CF components are assembled by inserting a gasket between the two flange faces, then securing the assembly with bolts. (See Figure) Bolts should be tightened diagonally, versus sequentially around the circumference, for a secure vacuum seal. Assembly is cost effective through reuse of components and inch dimensional stubs, sockets, and tubes. The foolproof design provides leak tight joints consistently.
A variety of sealing hardware is available, such as plate nuts, dodecagon (12 point head) bolts, Viton® seals, and individually wrapped copper and silver-plated copper gaskets protected from corrosion and mechanical damage.
Plate nuts furnish the fastest, most convenient method to close flanges, reduce required clearance, assemble with one wrench, and are especially good in limited accessibility. Assembly time reduces greatly, because bolts are easier to start and tighten. The clearance needed is half that of regular nuts. They eliminate the need and cost for tapped flanges
MKS is one of very few CF manufacturers who offer silver plated bolts, including the convenient dodecagon (12 point head) style, which greatly reduce the risk of seizure or breakage.
CF flanges remain leak tight even after repeated cycling of the temperature over a wide range. The availability of both tapped and clearance bolt holes gives great flexibility.
The rotatable versions simplify alignment with the bolt holes of other system components and give infinitely rotatable joints. All fittings have at least one rotatable flange for easy alignment. Nonrotatable flanges provide better knife edge protection. The precise tolerances to which MKS fabricates its CF flanges insure an exact fit every time.
Standard size inch tubing provides easy and economical connection to the user’s equipment. Full and half nipples, adapters to a variety of other connection elements, tees, elbows, crosses, and flexible metal hoses for vibration isolation and movement give the line added versatility.