use the correct thin-septum caps to prevent needle damage.