Various male fittings used in vacuum applications. Upper left: Swagelok tube fitting, upper right: NPT, lower left: VCR, lower right, VCO
Swagelok tubing postfix codes [Vacuum Tubing Products]
End Connection(s) | Designator |
---|---|
VCR female one end only | FR |
VCR female both ends | DFR |
VCR female one end, VCR male other end | FMR |
VCR female one end, XBA adapter other end | FRB |
VCR male one end only | MR |
VCR male both ends | DMR |
VCR male one end, XBA adapter other end | MRB |
VCO female one end only | FO |
VCO female both ends | DFO |
VCO female one end, VCO male other end | FMO |
VCO female one end, XBA adapter other end | FOB |
VCO male one end only | MO |
VCO male both ends | DMO |
XBA adapter one end only | -B1 |
XBA adapter both ends | -B2 |
Tube fittings require simple hand tools as do VCR fittings. VCO are probably just as easy if not easier than VCR
My guess is that VCR fittings seal best. Tube fittings probably seal pretty good the first time used but may lose their seal if not carefully re-installed.
VCO likely doesn't seal as well as VCR but probably worse than a properly installed tube fitting as well.
VCR gaskets should be used fresh for each install but you can probalby get away with reusing the same gasket a few times for most applications. Swagelok tube fittings can be re-installed to the same location as long as they are installed in the same orientation. However, to get a proper tube fitting seal on a new surface with used fittings I imagine you'd have to replace the ferrule which is probably more expensive and labor intensive than replacing a simple VCR gasket.
VCO gaskets/fittings can be reused many times. Gaskets are inexpensive to replace if damaged.
Didn't see ratings specific to particular connector types. However, [Vacuum Tubing Products]:
[Vacuum Tubing Products]:
Tube fittings are relatively easy to cut and crimp on new fittings.
Unfortuntaley, because VCR glands are special ends larger than the tube itself, they must be TIG welded in place as needed. TIG welding requires equipment and a reasonable amount of skill. I'm guessing that pro shops use orbital welders
Above: male Swagelok tube fitting
Very common in many applications, usually with 1/4“ OD tube size.
Components of a connection:
Steps [STFI]:
Tip: mark nut with a pen before turning to make it more obvious where in the turn you are
Use Swagelok gap inspection gauge to inspect distance: it should not fit if the fitting is sufficiently tight [STFI]
When disassembling, strip the connection so that original position can be determined
Steps [STFI]:
Do not use gap inspection gauge [STFI]
Include:
Above: male VCR fitting (no gasket installed)
Uses a knife edge on consumable metal gaskets to achieve seal. Most of the part numbers user 1/16's of an inch to indicate size.
Components of a connection [Installing VCR]:
Body has drilled out holes for leak testing.
Since these are knife edges they must be protected against damage. Above: cap to protect edges when not connected
Above: used retainer gasket
Look like washers. Ex:
Types [Installing VCR]:
Materials [Installing VCR]:
Retainer gasket [Installing VCR]:
Side load gasket [Installing VCR]:
Non-retain gasket [Installing VCR]:
Part numbers:
Because of the gland nature it would seem hard to convert the more readily availble Swagelok tube adapters to VCR fittings without using a separate tube fitting to VCR adapter
Naming seems to follow MAT-OD-X-LENPFX
Naming examples:
Above: male VCO fitting (no gasket installed)
VCO is similar to VCR except that instead of using consumable metal gaskets it uses o-rings.