PFA Bead-Lock Fittings for PFA/PTFE Tubing

Overview

RUNZE PFA bead-lock fittings connect flat-cut PFA or PTFE tubing using a fitting body, nut and internal bead. No tube flaring, welding or adhesive is required at the tube connection. Choose 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 or 1 inch tube OD and a straight, elbow, tee, bulkhead or male-thread configuration. Select the exact model for your tubing, chemical medium and operating conditions.

Bead-Lock Connection: No Tube Flaring Required

The connection uses a PFA body, a PFA nut and a separate PFA bead. The bead supports the mechanical locking and sealing interface around the tube. Unlike a flare fitting, this design uses a flat-cut tube end and does not require a tube-flaring tool.

The tube connection does not rely on welding, adhesive or an elastomer O-ring. It can be disassembled for maintenance; reassembly is subject to the condition of the tube and sealing components. Use the matching bead and nut for the selected fitting size, and do not mix bead-lock and flare connection parts.

Specifications and Tube Sizes

The published temperature range is not a pressure rating. Allowable working pressure decreases with temperature. Confirm the exact tube size, fitting model, fluid, operating temperature and pressure before use. Do not apply one pressure value to the entire fitting range.

These metric values are conversions of the inch sizes, not alternative nominal metric tube sizes. For example, 1/4 inch tubing is 6.35 mm OD; it must not be substituted with 6 mm tubing without a separately specified fitting. Tube OD is the selection dimension, not tube inside diameter.

Connection Types and Model Selection

Choose the connection shape first, then confirm every tube size and any threaded port. Equal fittings connect matching sizes; reducing fittings connect different sizes. Not every shape is supplied in every size combination.

The RZ-U series identifies the bead-lock connection family. For example, RZ-U-H-1/4-A denotes an equal straight connection for 1/4 inch tubing in the catalogue’s A material option. A and C identify the catalogue’s imported and domestic material options respectively. Confirm the full model code and material option in the quotation.

For male-thread adapters, confirm the thread standard as well as the nominal size. A tube OD selection alone does not identify a threaded connection. Do not order a thread based only on its appearance in a product image.

PFA Material for Chemical Fluid Paths

The fitting body, nut and bead are made from PFA. The supplied material information describes virgin PFA and an all-PFA wetted fitting design. This provides a non-metallic option for equipment handling process chemicals and high-purity fluids.

Chemical suitability depends on the actual medium, concentration, temperature and exposure conditions. Review all wetted components in the system, including tubing and any connected equipment. The fitting is not a blanket compatibility guarantee for every chemical or process.

Typical Applications

Typical application areas include semiconductor wet-process equipment, ultrapure-water distribution, analytical sample handling, pharmaceutical process equipment and fine-chemical transfer. The same fitting range can be considered for photovoltaic and battery-process fluid lines when the operating conditions and materials are suitable.

Select this connection as part of the complete fluid system. For purity-sensitive work, confirm cleaning, packaging and handling requirements with RUNZE. An application example does not establish a cleanroom classification, analytical detection limit or medical-device approval.

Assembly and Maintenance Considerations

Check that the tube and fitting match in size and connection family. Keep tube ends and sealing surfaces clean, and inspect them for damage before assembly.

For bead-lock assembly, prepare a clean, square tube end and use the correct PFA bead and nut. Confirm the insertion and tightening procedure for the model before commissioning.

No universal tightening torque is specified in this page. Use the instructions for the selected fitting, leak-test the assembled system under controlled conditions, and depressurize it before disconnection. Replace worn or damaged sealing components instead of relying on repeated tightening.

Packaging and Identification

Packaging examples below show fittings from the PFA range. Labels include different connection series and should not be used to identify the model from photographs alone. The model, size, material option, quantity and packaging requirements must match the confirmed quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bead-lock and flare fittings?

A bead-lock connection uses a separate bead with a flat-cut tube end. A flare connection uses a prepared flared tube end against a tapered fitting face. The assembly methods and connection components are different; they are not interchangeable simply because the tube OD matches.

Can I use both PFA and PTFE tubing?

The supplied fitting information lists PFA and PTFE tubing. Confirm the tube OD, tube specification and preparation method for the selected fitting before ordering. A fitting for an inch tube size should not be assumed to fit a nearby metric size.

Is the full temperature range available at one working pressure?

No. The supplied curve shows pressure derating with temperature. Use the curve for the selected size and confirm the intended operating point with RUNZE.

Can the connection be opened and reassembled?

The design allows disassembly, but reuse depends on the condition of the tubing and sealing surfaces. Inspect the components, follow the model-specific assembly procedure and verify the connection after reassembly.

What should I send for a quotation?

Send the required shape, connection series, tube OD at every port, tubing material, thread standard where applicable, fluid and concentration, working temperature, working pressure, material option and quantity. A drawing or installation photograph is useful for panel-mounted or space-limited connections.

Request a PFA Fitting Recommendation

Contact RUNZE with your tube specification and operating conditions. We can review the required bead-lock configuration and quote the matching model. Please confirm the final connection dimensions and system compatibility before purchase.

PEEK Female Thread Fitting

Bulkhead Quick Connect Fitting

10-32 UNF Stainless Steel HPLC Ferrule Fitting