ISO 9001:2015 Certified

'SHAPING INDUSTRIES WITH THE FINEST STEEL'

Male Connector for Bonded Seal Manufacturer

TES-LOK Male Connectors for Bonded Seal — BSPP (G) parallel-thread tube fittings with a precision-machined Dowty seal recess on the thread shoulder, providing instant leak-free port connections without PTFE tape, thread compounds, or sealant paste. ISO 9001:2015 certified. Made in India.

SS 304 / SS 316 Brass BSPP (G) Parallel Thread Dowty / Bonded Seal Up to 6000 PSI NBR / Viton / EPDM Elastomer DIN 7603 Seal Standard ISO 9001:2015
Male Connector for Bonded Seal SS 316

TES-LOK Male Connector — Bonded Seal

Male Connector Tube Fitting Series

Male Connector — Standard Series

O-Seal Male Adaptor

O-Seal Male Adaptor (Related)

What Is a Male Connector for Bonded Seal?


Definition: A Male Connector for Bonded Seal is a tube fitting with a BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel, also called G-thread) male end that has a precision-machined circular recess on its thread shoulder. This recess locates a bonded seal — also known as a Dowty seal — which is a metal ring (steel or aluminium) bonded to a rubber elastomeric element. When the male connector is tightened into a BSPP female port, the bonded seal is axially compressed between the thread shoulder and the port face, creating a positive metal-to-rubber seal that is reliable from vacuum to high pressure without any thread sealant.

The tube end of the connector can be a compression (ferrule) end for instrument tubing, a socket-weld end, or a butt-weld end — depending on the application. The defining feature of this fitting is the BSPP male thread with the integrated bonded seal housing on the process-connection side.

Why BSPP Parallel Threads Require a Face Seal


Thread TypeProfileSealing MechanismRequires Sealant?
NPT (Tapered)60° taper, ASME B1.20.1Thread flanks wedge together under tightening — thread interference sealsPTFE tape or pipe compound recommended
BSPT / Rc (Tapered)55° taper, BS 21 / ISO 7-1Thread flanks wedge together under tighteningPTFE tape recommended
BSPP / G (Parallel)55° parallel, BS 2779 / ISO 228No taper — thread flanks do not seal; sealing must be achieved at the thread face / shoulderBonded seal, O-ring, or sealant mandatory
Metric (Parallel)60° parallel, DIN 13No taper — requires face seal or O-ringO-ring face seal mandatory
⚠ Critical Reminder — BSPP is NOT self-sealing: Applying PTFE tape to BSPP (G) parallel threads is a common site error. PTFE tape on parallel threads provides no reliable pressure seal — it only fills gaps and may mask thread play. The only correct sealing methods for BSPP are: (1) a bonded (Dowty) seal at the thread shoulder, (2) an O-ring face seal, or (3) a compatible sealant in the seal groove. Never rely on PTFE tape alone for BSPP connections in pressure service.

How the Bonded Seal (Dowty Seal) Works


1
Seal placement: The bonded seal is placed in the machined recess on the thread shoulder of the male connector. The metal outer ring locates in the recess; the rubber inner element projects slightly proud of the metal surface.
2
Thread engagement: The male BSPP thread is screwed into the female port. Threads engage fully without contributing to the pressure seal.
3
Axial compression: As tightening continues, the thread shoulder moves axially toward the port face. The rubber element of the bonded seal is compressed between the shoulder and the port face.
4
Seal formation: The rubber element deforms radially — simultaneously sealing against the shoulder face and the port face, closing off any potential leak path. The metal ring prevents rubber extrusion under pressure.
5
Final result: A metal-backed face seal that holds from vacuum to rated pressure, is unaffected by vibration, and can be re-torqued multiple times. The bonded seal is generally rated for one re-use; replace the seal after the second full assembly cycle.

Male Connector for Bonded Seal — Types & Tube End Options


TypeProcess EndTube / Pipe EndBest For
Compression Male ConnectorBSPP male + bonded seal recessCompression (double ferrule) for tube ODInstrument tube to BSPP port — most common instrumentation use
Socket-Weld Male ConnectorBSPP male + bonded seal recessSocket weld (SW) bore for pipe endSmall-bore piping to BSPP-ported valve or manifold
Butt-Weld Male ConnectorBSPP male + bonded seal recessButt-weld (BW) plain bore for pipe endSanitary / pharma lines with BSPP valve bodies
Hex-Nipple Male ConnectorBSPP male + bonded seal one endBSPP male + bonded seal other endPort-to-port extension / offset between two BSPP female ports
Reducing Male ConnectorLarger BSPP + bonded sealSmaller compression tube end1/4" tube into a 1/2" G BSPP port

Bonded Seal Elastomer Grade Selection


ElastomerTemperature RangeCompatible FluidsNot Suitable For
NBR (Nitrile)−40°C to +100°CMineral oils, hydraulic fluids, diesel, compressed air, waterKetones, esters, ozone, strong acids
Viton® (FKM)−20°C to +200°CAromatic hydrocarbons, fuels, hot oils, chlorinated solvents, steam (limited)MEK, acetone, low-molecular-weight esters
EPDM−40°C to +150°CHot water, steam, phosphate ester hydraulic fluids, ozone, UV exposureMineral oils, petroleum-based fluids
Silicone−55°C to +200°CDry air, inert gases, food-grade applicationsSteam, fuels, concentrated acids/bases
PTFE-encapsulated−70°C to +260°CAggressive chemicals, strong acids/bases, solventsExtreme mechanical cycling (poor resilience)

Standard TES-LOK Male Connectors for Bonded Seal are supplied with NBR bonded seals as default. Viton, EPDM, or PTFE-encapsulated seals are available on request at the time of ordering — specify elastomer grade and temperature requirement.

