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Rotatable Blank (Blind) 304L SS Standard ConFlat® (CF) UHV Flanges

Overview of ConFlat Flanges

The CF (ConFlat) flange is the industry standard for high vacuum (HV) and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications, supporting a wide array of gauges, instruments, accessories, and feedthroughs.

Blank (Blind) Flange

A blank or blind flange serves as a solid, disc-shaped fitting within vacuum systems. It can be customized through machining to either create specific fittings or to seal off unused tubing sections or ports on a vacuum chamber.

Seal Mechanism

The CF flange features a knife-edge seal, which is machined below the flat surface of the flange. When the bolts of a flange pair are tightened, the knife-edges create annular grooves on either side of a soft metal gasket. The extruded metal effectively fills in any machining marks and surface imperfections, resulting in a leak-tight seal. The CF seal operates under pressures ranging from 760 torr (103 mbar) down to less than 1 x 10^-13 Torr (approximately 1.3 x 10^-13 mbar) and can handle temperatures from -196°C to 450°C, depending on the materials used.

In North America, flange sizes are typically referenced by their outside diameter (O.D.), while in Europe and much of Asia, the nominal internal diameter (I.D.) of the largest tube that can be welded to a bored flange is more commonly used in their nomenclature.

Types of ConFlat Flanges

ConFlat flanges are available in four configurations:

  1. Fixed Flange: This one-piece design has a fixed bolt-hole orientation relative to the fitting.
  2. Rotatable Flange: Composed of two parts—a stationary inner weld ring and a rotating outer bolt ring—this design allows the bolt ring to turn around the inner weld ring.

Both fixed and rotatable flanges can be customized with either through (clearance) holes or tapped holes, offering flexibility for various application requirements.

Through (Clearance) Holes

Are through-holes that allow adequate clearance for bolts to go through both flanges and secured by nuts or plate nuts.

Tapped Holes

Are imperial or metric threaded holes machined through the flange. This allows a clearance-hole flange to be connected without the need for nuts or plate nuts. Be aware of a components bolt hole orientation when selecting tapped flanges.

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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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