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Baseplates / NPT Couplings

Baseplates / NPT Couplings

Baseplates / NPT Couplings: Secure Vacuum Feedthrough Interfaces for Standard Baseplate Ports

Baseplates / NPT Couplings, offered by TFM, are engineered to enable dependable and modular tube-to-chamber connections through 1″ standard vacuum baseplate ports. Designed for wall thicknesses between 1/4″ and 1-1/4″, these components form an integral part of modern high-vacuum (HV) setups used in scientific, semiconductor, and industrial applications.

TFM’s NPT couplings are mounted directly through the baseplate, with an internal o-ring seal ensuring leak-tight performance. Tubing may be joined to the coupling via either compression o-ring sealing or female NPT threading, allowing system designers flexibility in connection style based on media type, tubing material, or pressure requirements.

In cases where ports are not needed, baseplate plugs provide a reliable way to blank off unused holes. These plugs use an included o-ring and a wing nut mechanism on the atmosphere side to securely compress and seal the port—ideal for modular or reconfigurable vacuum platforms.

Key Features of Baseplates / NPT Couplings:

  • Wall Compatibility
    Designed for use with vacuum walls from 1/4″ to 1-1/4″ thick, fitting most standard chamber wall and baseplate configurations.

  • Vacuum-Tight Mounting
    The baseplate NPT coupling installs with its o-ring facing the vacuum side, ensuring a reliable seal for pressures down to ~10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁷ torr, depending on system integrity and o-ring material.

  • Versatile Tube Connection Methods
    – Compression O-Ring Grip: Seals directly around smooth tube ends for low-leak, high-integrity use.
    – Female NPT Threads: Compatible with standard threaded pipe fittings for gas or fluid line terminations.

  • Material Options
    – Couplings: Manufactured in stainless steel or brass, ensuring chemical and mechanical resistance.
    – Plugs: Available in aluminum, brass, or stainless steel, offering flexibility across different vacuum environments.

  • Tool-Free Plug Installation
    Wing-nut compression from the external side allows easy sealing of feedthrough ports—no disassembly or welding required.

Applications:

  • Tube entry points in high-vacuum chamber systems

  • Modular diagnostics and gas handling ports

  • Feedthrough sealing in prototype vacuum chambers

  • Interchangeable port management in R&D setups

  • Maintenance bypass or purge ports with quick-plug capability

TFM also offers compression fittings, feedthrough coupling plugs, custom baseplate adapters, and elastomeric sealing kits to help build fully integrated vacuum infrastructure.

In summary, Baseplates / NPT Couplings from TFM offer flexibility, reliability, and ease of use for vacuum engineers managing modular or dynamic system requirements. Whether enabling new tube feeds or sealing off unused ports, these components are built for robust performance in demanding HV environments.

Ordering Table

Drawing Fitting VacuCADSM Part Number
Tooltip 0.13" N/A FCH-1/8NPTB
Tooltip 0.13" N/A FCH-1/8NPTSS

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FAQ

Tube fittings are designed for tubes (measured by outside diameter and wall thickness) used in high-pressure and instrumentation applications, whereas pipe fittings are for pipes (identified by nominal pipe size) primarily used in fluid transport.

 

Common valve types include ball valves, gate valves, check valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves. Each serves a specific function—from quick shutoff (ball/gate valves) to flow regulation (globe valves).

 

  • For tubing, measure the outside diameter; for pipes, refer to the nominal pipe size (using conversion charts if needed). Always match the valve or fitting size to your pipe’s dimensions and flow requirements.

  • Frequently used thread types include NPT (National Pipe Tapered), BSP (British Standard Pipe), and UNC, along with slip-fit options that rely on compression or fusion rather than threads.

Interchangeability depends on manufacturer specifications and certification. Always verify compatibility via manufacturer guides or certified interchangeability charts.

 

  • A coupling is a short, straight fitting used to join two pipes or tubes. It provides a secure, leak-tight connection and can sometimes serve to extend or repair piping runs.

Consider valve type, pressure and temperature ratings, material compatibility with your fluid, actuation method (manual or automatic), and maintenance requirements.

 

  • Valves regulate flow by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the pathway. Their mechanisms (such as the rotation of a ball or the linear movement of a gate) determine the speed and precision of flow control.

  • A flange is a flat, circular component used to connect pipes, valves, or other equipment. Bolted together with gaskets, flanges provide a secure, leak-proof joint that facilitates both assembly and maintenance.

  • Manual valves require physical operation via handles or levers, whereas actuated valves use mechanisms—pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic—to open and close automatically or remotely.

  • Issues include leaks caused by improper installation, over-tightening, degraded seals, material incompatibility, and fatigue from repeated cycling. Regular inspection and proper installation practices help mitigate these problems.

Regular maintenance involves periodic inspections, cleaning or replacing worn seals, ensuring proper torque during installation, and adhering to manufacturer guidelines and local plumbing codes to preserve system integrity.

 

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