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DN16CF (1.33″ OD) 316LN SS Standard ConFlat® (CF) UHV Flanges

Overview of ConFlat Flanges

The ConFlat (CF) flange is widely regarded as the industry standard for high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications. Numerous gauges, instruments, accessories, and feedthroughs are compatible with this versatile flange system.

Blank (Blind) Flange

A blank or blind flange is a solid, disc-shaped fitting primarily used in vacuum systems to seal off unused sections of tubing or ports on vacuum chambers. These flanges can also be customized by machining to fit specific applications.

Sealing Mechanism

The CF flange achieves its leak-tight seal through a knife-edge design machined below the flat surface of the flange. As the bolts are tightened on a flange pair, the knife-edges create annular grooves on both sides of a soft metal gasket. This process extrudes the metal into surface defects and machining marks, resulting in a robust, leak-proof seal. The CF seal performs efficiently from atmospheric pressure (760 torr/103 mbar) down to less than 1 x 10⁻¹³ Torr (1.3 x 10⁻¹³ mbar), with an operating temperature range from -196°C to 450°C, depending on the materials used.

Size Nomenclature

In North America, CF flange sizes are typically referred to by their outside diameter (O.D.). However, in Europe and parts of Asia, the nomenclature commonly references the nominal internal diameter (I.D.), which reflects the largest tube size that can be welded to the bored flange.

Versions of ConFlat Flanges

ConFlat flanges come in two primary configurations:

  1. Fixed Flange: A single-piece design where the bolt-hole orientation is fixed relative to the fitting.
  2. Rotatable Flange: A two-part design comprising an inner weld ring and an outer bolt ring, allowing the bolt ring to rotate freely around the inner weld ring. This enables bolt hole alignment with mating flanges, irrespective of orientation.

Both fixed and rotatable flanges are available with either clearance holes or tapped holes.

Hole Options

  • Clearance Holes: These through-holes provide enough space for bolts to pass through both flanges and are secured using nuts or plate nuts.
  • Tapped Holes: These are imperial or metric threaded holes machined into the flange, allowing for direct bolt connections without the need for nuts or plate nuts. When choosing tapped flanges, it’s important to verify the bolt hole orientation to ensure compatibility with other components.

316LN Stainless Steel Features

316LN stainless steel offers several advantages for CF flanges, especially for vacuum applications:

  • Hardness: With a Brinell Hardness rating of 170, 316LN is harder than 304L stainless steel, making it more suitable for chamber ports that require frequent disassembly.
  • Electro-slag Remelt (ESR): This process improves grain homogeneity and eliminates gross macro-segregation, enhancing the overall material quality.
  • Low Magnetic Permeability: The magnetic permeability of 316LN (µ ≤ 1.005) is lower than that of 304L stainless steel (µ = 1.03), making it ideal for applications that are sensitive to magnetic interference.

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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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