# Vial Caps

## Overview

An essential component that screws on top of the glass eVOLVER vial. Connects to eVOLVER fluidics via luer lock.

## Versions

### 4 Port Universal \[Needle or Luer Lock]

<figure><img src="https://3394537773-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYy5AdmKzUTn7D8n357Md%2Fuploads%2FyMLRK72a44aBwJBmae2a%2F2025-04-01%2012.33.33.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=0919878c-d6d7-48a4-a7ba-57d0d93efdb7" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>4-port universal cap with nylon efflux straw on bottom.</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Overview

Option 1: \[Recommended] Can be easily constructed with luer locks

Option 2: \[Not Recommended] Can be used with needles like old caps, however this opens you up to preventable overflows as the old caps did

#### Advantages

1. \[[Emergency efflux](https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/guides/emergency-efflux) enabled] - prevent vial overflows via air tight seal to vial
2. Reusable connectors (no need to use needles) - connect tubing directly to luer lock on cap
3. Easy assembly with few additional parts&#x20;
4. Ports work with old needle setup if needed

#### Assembly

GitHub [link](https://github.com/FYNCH-BIO/hardware/tree/master/Smart%20Sleeve/vial_cap/4port_needle_or_luer)

[Construction guide](https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/hardware/vial-caps/universal-vial-cap-construction-guide-luer-connectors-only)

### 5 and 7 Port \[Nylon Tube Only]

<figure><img src="https://3394537773-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYy5AdmKzUTn7D8n357Md%2Fuploads%2FNYJBDh3YSQoqaqnBfqE9%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=524a1f12-2e0b-4935-a197-93501babe1a6" alt=""><figcaption><p>5-port cap assembled</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Overview

Use a honeycomb pattern for the ports to cram more ports onto the cap.

#### Advantages

1. \[[Emergency efflux](https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/guides/emergency-efflux) enabled] - prevent vial overflows via air tight seal to vial
2. Reusable connectors (no need to use needles) - connect tubing directly to luer lock on cap
3. Up to 5 or 7 ports per cap (plus sampling port) - other caps only have 4 ports
4. Allows color coding of cap tubing to aid correct setup (see image above)

#### Assembly

GitHub [link](https://github.com/FYNCH-BIO/hardware/tree/master/Smart%20Sleeve/vial_cap/5_and_7_port_nylon_tube)

[Construction guide](https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/hardware/vial-caps/5-and-7-port-nylon-tubing-caps-construction-protocol)

### \[Old] Needle-Only

GitHub [link](https://github.com/FYNCH-BIO/hardware/tree/master/Smart%20Sleeve/vial_cap/old_needle_only)

#### Overview

This is the cap that is currently given by default from FynchBio as of 25/01/15.

Requires needles, so cannot have a full seal on the vial. Therefore, should be used with caution because of overflow risk.

#### Assembly

Must be assembled with needles at correct heights before each run.