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DN25CF (2.125″ OD) 316LN SS Standard ConFlat® (CF) UHV Flanges

Overview of ConFlat (CF) Flanges

ConFlat (CF) flanges are the industry standard for high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments. This flange system is widely compatible with various instruments, gauges, feedthroughs, and accessories, making it highly versatile for a broad range of vacuum applications.

Blank (Blind) Flange

A blank or blind flange is a solid, disc-shaped component often used to seal off unused ports or sections in vacuum chambers. These flanges can be customized through machining, offering flexibility for specific system configurations.

Sealing Mechanism

The CF flange’s leak-tight seal is achieved through a unique knife-edge design, which is machined just below the surface of the flange. As bolts are tightened, the knife-edges press into a soft metal gasket, forming annular grooves on both sides. The extruded metal from the gasket fills surface defects and machining marks, ensuring an ultra-reliable, vacuum-tight seal. The CF sealing mechanism operates efficiently across a wide pressure range—from atmospheric pressure (760 torr/103 mbar) to < 1 x 10⁻¹³ Torr (< 1.3 x 10⁻¹³ mbar). It also functions within a broad temperature range, from -196°C to 450°C, depending on the material used.

Size Nomenclature

In North America, the size of CF flanges is commonly identified by their outside diameter (O.D.). However, in Europe and much of Asia, the size is typically based on the nominal internal diameter (nominal I.D.), which corresponds to the largest tube size that can be welded to a bored flange.

Versions of ConFlat Flanges

ConFlat flanges are available in two main configurations:

  1. Fixed Flange: This one-piece design has a fixed bolt-hole orientation relative to the fitting. It is widely used in applications where alignment does not need to be adjusted.
  2. Rotatable Flange: Comprising two parts—an inner weld ring and an outer bolt ring—this design allows the bolt ring to rotate freely around the inner weld ring, facilitating easy alignment of bolt holes with mating flanges.

Both fixed and rotatable flanges can be ordered with either clearance holes or tapped holes, depending on the application requirements.

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: Imperial or metric threaded holes are machined directly into the flange, enabling a bolt to be screwed directly into the flange without the need for nuts or plate nuts. When selecting tapped flanges, ensure that the bolt hole orientation matches other components in the system.

316LN Stainless Steel Features

For more demanding applications, 316LN stainless steel CF flanges offer several key advantages:

  • Superior Hardness: With a Brinell Hardness of 170, 316LN is harder than the commonly used 304L stainless steel. This makes it more suitable for chamber ports that require frequent assembly and disassembly.
  • Electro-slag Remelting (ESR): This process improves the homogeneity of the steel grain structure and removes macro-segregation, enhancing material consistency.
  • Low Magnetic Permeability: 316LN stainless steel exhibits a lower magnetic permeability (µ ≤ 1.005) compared to 304L (µ = 1.03). This makes it a better choice for applications where magnetic interference must be minimized, such as in sensitive scientific or research equipment.

These features make ConFlat flanges an essential component in high-performance vacuum systems, providing reliability and precision across various industries.

Ordering Table

Flange Size/OD Type Flange Material Drawing Part Number
DN25CF (2.13" OD) Fixed 316LN SS Tooltip F0212N000NLN
DN25CF (2.13" OD) Fixed 316LN SS Tooltip F0212N100NLN

 

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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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