VAT Model 10836-CE44 Pneumatic Ultra-High Vacuum Gate Valve
| Brand | VAT |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sweden |
| Model | 10836-CE44 |
| Valve Type | Pneumatic Actuated UHV Gate Valve |
| Nominal Diameter | DN 63 (2.5") |
| Maximum Operating Pressure Differential | ≤1×10⁻⁹ mbar (UHV compatible) |
| Sealing | Metal-to-metal (Cu gasket or Ni-plated OFHC copper seal) |
| Actuation | Double-acting pneumatic cylinder with position feedback |
| Leak Rate | ≤1×10⁻¹¹ mbar·L/s (He) |
| Materials | 316L stainless steel body and gate |
| Bakeable | Up to 150 °C (with appropriate elastomer-free configuration) |
| Compliance | ISO-KF / ISO-F, CE-marked per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and PED 2014/68/EU |
| Mounting | ISO-KF 63 (NW63) flanges |
Overview
The VAT Model 10836-CE44 is a pneumatically actuated ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gate valve engineered for reliable, repeatable isolation in demanding optical and physical science environments. Designed and manufactured in Sweden by VAT Vacuum Valves AG — a globally recognized leader in high-integrity vacuum components — this DN 63 (2.5″) valve employs a linearly moving metal gate sealed against precision-machined 316L stainless steel seats using oxygen-free high-conductivity (OFHC) copper or annealed Cu gaskets. Its operation relies on a double-acting pneumatic actuator with integrated position sensing, enabling deterministic open/closed states and compatibility with automated vacuum system interlocks. The valve’s structural integrity, low outgassing rate, and bakeability up to 150 °C (in elastomer-free configurations) make it suitable for UHV systems operating down to 1×10⁻¹⁰ mbar, including synchrotron beamline instrumentation, ultrafast laser vacuum chambers, and surface science apparatus where hydrocarbon-free, particle-free sealing is non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Metal-to-metal sealing architecture compliant with ISO 10177 and ASTM E595 low-outgassing requirements for UHV applications
- Pneumatic actuation with fail-safe spring-return option available (standard configuration is double-acting)
- Integrated limit switches or analog position feedback (4–20 mA or 0–10 V) for PLC or SCADA integration
- ISO-KF 63 (NW63) flange interface with centering ring and clamping mechanism per ISO 2861
- Full 316L stainless steel construction; electropolished internal surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm) to minimize particle generation
- No internal elastomers or lubricants — fully compatible with UHV baking and aggressive cleaning protocols (e.g., plasma, solvent, ultrasonic)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 10836-CE44 is not a sample-handling device but a critical process control component within vacuum boundary management systems. It is routinely deployed upstream or downstream of optical elements such as monochromators, interferometers, and electron/ion optics in UHV-compatible optical laboratories. Its design conforms to ISO 16069 (vacuum components — general requirements), EN 15649 (vacuum equipment safety), and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. For GLP/GMP-aligned facilities, the valve supports audit-ready documentation packages including material certifications (EN 10204 3.1), dimensional inspection reports, and helium leak test certificates (per ISO 15848-1, Class A tightness).
Software & Data Management
While the valve itself is hardware-only and does not include embedded firmware or onboard software, its actuation interface is fully compatible with standard industrial automation protocols. Analog position signals (0–10 V or 4–20 mA) and discrete status outputs (open/closed) integrate seamlessly into LabVIEW, EPICS, or Siemens S7-based vacuum control architectures. When paired with VAT’s optional VACOM® digital valve controller or third-party PLCs, full traceability of actuation events — including timestamps, cycle count, and pressure-state correlation — can be logged in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when implemented within validated system-level software.
Applications
- Isolation of optical transport sections in synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) beamlines
- Chamber segmentation in ultra-high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) systems
- Load-lock interfacing between atmospheric transfer modules and UHV analytical chambers housing ellipsometers or Raman spectrometers
- Protection of sensitive optical coatings and thin-film deposition sources during venting or maintenance cycles
- Integration into multi-chamber UHV systems requiring synchronized valve sequencing for contamination control
FAQ
Is this valve compatible with active baking at 150 °C?
Yes — when configured without elastomeric seals or position sensors containing polymers, the 10836-CE44 is rated for continuous bakeout at 150 °C. Standard delivery includes Cu gasket sets and bake-compatible O-rings only upon explicit request.
What is the typical leak rate specification, and how is it verified?
The valve achieves ≤1×10⁻¹¹ mbar·L/s (helium) per ISO 15848-1 testing methodology. Each unit undergoes 100% helium mass spectrometer leak testing prior to shipment, with test reports available upon request.
Can this valve be retrofitted with electrical actuation?
No — the 10836-CE44 is exclusively pneumatically actuated. VAT does not offer electromechanical conversion kits for this model due to torque and dynamic response constraints inherent to UHV gate geometry.
Does VAT provide vacuum system integration support?
Yes — VAT’s Application Engineering team offers free pre-installation review of piping schematics, actuation air supply sizing, and interlock logic diagrams for systems integrating multiple 10836-CE44 valves.
