What is a virtual leak and how does it affect your vacuum system?

Share This Post

A virtual leak is a trapped volume of gas within a vacuum chamber that cannot be easily pumped out due to restrictions in the path connecting the trapped gas to the main chamber. Virtual leaks reference a leak that cannot be found during any activities or tests performed outside of the vacuum chamber. The presence of a virtual leak will become apparent during the system pump-down cycle if the system cannot keep up with the gas load from the leak. The correct system pressure will either not be able to be reached or will take an excessive amount of time to reach.

For example, if the chamber has an internal weld crack that is too small to see and you begin the pump-down process and the pressure in the chamber drops, the gas from the crack will cause a small but continuous gas load flowing into the chamber.

Fasteners are typically the source of virtual leaks in sealed systems. The specific areas that are involved are described in the table below:

Voids
SymbolNameDescription
FTFilled ThreadsVoids in the screw threaded portion
CVClear VolumeClear hole between parts
EVEnd VolumeVolume between screw & hole end
Solutions
 Vented ScrewHelps clear all volumes
 Vented WasherSpeeds pumping of CV
 Vented HoleSpeeds pumping of EV

Any fastener that is used inside of a vacuum system can result in voids be­tween the parts being restrained, the threads and shoulder of the screws, and incompletely filled holes. Often these voids are partially sealed by the fastener, but if sealed the seals will break in time.

How can this problem be solved?

Virtual leak problems can be eliminated with the use of vented fasteners. Vented Screws (also known as Vacuum Screws, Ventilation Screws, or Hollow Screws) feature a hollow core (has a hole drilled through it) and are specially designed to allow the release of gases, contaminants, and pressure through the fastener. 

Vented screws, washers, and nuts are specifically designed to combat issues with blind-tapped holes in vacuum systems. Blind-tapped holes, by definition, leave a small void beneath the applied fastener. This void, created during assembly at atmosphere, results in air, particulate, and other potential forms of contaminants to be left in place. During the pump-down process this volume of air will become significant as the relative pressure in the chamber drops. Over time, this trapped volume of air will eventually work its way up around the threads causing a virtual leak.

How do UC’s fasteners solve this problem?

UC Components, Inc. manufactures a wide range of vented screws, nuts, and washers specifically to combat problems like virtual leaks. Our products provide a path for trapped air to be pumped away from the bottoms, sides, and shoulders of blind-tapped holes. This allows for faster, more thorough pump-down of your vacuum systems and eliminates virtual leaks as well as potential contaminants that can be found in these voids. Our RediVac® vented screws promote higher system throughput and improved yield.

Is installing a vented screw different from a standard screw?

Installing a vented screw is a simple process requiring no special tools or tricks—it installs just like a standard, non-vented screw and is most effective when used in conjunction with one of our vented flat washers.

Check out our quick overview video for more on vented screws:

How can UC Components, Inc. help you?

UC Components, Inc. has been the world leader in high vacuum hardware since 1974. We specialize in fasteners and O-rings for High Vacuum, Ultra High Vacuum, and other critical applications.

Our vented screws are the fasteners of choice for high production processes in vacuum. The UC Components, Inc. family of RediVac® products includes both inch and metric sizes of center and slot-vented screws, washers, and nuts. We also offer a variety of standard and vented hex nuts, washers, and screws, numerous finish options, along with specialized venting designs, custom product development, and Class 100/ISO Class 5 Cleanroom cleaning & packaging. All of our products can be finished in an array of vacuum appropriate finishes to reduce corrosion and help prevent galling.

View our parts catalog online to find the components you need, request a quote, or contact us for more assistance or additional information. If you do not see the fastener or material that you need listed in our standard products, please give us a call! We may not stock it but we are happy to acquire and manufacture just about any fastener you need.

More To Explore

Talk to an Expert Now!
408-782-1929 Get Custom Quote