Help and FAQ

To properly disassemble and reassemble your XL ball valve (C, D, E, and F Series) for maintenance, follow these steps:

Maintenance Kit Includes:

• 2 x Body O-Rings 
• 2 x PTFE Seats 
• 1 x Stem O-Ring 
• 1 x Lower PEEK Bearing 
• 1 x Nylon Jam Nut 

Disassembly:

1. Begin maintenance by removing the handle and the handle stop.
2. Remove the body bolts.
3. Lift off the top end cap, removing and discarding the top body seat and o-ring.
4. Remove the ball from the body and set it aside in a clean area. Discard the other PTFE seat and body o-ring.
5. Unscrew the nylon jam nut and remove the upper PEEK bearing.
6. Remove the stem o-ring. Push the stem down and back up to expose the o-ring for easier removal.
7. Remove the stem by pushing down and remove the lower PEEK bearing.

Reassembly:

1. Place the new lower PEEK bearing onto the stem and insert it through the body.
2. Place a new, lubricated stem o-ring onto the stem, followed by the upper PEEK bearing. Ensure the flat side of the PEEK bearing is facing up and is pushed down completely into the body.
3. Tighten a new nylon jam nut down to the PEEK bearing, using a crescent wrench to hold the stem. Leave it loose enough to finish tightening with a torque wrench.
4. Use a torque wrench to finish tightening the stem.
5. Position an end cap with the flange facing down onto a clean area, and place a lightly greased body o-ring and PTFE seat on top of the end cap.
6. Place the valve body on top of the end cap, positioned so that the vacuum arrow is pointing up. Then, insert the ball with the evacuation hole facing up.
7. Place the other lightly greased PTFE seat and body o-ring onto the valve body, followed by the other end cap.
8. Secure the body bolts to the valve by hand.
9. Tighten the secured body bolts evenly in a diagonal pattern until no gap is present, ensuring even compression of the sealed materials.
10. Secure the stem stop and handle. Use a wrench to finish tightening the bolt.
11. After reassembling, cycle the valve 3-5 times to ensure the PTFE seats form correctly around the ball.
12. Perform a leak check on the valve. If it passes, your valve is ready to be utilized.

To properly install ConFlat vacuum flanges for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, follow these steps:

1. Check the cleanliness of flanges and sealing surfaces
2. Apply anti-seize lubricant,
3. Place a copper or FKM sealing gasket against the non-rotatable flange,
4. Align bolt holes and insert bolts with washers
5. Tighten bolts using a wrench in small increments with an alternating pattern.

Read more: https://ancorp.com/blog/conflat-vacuum-flanges-installation-guide/

To properly install Wire Seal vacuum flanges for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, follow these steps:

1. Check the cleanliness of flanges and sealing surfaces
2. Apply anti-seize lubricant,
3. Place the gasket against the male flange sealing surface.
4. Add the female flange to the assembly, align bolt holes and insert bolts with washers.
5. With proper torque, tighten bolts using a wrench in small increments with an alternating pattern.

Torque table and in-depth instructions found at https://ancorp.com/blog/wire-seal-flanges-installation-guide/

To maintain a ISO-QF (KF) clamp, follow these instructions:

-Maintenance Kit Components: 

-clamp knob

-clamp stud

-clamp rivet

-lock washer

-small clamp bushing

-large clamp bushing

-Required Tools:

-Hammer

-3/32” Punch

-Drill With a ⅛” Drill Bit 

-Installation Tool For a ⅛” Rivet 

Disassembly:

1- To begin, carefully remove the clamp from your system by twisting the clamp knob until the clamp is loosened. 

2- Use a drill (⅛” drill bit) to remove the rolled edges of the rivet. Stop drilling when the small ring of rivet material breaks free from the rest of the rivet. 

3- Position the clamp so that the clamp overhangs the supporting surface enough for the old rivet to have enough clearance to be driven out of the clamp. Use the 3/32” punch and the hammer to drive the rivet out of the clamp. 

4- Discard the old rivet and stud assembly. 

Reassembly:

1- Begin the replacement by sliding the new stud assembly into the clamp.

