ConFlat Vacuum Flanges Installation Guide

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ConFlat vacuum flanges (CF) are the ideal flange choice for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. However, if a proper, tight seal is not maintained between flanges, your system will not maintain UHV pressure. This guide will walk you through how to install ConFlat flanges onto your system so that it runs smoothly and effectively.

Before beginning, be sure to wear lint-free gloves when touching or handling any part of a vacuum component that will encounter any part of the vacuum atmosphere.

Step 1: Cleanliness Check

Check both flanges for cleanliness and that sealing surfaces have no dents or scratches. Debris or damage on flanges can ruin the integrity of the vacuum seal.

Step 2: Apply Anti-Seize Lubricant

The flanges compress the gasket as the fastening bolts are tightened. This pressure forces the knife-edges of the two flanges into the gasket, creating an annular groove. The gasket material cold flows under this pressure and fills microscopic surface imperfections on the sealing knife-edges, creating a vacuum-tight seal capable of withstanding temperature extremes from -200°C up to 450°C and pressures as low as 1X10-13 Torr.

For more information on assembling ConFlat flanges, contact an ANCORP representative today.

Step 3: Apply Anti-Seize Lubricant

Each sealing pair of ConFlat flanges contains an identical flange face, along with a knife-edge machined on the surface. Place a copper (1×10-13 Torr) or FKM (1×10-8 Torr) sealing gasket against the knife-edge of the non-rotatable flange.

Step 4: Align the Bolt Holes and Insert Bolts

Align the bolt holes so that the bolts can be fully inserted. Next, insert the bolts and add the washer to the nut inside of the assembly. Hand tighten all bolts.

Step 5: Tighten the Bolts With a Wrench

Apply a wrench to both the bolt head and the nut. Tighten by turning the nuts in small increments (1/2 turn or less) using the alternating pattern shown in the diagram, choosing a bolt across the flange from the last.

Continue the incremental tightening of the nuts until the desired torque pressures have been achieved.

In Conclusion

The flanges compress the gasket as the fastening bolts are tightened. This pressure forces the knife-edges of the two flanges into the gasket, creating an annular groove. The gasket material cold flows under this pressure and fills microscopic surface imperfections on the sealing knife-edges, creating a vacuum-tight seal capable of withstanding temperature extremes from -200°C up to 450°C and pressures as low as 1X10-13 Torr.

For more information on assembling ConFlat flanges, contact an ANCORP representative today.