VAT CF100 Manual Ultra-High Vacuum Gate Valve
| Brand | VAT |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | 10840-CE01 |
| Valve Type | Manual Gate Valve |
| Vacuum Compatibility | UHV (≤1×10⁻¹⁰ mbar) |
| Sealing | Metal-to-metal (Cu gasket) |
| Flange Standard | CF (ConFlat), DN100 |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +150 °C |
| Actuation | Handwheel-driven linear motion |
| Leak Rate | ≤1×10⁻¹¹ mbar·L/s (He) |
| Material | 316L stainless steel body & gate |
| Compliance | ISO 15735, ASTM E595 (outgassing tested) |
Overview
The VAT CF100 Manual Ultra-High Vacuum Gate Valve is a precision-engineered UHV component designed for reliable isolation and pressure differential control in demanding optical and scientific vacuum systems. Based on VAT’s proven CF-series architecture, this valve employs a rigid, axially actuated gate mechanism with full metal-to-metal sealing using oxygen-free high-conductivity (OFHC) copper gaskets—ensuring hermetic integrity down to 1×10⁻¹⁰ mbar base pressure. Its ConFlat (CF) DN100 flange interface complies with ISO-KF/CF standards, enabling seamless integration into beamline instrumentation, ultrafast laser chambers, surface science UHV chambers, and electron microscopy sample transfer systems. Unlike pneumatic or motorized variants, the manual handwheel drive provides deterministic, backlash-free positioning without introducing electromagnetic interference or requiring external power—critical for low-noise optical detection environments.
Key Features
- UHV-rated metal-sealed gate design validated to ≤1×10⁻¹¹ mbar·L/s helium leak rate per ISO 15735
- DN100 CF flange with integrated knife-edge and standardized bolt circle (M8 × 24)
- 316L stainless steel construction with electropolished internal surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm) to minimize outgassing and particle shedding
- Manually operated via ergonomic, calibrated handwheel with positive end-stop feedback at fully open/closed positions
- Thermal stability across –20 °C to +150 °C, supporting bake-out procedures up to 150 °C under vacuum
- No internal elastomers or lubricants—fully compatible with UHV bake-out and photon-stimulated desorption (PSD) environments
- Pre-assembled and leak-tested with helium mass spectrometry prior to shipment
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VAT CF100 is not a sample-handling device but a critical system-level vacuum component. It maintains compatibility with ultra-clean optical substrates (e.g., fused silica windows, MgF₂ lenses), monochromator gratings, and UHV-compatible detectors when installed upstream or downstream of sensitive optical paths. Its material selection and surface treatment meet ASTM E595 total mass loss (TML) < 1.0% and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) < 0.10%, ensuring no hydrocarbon migration onto adjacent optics. The valve conforms to ISO 15735 for vacuum components and supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation packages—including individual serial-numbered test reports and material certifications traceable to EN 10204 3.1.
Software & Data Management
As a manually actuated mechanical valve, the VAT CF100 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interfaces. It requires no software drivers, configuration tools, or data logging capabilities—reducing failure modes and eliminating cybersecurity or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) concerns in interferometric or single-photon counting setups. Maintenance records, leak-test certificates, and installation logs are managed externally via laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN). For facilities operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, valve status (open/closed) is documented manually in procedural checklists with operator signature and timestamp.
Applications
- Isolation of optical viewports and diagnostic ports in synchrotron beamlines and free-electron laser (FEL) end stations
- Segmentation of multi-chamber UHV systems housing photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) sources
- Pressure boundary control between load-lock chambers and main analytical chambers in ultra-high-resolution TEM/SEM platforms
- Shutter function for pulsed laser delivery systems where electrical actuation could induce timing jitter or RF noise
- Backup isolation in redundant vacuum architectures for quantum optics experiments requiring long-term vacuum stability (>1 year)
FAQ
Is the VAT CF100 suitable for bake-out cycles?
Yes—rated for continuous operation at 150 °C under vacuum; all internal materials and seals are UHV-bake compatible.
Does it require periodic maintenance or re-greasing?
No—designed as a maintenance-free component; no lubricants are used in the gate actuation or sealing interface.
Can it be retrofitted with an actuator later?
No—the manual version lacks mounting provisions or internal threading for pneumatic/electric add-ons; only factory-integrated automated variants support such upgrades.
What flange accessories are included by default?
Supplied with CF-DN100 copper gasket, alignment pins, and M8 stainless steel bolts—no additional hardware required for standard installation.
How is leak integrity verified before shipment?
Each unit undergoes helium mass spectrometry testing per ISO 15735 Annex B, with certified leak rate ≤1×10⁻¹¹ mbar·L/s documented in the serial-specific test report.
