Undergrad How Can I Build a DIY High Vacuum System Using Copper Instead of Glass?

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Building a high and ultra high vacuum system can be achieved using copper, which is favored for its cost-effectiveness and ease of processing. However, concerns arise regarding the sealing capabilities of standard gas valves in achieving the necessary tightness for high vacuum applications. High conductivity oxygen-free (HCOF) copper is recommended for ultra high vacuum systems, while traditional materials like stainless steel and glass are also commonly used. Historical methods for sealing included red sealing wax and Glyptal, a high viscosity insulating enamel paint, though the latter is not suitable for ultra high vacuums. The discussion emphasizes the importance of effective sealing techniques and materials in constructing a reliable vacuum system.
Ludek
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TL;DR
What can be used as valves
Hello
I would like to build a high and ultra high vacuum system And I found a very simple way to do it in the book: "Building scientific apparatus "
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But the apparatus in the original is made of glass what is not for me optimal because I don't have the right tools to process them and the glass It is not very reusable .So I thought about copper because it is used in high vacuum systems it is cheap and easy to process but the system has constrictions (labels s) so I want to use standard valves for gas but I don't know if they will be able to be tight enough on their own So can I somehow seal them because for now I was thinking of putting a solid amount of high vacuum grease on them?
 
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Have you looked at the Conflat standards you can buy from Lesker or Agilent, for example?
 
Ludek said:
TL;DR Summary: What can be used as valves

I would like to build a high and ultra high vacuum system . . .
Ludek said:
TL;DR Summary: What can be used as valves

So I thought about copper because it is used in high vacuum systems it is cheap and easy to process
If you use copper in an ultra high vacuum it should be HCOF (High Conductivity Oxygen Free) copper. Most that I have seen are stanless steel. or glass which can be baked if necessary to out gas them.
 
It seems that back in the old days all the experimental physicists used red sealing wax like that used by the Bank of England.
 
The go-to in my lab for quick fixes of small leaks was Glyptal,(1201B?) a red high viscosity insulating enamel paint, but not for ultra high vacuums. It is still available.
 
Albertus Magnus said:
Wygląda na to, że dawniej wszyscy fizycy eksperymentalni używali czerwonego laku, takiego jak ten używany przez Bank Anglii.
TIt could use something like this Where the wax will be melted to seal
Legend
Orange - copperBlue-meral Cream - molecular sieves
Black - rubberGreen - Titanium
Pink - wax Purple thermos
1000002126.jpg
 

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