Swagelok SS-4-VCR-1-4 316 Stainless Steel Male NPT Connector for High-Purity Systems

Swagelok SS-4-VCR-1-4 is a precision-engineered male NPT connector that combines a 1/4 in. male NPT thread with a 1/4 in. VCR® metal gasket face seal connection. Manufactured from 316 stainless steel, this component serves as a critical interface between traditional tapered pipe thread systems and Swagelok's renowned VCR metal gasket face seal technology.

This genuine Swagelok part features the original VCR design—the authentic brand for metal gasket face seal fittings that has become the industry standard for high-purity and ultrahigh-purity applications.

Key Features & Benefits

Dual Connection Design: Combines a 1/4 in. male NPT thread on one end with a 1/4 in. VCR metal gasket face seal on the other, enabling seamless integration between different system types.

Metal-to-Metal Seal Technology: The VCR connection creates a high-integrity, leak-tight seal through a precision metal gasket, eliminating the contamination risks associated with elastomeric seals.

Exceptional Leak Integrity: VCR fitting designs have been helium leak tested to demonstrate maximum leakage rates of:

4 × 10⁻⁹ std cm³/s with silver-plated copper gaskets

4 × 10⁻¹¹ std cm³/s with unplated (nickel, copper, or stainless steel) gaskets 

316 Stainless Steel Construction: Provides excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and material compatibility for demanding process applications .

High-Purity Compatibility: Polished surface finishes and high-purity materials virtually eliminate these fittings as potential sources of system contamination .

Technical Specifications (SS-4-VCR-1-4)

Specification Detail

Manufacturer Swagelok

Part Number SS-4-VCR-1-4 

Product Type Male NPT Connector

Body Material 316 Stainless Steel 

NPT Connection 1/4 in. Male NPT

VCR Connection 1/4 in. VCR® Metal Gasket Face Seal 

Cleaning Process Standard Cleaning and Packaging (SC-10) 

Gasket Compatibility Accepts VCR metal gaskets (ordered separately)

Understanding the Part Number

SS = 316 Stainless Steel body material

4 = 1/4 in. series size

VCR = VCR metal gasket face seal connection type

1-4 = Configuration code (male NPT to VCR)

Applications

The SS-4-VCR-1-4 is ideal for applications requiring:

Semiconductor Manufacturing: Ultrahigh-purity gas delivery systems

Analytical Instrumentation: Sample handling systems requiring contamination-free connections

Pharmaceutical Processing: Clean steam and high-purity fluid systems

Research Laboratories: Vacuum systems and sensitive analytical equipment

High-Purity Gas Systems: From vacuum to positive pressure service 

System Design Considerations

When selecting the SS-4-VCR-1-4 for your system, consider these important factors:

Gasket Selection: VCR connections require a separate metal gasket to complete the seal. Options include silver-plated copper, nickel, copper, and stainless steel gaskets in various materials.

Nut and Gasket Assembly: The complete VCR connection typically requires a female nut (such as SS-4-VCR-1 for female or SS-4-VCR-4 for male configurations) and a gasket in addition to this male NTP body.

Thread Lubrication: For VCR female nuts, threads are typically silver-plated to prevent galling and wear during tightening. Care must be taken to avoid chemical processes that could damage this plating.

Installation Guidelines

Assemble with appropriate VCR gland and nut components

Use a new metal gasket for each assembly to ensure leak-tight performance

Follow Swagelok's recommended installation procedures for VCR fittings

Apply appropriate thread sealant to the NPT connection as required by system specifications

Quality and Compliance

Swagelok emphasizes that system designers and users must consider the total system design to ensure safe, trouble-free performance. Function, material compatibility, adequate ratings, proper installation, operation, and maintenance are the responsibilities of the system designer and user.

Critical Warning: Do not mix or interchange Swagelok VCR products or components with those of other manufacturers, as this can compromise system integrity and safety .

Ordering Information

The manufacturer part number for this 1/4 in. male NPT to 1/4 in. VCR connector is SS-4-VCR-1-4 . For purchasing, availability, pricing, and information about compatible gaskets and nuts, please us.

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