2- Insert the new rivet. Once the rivet is inserted, place the clamp on a sturdy surface (will serve as an anvil). Once placed, position the rivet installation tool (for ⅛” rivet) on the rivet. Forcefully strike the top of the installation tool with a hammer until the end of the rivet is rolled over.

3- Carefully secure the clamp back onto your system. Use a torque wrench to tighten the clamp knob to 6ft-lb. Make sure not to over torque your clamp, as this can elongate the stud threads or break the stud rivet. 

Electropolishing offers various advantages for vacuum components, such as enhanced cleanliness, prolonged component life, and improved aesthetic quality. However, it cannot achieve exceptionally smooth surface finishes on its own or drastically improve pump-down time.

To decide whether to electropolish your vacuum component, consider factors like the need for sterilization, the operating environment, aesthetics, and concerns about water vapor affecting the vacuum level. If these factors are critical, electropolishing may be worthwhile, but if not, a glass-bead-blasted or machine-polished finish could save time and money.

ANCORP offers 5 types of standard material options for ConFlat (CF) flanges. Watch this video to help identify the material that may be most beneficial for your vacuum system.

Valves that have sat idle for long periods of time or have been subjected to significant deposition can become stuck due to creep of the PTFE seat and/or the accumulation of particulate matter. We call this a “cold flow”. A few solutions to fix this issue include:

• Increasing the air pressure to the actuator (Do not exceed the maximum pressure given on the product drawing).

• Use a wrench on the actuator stem to assist the actuator.

• Loosen the body bolts or screws to reduce the pressure on the seats. Leaks will likely occur when doing this.

Conical reducers enhance conductance in vacuum systems by providing a gradual diameter change that reduces gas flow resistance, thereby maintaining higher pumping speeds and more efficient evacuation.

If you want to increase conductance, increasing diameter is the best place to start!

Click here to learn more about the benefits of using a conical reducer nipple.

Yes, we have the custom capabilities available to configure a ball valve with Conflat flange ends.

Contact us at 1-800-352-6431 to receive a quote.

Due to silver’s excellent lubrication properties and corrosion resistance, the silver coating acts as an effective anti-seize agent. This is great for simplifying assembly and maintenance processes while ensuring reliability.

Spherical chambers excel in uniform pressure distribution, featuring an optimal volume-to-surface area ratio. This minimizes gas accumulation and facilitates easier cleaning. Additionally, spherical geometry distributes stress evenly, reducing concentrations that could lead to material failure. This makes spherical chambers particularly suitable for extreme vacuum and high-pressure applications.

Discover how the chamber configuration you choose can maximize benefits for your specific application. Visit our vacuum chamber capabilities page to learn more.

Here are our maintenance instructions for cleaning your Viewport’s window, organized by material type:

• Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) Window Cleaning Notes: https://ancorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/zinc-znse-window-cleaning.pdf

• Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Window Cleaning Notes: https://ancorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/calcium-caf2-window-cleaning.pdf

• Sapphire Window Cleaning Notes: https://ancorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sapphire-window-cleaning.pdf

• Fused Silica Window Cleaning Notes: https://ancorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/fused-silica-window-cleaning.pdf

• Coated Fused Silica Window Cleaning Notes: https://ancorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/coated-fused-silica-window-cleaning.pdf

Air-to-Air actuators use compressed air to cycle the actuator clockwise and counterclockwise, rotating the ball to open or close the flow passage. They are sometimes called “double-acting actuators”. The ports on the Air-to-Air actuators are used as both inlets and exhausts.

Air-to-Spring actuators use compressed air to both cycle the actuator counterclockwise and to compress springs within the actuator. The springs then cycle the actuator clockwise once the air pressure is removed. For this reason, Air-to-Spring actuators are sometimes called “fail-safe actuators”, since the springs will cycle the valve to a safe position in the event of a failure of the compressed air supply. They have one compressed air inlet and one exhaust outlet.

Our Conflat flanges are meticulously engineered to ensure exceptional leak-tight performance over an extensive temperature range, spanning from -200°C to 450°C. This design capability is crucial for applications demanding high vacuum integrity under extreme thermal conditions, making them ideal for both cryogenic environments and high-temperature processes.

