KF Tees for Vacuum System: Versatile Branching with Quick-Flange Convenience

Product Description

KF tees for vacuum system are three-port quick-flange fittings designed to split, combine, or redirect gas flow while maintaining high-vacuum integrity from atmospheric pressure down to 10⁻⁸ Torr. Also known as NW tees, these components feature a straight-through main line with a perpendicular branch port, smooth internal geometries, and KF (Klein Flansch / Quick Flange) connections on all three ports.

Manufactured from high-quality 304 or 316L stainless steel, KF tees are essential for vacuum manifolds, instrumentation ports, gas introduction lines, and pumping networks. Each tee incorporates the internationally standardized KF connection system, which uses a centering ring, elastomer O-ring, and wing nut clamp for rapid, tool-free assembly. Whether you are adding a pressure gauge, connecting a residual gas analyzer (RGA), or constructing a gas distribution hub, these tees deliver the conductance, flexibility, and reliability that demanding high-vacuum applications require.

Key Features & Characteristics

• Configuration: True three-port tee (straight-through with perpendicular branch)

• Connection Type: KF (NW) flanges on all three ports

• Port Sizes: All ports same size, or reducing tees with mixed diameters

• Vacuum Range: Atmospheric to 1×10⁻⁸ Torr

• Material: 304 or 316L Stainless Steel

• Internal Surface Finish: Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (electropolished or mechanically polished)

• Outgassing Rate: < 2×10⁻⁸ Torr·L/s·cm² (after vacuum cleaning)

• Leak Integrity: Helium leak tested to < 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s

• Bakeout Capability: Up to 150°C (with Viton® O-rings)

• Assembly: Tool-free clamping with KF clamps and centering rings

• Branch Orientation: 90° perpendicular to main axis (standard)

Applications

• Vacuum manifolds: Multi-port distribution networks for pumping and venting

• Instrumentation ports: Connecting pressure gauges, RGAs, and ion gauges

• Gas introduction lines: Admitting process gases into deposition chambers

• Thin-film deposition: Sputtering, evaporation, and ALD system plumbing

• Helium leak detection: Creating T-branches for test port connections

• Analytical instruments: Mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, surface analysis tools

• Semiconductor equipment: Load locks, transfer chambers, and process modules

• R&D vacuum systems: Flexible experimental setups requiring multiple access points

• Foreline systems: Branching between backing pumps and high-vacuum pumps

Why Choose Our KF Tees for Vacuum Systems?

We combine precision forming, CNC machining, and orbital welding to deliver KF tees that meet or exceed international high-vacuum standards. Every tee is helium leak tested, ultrasonically cleaned with semiconductor-grade detergents, and double-bagged in a cleanroom environment. Reducing tees (different branch diameters), custom port orientations, and special center-to-flange dimensions are available with engineering support.