KF flanges are essential components in vacuum technology, primarily utilized for high vacuum applications due to their robust design and quick-release mechanism, capable of achieving vacuum levels down to 1x10⁻⁹ mbar.
KF (Klein Flange, also known as QF for Quick Flange) connectors are a standardized and widely adopted solution for creating vacuum seals. Their design prioritizes ease of assembly, allowing for rapid connection and disconnection of vacuum components, which makes them highly valued in research, industrial, and laboratory settings for their efficiency and reliability.
Detailed KF Flange Specifications
Understanding the precise specifications of KF flanges is crucial for their correct selection and application within diverse vacuum environments. These specifications define their performance, material compatibility, and operational boundaries.
Key Performance Metrics
- Application: Primarily engineered for high vacuum applications, ensuring reliable sealing in demanding environments.
- Vacuum Range: Capable of achieving ultra-high vacuum levels, typically down to 1x10⁻⁹ mbar. This makes them suitable for sensitive instrumentation, research, and industrial processes where stringent vacuum conditions are required.
Material Composition
The choice of materials for both the flange body and its accompanying gaskets is critical for ensuring chemical compatibility, temperature resilience, and overall vacuum performance.
Flange Body Materials
KF flanges are manufactured from materials selected for their low outgassing properties, strength, and corrosion resistance:
- 304 Stainless Steel (1.4301): A commonly used grade offering good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
- 316L Stainless Steel (1.4404): Preferred for enhanced corrosion resistance, especially in applications involving aggressive chemicals or higher temperatures. Its lower carbon content also reduces susceptibility to sensitization during welding.
- Aluminium: A lightweight and cost-effective option, suitable for applications where weight is a concern or stainless steel is not strictly necessary.
Gasket Materials
The sealing integrity of a KF flange largely depends on the gasket material, which must be appropriate for the vacuum level, temperature, and chemical environment:
- Viton: A popular fluoroelastomer known for its excellent chemical resistance and wide operational temperature range, frequently used in general high vacuum applications.
- Perbunan: A type of nitrile rubber (NBR), offering good resistance to oils, greases, and non-polar solvents.
- Kalrez: A high-performance perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) renowned for its superior chemical resistance and high-temperature stability, often deployed in extremely harsh or aggressive environments.
- Aluminium: Utilized for metal-sealed KF applications, which are less common than elastomer-sealed versions but offer superior performance in very high temperatures or where ultra-low outgassing is critical.
Dimensions and Sizes
KF flanges adhere to standardized dimensions, ensuring broad compatibility across components from different manufacturers.
Flange Sizes
KF flanges are available in a standardized range, with the numerical designation typically indicating the nominal inner diameter in millimeters:
- KF10
- KF16
- KF25
- KF40
- KF50
Compatible Tube Sizes
These flanges are designed to connect with vacuum tubing ranging from 12.7 mm to 57 mm in outer diameter, depending on the specific KF flange size.
Thermal Performance
The operational temperature range is a vital specification, directly impacting the integrity of the gasket material and the overall vacuum seal.
- Temperature Range: KF flanges can operate effectively at temperatures below 200°C. For sustained operation, the recommended maximum limit is 150°C. Exceeding these limits can lead to degradation of elastomer gaskets and compromise the vacuum seal.
Summary of KF Flange Specifications
For quick reference, the key specifications are summarized in the table below:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application | High Vacuum |
| Vacuum Range | 1x10⁻⁹ mbar |
| Flange Materials | 304 (1.4301) Stainless Steel, 316L (1.4404) Stainless Steel, Aluminium |
| Gasket Materials | Viton, Perbunan, Kalrez, Aluminium |
| Flange Sizes | KF10, KF16, KF25, KF40, KF50 |
| Compatible Tube O.D. | 12.7 mm - 57 mm |
| Temperature Range | <200°C (150°C sustained) |
Practical Considerations for KF Flanges
Beyond their technical specifications, several practical aspects make KF flanges a preferred choice in vacuum systems:
- Ease of Assembly: Their quick-connect clamp mechanism facilitates rapid system setup and modification without the need for specialized tools, significantly reducing assembly time.
- Versatility: The standardization of sizes and the wide array of available materials make KF flanges highly adaptable for various vacuum system designs, from laboratory setups to complex industrial processes.
- Maintenance: The ability to quickly disassemble and reassemble components simplifies maintenance procedures, such as gasket replacement, thereby minimizing system downtime.
For more detailed guidance on selecting and implementing vacuum components, including various flange types, refer to comprehensive resources on vacuum technology and fittings.