Viewport shutters act as a protective cover for observation windows (viewports) in vacuum systems, preventing contaminants from degrading the transparency and integrity of the viewport, which would affect both visibility and performance. In applications where light sensitivity is a factor, such as in photolithography or other semiconductor processes, a shutter can regulate light exposure precisely, preventing unwanted photoreactions or degradation of light-sensitive materials.

The gas recovery port plays an integral part of managing the aftermath of a burst disk activation by helping to mitigate any potential leakage from the sudden release of pressurized contents. This controlled pathway is crucial for both safety and environmental compliance.

ANCORP’s Extended-Life ball valves integrate patented technology that significantly extends the stem seal life by ten times, which is particularly beneficial in corrosive applications often encountered in fabrication processes like MOCVD and PVD.

A major challenge in semiconductor fabrication is the accumulation of byproducts such as metal particles in vacuum lines of subfab systems. To combat this, our ball valves are designed with a unique self-cleaning feature. As the valve balls are actuated, sealed and supported by PTFE seats, they automatically clear physical debris from the ball surface.

Additionally, debris buildup is mitigated by the capability of the ball valves to be heated, particularly our high conductance ball valves. These valves’ superior heat transfer properties minimize buildup by inhibiting condensation.

Click here to read more about ANCORP’s extended life ball valve design.

Adding a trap or cold trap to any vacuum system will increase pump-down time as the total volume of your system is expanding. Pump-down time also increases with the size of the trap but will ultimately be determined by system specific configurations including system geometry, component conditions, desired pressure, etc.

Please refer to our, “Vacuum Traps: The 5 Most Common Questions” blog to view other frequently asked questions about our traps.

Swagelok® fittings are renowned for their superior leak tight sealing capabilities using a unique two-ferrule design. This design features a front ferrule that forms a seal between the tube and the body, complemented by a back ferrule that offers robust vibration resistance and superior grip on the tube.

Swagelok fittings allow for tool-free, easy assembly and disassembly, unlike VCR or NPT fittings that often require specific torquing and sealants. Additionally, Swagelok fittings maintain their effectiveness through multiple reassemblies, a benefit not shared with NPT fittings due to thread wear.

The PEEK stem bearing component included in the maintenance kit is meant to replace the upper bearing. These bearings usually see more wear due to their position in the valve.  

Each material available for our viewports possesses distinct characteristics, making them advantageous for various applications.

• Fused silica has high transmission in the ultraviolet (UV) range and excellent thermal and optical properties, making it ideal for use in precision optics and laser applications.

• Sapphire has a broad transmission range from UV to mid-IR and is excellent in harsh environments and high temperatures. Sapphire is durable, scratch resistant, birefringent, and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

• Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) viewports are ideal for transmission in the near infrared (NIR) to IR range. Zinc selenide viewports are commonly used in IR applications such as thermal imaging and FLIR cameras. Zinc selenide has low absorption and high resistance to thermal shock. 

• Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) viewports offer an extended range of transmission from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region into the mid-IR. Magnesium fluoride is birefringent, very durable, and resistant to physical stress and thermal shock. 

• Calcium Fluoride provides extended transmission from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) into the infrared range. Calcium fluoride features low absorption, a high laser damage threshold, and good moisture and chemical resistance. Calcium fluoride is birefringent and has a low index of refraction.

• Weldable viewports feature replaceable elastomer-sealed fused quartz or borosilicate windows and are an excellent choice for attaching an observation window to high vacuum (1×10^-8) coating systems.

While it ultimately depends on the customer’s specific requests, at ANCORP, our preferred method is autogenous TIG welding. This is due to TIG fusion welding being one of the most precise forms of arc welding, as it offers superior control over heat input and weld quality. Other forms of welding often generate excessive heat, leading to warping which can jeopardize the chamber’s vacuum performance. Additionally, autogenous TIG welding avoids the use of filler rods, reducing irregularities in the weld pool. These inconsistencies can create nooks and crannies that trap contaminants, potentially compromising vacuum integrity.

By utilizing autogenous TIG welding, we ensure the highest level of quality in our vacuum chambers, providing our customers with reliable, leak-free performance that meets the rigorous demands of high and ultra-high vacuum environments.

Please contact our sales team to inquire about exclusive pricing options tailored to meet your needs.

Call us at 800-352-6431 or use our “Contact Us” page.

