Process ports and fittings

Selecting the best process port or fitting is just as critical as selecting the correct pressure or flow technology for your specific application. Although Alicat’s devices are typically shipped with either M5 or NPT female process ports, Alicat offers many additional customization options, depending on your requirements.

NPT process ports and fittings

FNPT, or Female National Pipe Thread, is the default process port thread connection on Alicat’s devices. A tapered connection, NPT is the standard thread in the United States for most default applications. Alicat devices come with default NPT thread sizes ranging from 1/8” to 2” based on each device’s flow rate specifications. When using PTFE tape to seal NPT fittings on Alicat devices, do not wrap the first two threads in order to avoid any contamination of the main flow body.

In addition to NPT process port threads, Alicat offers a range of NPT fittings which allow for mixed connections such as NPT to compression and SAE to NPT adapters.

BSPP process ports and fittings

BSPP stands for British Standard Pipe Parallel. These straight process port threads are default connections used in Europe. Sometimes BSPP is also denoted BSP or simply with the letter G (ISO Standard). Alicat offers BSPP connection threads from 1/8” to 2.0.”

SAE process ports and fittings

SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers threads. These are straight process port threads usually used in vacuum applications. SAE is often indicated by fitting size and sometimes by thread size. For identification, Alicat’s part numbers will use the fitting size and its description will use the thread size. Alicat offers J1926 and AS5202 SAE process ports from 1/8” to 1-1/4” and various SAE fittings.

Swagelok compression process ports and fittings

Alicat offers Swagelok compression process ports and adapter fittings which are also referred to as two-ferrule Swagelok tube fittings. These process ports and fittings create hard seals using a tightened nut and are rated up to 15,000 PSIG. To connect, bottom out tubing inside the fitting body and tighten the nut 1-1/4 turns from finger tight. Alicat offers process ports for compression in 1/4″, 1/2” and 3/4” sizes and Alicat provides Swagelok compression fittings in 1/4″, 3/8”, and 1/2” and 3/4” sizes.

Swagelok VCR process ports

Alicat also offers Swagelok VCR process ports which are ideal for vacuum and positive pressure applications. These connectors use metal gasket face seals for greater leak-resistance. Welded VCR process ports are rated from 7100 PSIG at 1/8” to 3000 PSIG at 1”. These are generally used in high purity gas lines or where space is limited. To connect, simply align both gland connections, utilize new gaskets and tighten the connecting nuts. Alicat provides Swagelok VCR process ports from 1/8” to 1” sizes.

Swagelok VCO process ports

Alicat also offers Swagelok VCO process ports which create vacuum seals using an O-ring. VCO fittings allow for rapid assembly for use in high-pressure, low-pressure, and high purity gas applications.

Down port process ports

Alicat also offers down port process ports which use underside connections to attach to manifolds or other custom configurations. These down ports allow for devices to mount from the bottom using through-holes, O-rings, bolts, and nuts. Instead of flowing side-to-side, both inflow and outflow are on the bottom. Alicat offers three down main port process port options:

• • NeSSI-compliant down port (NESSI)

  • Down port, mounting screws thread from below (DPORT)

  • Down port, mounting screws thread from above (TMDPORT)

NPT process ports and fittings

FNPT, or Female National Pipe Thread, is the default process port thread connection on Alicat’s devices. A tapered connection, NPT is the standard thread in the United States for most default applications. Alicat devices come with default NPT thread sizes ranging from 1/8” to 2” based on each device’s flow rate specifications. When using PTFE tape to seal NPT fittings on Alicat devices, do not wrap the first two threads in order to avoid any contamination of the main flow body.

In addition to NPT process port threads, Alicat offers a range of NPT fittings which allow for mixed connections such as NPT to compression and SAE to NPT adapters.

BSPP process ports and fittings

BSPP stands for British Standard Pipe Parallel. These straight process port threads are default connections used in Europe. Sometimes BSPP is also denoted BSP or simply with the letter G (ISO Standard). Alicat offers BSPP connection threads from 1/8” to 2.0.”

SAE process ports and fittings

SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers threads. These are straight process port threads usually used in vacuum applications. SAE is often indicated by fitting size and sometimes by thread size. For identification, Alicat’s part numbers will use the fitting size and its description will use the thread size. Alicat offers J1926 and AS5202 SAE process ports from 1/8” to 1-1/4” and various SAE fittings.