Vacuum flanges connect pipes and chambers in vacuum systems. They come in fixed or rotatable types, made of steel, copper, bronze, brass, aluminum, glass, ceramic, or PVC. Quick Flange (QF) and Large Flange (LF) are standard sizes, while ConFlat (CF) is used in ultra-high vacuum systems.
A vacuum flange is a small device used in vacuum systems that uses a lot of tubing and tubing. Its main purpose is to connect and interconnect pipes to each other or connect pipes to chambers. The flange usually appears as a circle that has a greater circumference than the actual pipe it is connected to. It also has small holes on the edges that help secure the vacuum flange with the tubes and chamber openings.
Generally, a vacuum flange can be of the fixed or rotatable type. The fixed flange usually has four to five holes that fit directly into holes in a pipe or chamber opening. The swivel one, however, typically has multiple holes, so even if the plumber rotates the flange in both directions, the holes can still line up with the holes in the pipes. The holes are then filled with bolts which are screwed in tightly to join the flange and pipe. Vacuum flanges can also be welded to the hydraulic system to ensure that no pressure escapes the vacuum system through small holes.
Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in making a vacuum flange, as the alloy has long been known to be very strong. The steel variants can be stainless or carbon, making the flange more resistant to rust and high heat. Copper, bronze, brass, and aluminum are also used as crafting materials. Vacuum flanges can also be made from non-metallic materials, such as glass, ceramic or PVC. All of these materials are durable and can withstand water, heat, cold and even pressure.
Vacuum flanges come in many varieties and standard sizes. One of them is the Quick Flange (QF), also known as Klein Flange (KF). The QF is usually attached to hose clamps which are attached to the hose itself. An O-ring, a plastic-like disc, is then placed to seal any openings, before the flange is finally bolted on. The QF is available in four sizes, ranging from a diameter of 629 inches (16mm) to 1.968 inches (50mm).
For larger flanges, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued the LF or “large flange”. The LF variety comes in eight different sizes, the smallest of which is 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). The medium-sized vacuum flange is 7.87 inches (200mm) in diameter, while the LF’s largest is 19.68 inches (500mm). Just like the QF, the LF also comes with an O-ring and is also attached to hose clamps.
Another type of vacuum flange is the “ConFlat”, or CF, which looks like a gasket that joins the two pipes together. When the pipes are in place, the CF is bolted around the pipes, leaving no room for leakage. The CG vacuum flange is typically used in “ultra high” vacuum systems.
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