LeakProof Seals

Don't suffer from leaks between quartz tubes and metal fittings!

Leaks in atmospheric, positive pressure, and vacuum systems can lead to variability in your results. Leaks are common in the quartz-to-metal seal interface. With the exception of a permanent graded glass-to-metal fitting, no other seal is as effective as the Atomate LeakProof Seal.

Tube furnaces are old technology, as are the quartz tubes used for process chambers. Quick coupling fittings, the long-accepted standard for providing coupling between quartz and metal, are designed for low pressure systems where the vacuum draws the O-ring into a gap to create a seal. Using these fittings for atmospheric CVD syntheses commonly used for nanotubes or nanowires often results in undetected leaks that can ruin processing results.

Our own experiences with the leaking interfaces between quartz tubes and metal fittings led us to design a new patent-pending solution to this problem. We created a vacuum-actuated seal for the quartz-metal interface that creates a positive seal and provides pressure readout of the seal status. The following figure shows the function of the seal.

Featuring a dual O-ring seal with an evacuated volume, the LeakProof Seal effectively creates its own vacuum chamber. This action creates two differential pressure zones, one to air, and the other to the tube volume. The SureSeal indicator gives visual feedback on the condition of the seal vacuum, letting the user know whether to tighten the seal before beginning a process.

Our LeakProof Seal has many useful features you will not find on any other current standard solutions.

  • Includes SureSeal indicator, providing visual verification of a good seal
  • Machined from 304 stainless steel bar-stock rather than welded, minimizing potential leak points
  • Includes durable components and finishing for longevity and low maintenance
  • Uses universal adapters to allow for easy integration with existing equipment
  • Tested to meet our quality standards

Standard LeakProof Seals include Viton® O-rings, which work well in most applications using inert gases or hydrocarbon-based feedstock, such as methane, ethylene, acetylene, or ethanol. These O-rings can be used in conditions where they are not exposed to temperatures above 150°C. Other synthesis feedstock materials or higher temperature exposures may require the use of perfluoroelastomer (e.g., Kalrez, Perlast) O-rings. Please refer to the O-ring compatibility guide for the appropriate O-ring material choice for your application.

Bring our experience into your facility so you can focus on the experimental variables that matter most to you!

Contact Atomate for more information.
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