CF133 – DN16                                     CF800 – DN160

CF212 – DN25                                     CF1000 – DN200

CF275 – DN40                                     CF1200 – DN250

CF338 – DN50                                     CF1325 – DN275

CF450 – DN63                                     CF1400 – DN295

CF462 – DN75                                     CF1425 – DN300

CF600 – DN100                                   CF1450 – DN305

CF675 – DN125                                   CF1650 – DN350

Helium atoms, being among the smallest of all elements, effectively penetrate tiny leaks that other gasses might miss, ensuring the identification of even the most minute leaks for high vacuum system integrity. Thanks to its light atomic weight and non-adsorptive characteristics, helium is easily evacuated from the test system after leak testing, speeding up testing cycles and reducing manufacturing downtime.

Galling, also known as cold welding, is a phenomenon caused by materials sliding against each other under pressure. Their surfaces weld together at micro points which can cause the parts to stick together permanently, complicating disassembly and maintenance. To combat this potential issue, we recommend using a graphite based anti-seize compound or silver-plated bolts, ensuring parts are not damaged when attempting to provide maintenance to your system. 

The selection between FKM and FFKM seals typically hinges on a balance between performance demands and cost considerations. 

FKM seals are compatible with a wide range of chemicals, including hydrocarbons, oils, and some acids. However, they are less suitable for polar solvents such as ketones and amines. Additionally, FKM offers excellent thermal resistance. 

FFKM on the other hand, is designated for extreme temperatures and aggressive chemical environments where its enhanced properties are crucial. This higher chemical resistance makes FFKM compatible with virtually all chemical media, including polar solvents, and even more extreme temperatures. 

You can find detailed, downloadable PDFs outlining the steps for spec’ing a cylindrical or spherical vacuum chamber by visiting our Manuals and Technical Data Sheets page.

Vacuum firing effectively lowers hydrogen content, enhancing base pressure and reducing the magnetic permeability of stainless steel for sensitive applications. This process is typically employed when hydrogen predominates as the residual gas in a vacuum system and the base pressure is deemed inadequate.

We are capable of providing a variety of surface finishing options such as: 

• Bead Blasting: The bead blasting process employs spherical glass media under high pressure to achieve a smoother and more polished surface finish. Notably, this method is more suitable for delicate surfaces.

• Sand Blasting: Sandblasting is utilized to eliminate thicker coatings and surface contaminants, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. This technique is generally more aggressive and is specifically prioritized for treating rougher surfaces.

• Electropolishing: Electropolishing (EP) uses acidic baths to remove fabrication contaminants like dust and lubricants, resulting in a smoother stainless surface that’s easier to sterilize regularly. This finish technique helps to enhance the chromium-to-iron ratio on the surface, which improves the formation of the protective chromium oxide layer, making the material less prone to corrosion.

• Mechanical Polishing: Mechanically polished finishes in brushed and random orbital styles. Brushed finishes provide a shiny, grained surface due to the grit level used, offering advantages such as directional texture for channeling contaminants and aesthetic consistency. Random orbital polishing uses sanders to create a swirled grain pattern, enhancing surface uniformity and smoothness by minimizing microscopic irregularities. Both finishes are essential prerequisites for electropolishing, enhancing both functionality and appearance of vacuum components.

Explore our Surface Finishes blog to gain more insight into the available finish options and their specific applications.

Annealing is a heat treatment process that involves heating materials to a temperature above their recrystallization point but below their melting temperature. This technique can refine a product’s grain, increasing its ductility, and relieving residual stress. This makes the product easier to work with in future processes. 

Bimetal products offer users the unique ability to harness the properties of two different metal alloys in their UHV or XHV processes. These products excel in distributing heat uniformly, establishing them as an optimal selection for applications where precise temperature management is crucial. Additionally, they exhibit diminished magnetic properties, or can eliminate traces of magnetism entirely—a vital attribute in environments where magnetic interference must be avoided. Furthermore, their lighter weight offers benefits in scenarios where reduced material heft can facilitate handling.

To learn more about the properties of our bimetal products and the process used to create them, please refer to our explosion welding blog: https://ancorp.com/blog/the-explosion-welding-process-and-its-uhv-xhv-applications/