Technical Specifications


ParameterDetails
BrandTES-LOK (Tesco Steel & Engineering)
Tube OD Range (Compression End)1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"  |  Metric: 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm
BSPP Thread Sizes (Process End)1/8" G, 1/4" G, 3/8" G, 1/2" G, 3/4" G, 1" G
Pressure RatingSS 316: up to 6 000 PSI  |  Brass: 300 / 1 000 / 3 000 PSI depending on size
Temperature RangeFitting body (SS 316): −196°C to 450°C  |  Limited by elastomer (see elastomer table above)
Body MaterialSS 304, SS 316 / 316L, Brass (CW617N)
Bonded Seal Outer RingCarbon steel (zinc plated) — standard  |  SS 304 or SS 316 outer ring — on request
Bonded Seal ElastomerNBR (standard), Viton, EPDM, Silicone, PTFE-encapsulated — on request
Bonded Seal StandardDIN 7603  |  BS 3381
Thread StandardBSPP (G) — BS 2779 / ISO 228-1
Surface FinishBright annealed and passivated (SS); bright zinc or nickel plated (Brass)
CertificationsISO 9001:2015  |  EN 10204 3.1 MTC on request  |  Hydrostatic test certification available

Bonded Seal vs Alternative BSPP Face Sealing Methods


Sealing MethodHow It SealsPressure LimitRe-usabilityCleanliness
Bonded (Dowty) SealMetal-backed rubber compressed axially at thread shoulderUp to 6 000 PSI1–2 assembliesExcellent — no sealant residue
PTFE Tape (incorrect)Fills thread gaps — no face sealUnreliable above 300 PSI on BSPPSingle useTape fragments in system
Sealant Paste / AnaerobicFills thread and face gaps on cureModerate — set-time dependentDifficult — requires cleaningResidue enters system if over-applied
O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS)O-ring in groove compressed axiallyUp to 6 000 PSIMultiple — replace O-ring onlyExcellent — no sealant
Copper Crush WasherSoft copper deforms to fill micro-gapsModerate — suitable for hydraulicsSingle use onlyGood

Standard Size Range


Tube ODBSPP Thread (G)Bonded Seal OD (mm)Max Pressure — SS 316
1/8" (3.18 mm)1/8" G13.0 mm6 000 PSI
1/4" (6.35 mm)1/4" G17.0 mm6 000 PSI
3/8" (9.5 mm)3/8" G21.0 mm5 500 PSI
1/2" (12.7 mm)1/2" G25.0 mm5 000 PSI
5/8" (15.9 mm)3/4" G30.0 mm4 500 PSI
3/4" (19.0 mm)1" G36.0 mm4 000 PSI

Why Choose TES-LOK Male Connectors for Bonded Seal?


🛠 Precision Seal Recess Geometry

The Dowty seal recess is CNC-machined to ±0.02 mm depth tolerance. An under-depth recess under-compresses the rubber and allows leakage; an over-depth recess prevents full metal contact and causes extrusion. TES-LOK's controlled recess geometry ensures correct rubber compression every time.

✅ DIN 7603 Compliant Seals

All bonded seals supplied with TES-LOK connectors comply with DIN 7603 dimensional standards, ensuring interchangeability with BSPP ports from any valve, manifold, or instrument body — whether European, British, or Asian origin.

🎯 No Sealant — Zero Contamination Risk

Eliminates PTFE tape fragments, anaerobic sealant residue, and thread compound contamination from process fluid paths — critical in pharmaceutical, semiconductor, food processing, and ultra-clean instrumentation applications.

🔍 Multiple Elastomer Options

NBR (standard), Viton (high-temp hydrocarbons), EPDM (steam and phosphate esters), Silicone (food-grade, inert gas), and PTFE-encapsulated (aggressive chemicals) — all available ex-stock or to order with the same body fitting, simplifying spare parts inventory.

📦 Compression + BSPP in One Fitting

Eliminates the need for a separate tube adapter and a port fitting. The compression tube end and BSPP male bonded seal end are machined in a single body, reducing joint count, assembly time, and potential leak paths on instrument tubing runs.

🌟 ISO 9001:2015 with Full MTC

EN 10204 3.1 material test certificates available for all SS grades. Batch hydrostatic test certificates issued on request. Suitable for projects with third-party inspection and document control requirements.

Industry Applications


IndustryTypical Use PointWhy Bonded Seal Preferred
Oil & Gas / SubseaInstrument manifold ports, gauge isolation valve bodies, BSPP-ported ball valvesVibration-resistant; no tape debris in process fluid
Hydraulics & OffshoreCETOP / ISO 4401 valve port connections, hydraulic power unit manifoldsHigh-pressure face seal without anaerobic compound cure time
PetrochemicalAnalyser sample conditioning systems with BSPP-ported blocksZero contamination risk; quick connect/disconnect for maintenance
Pharmaceutical / BiotechCIP/SIP instrument tapping points; process transmitter connectionsNo sealant residue in sterile flow paths
Food & BeverageBSPP-ported sanitary pressure gauges, temperature transmitter connectionsSilicone or EPDM bonded seal — FDA-compliant elastomer options
Power GenerationTurbine lube oil system instrument connectionsViton seal tolerates synthetic lube oils at elevated temperature
HVAC & Compressed AirPressure gauge ports, flow transmitter tapping points with G-thread portsQuick installation without mess; port can be reused multiple times
Marine & NavalSeawater cooling system instrumentation, BSPP-ported sea chest valvesReliable vibration-proof seal; SS 316 body resists salt atmosphere

Installation Guide


1
Verify thread and seal compatibility: Confirm the port is BSPP (G) parallel thread — not BSPT (Rc) tapered. BSPP and BSPT look similar but are not interchangeable; using a bonded seal male connector in a BSPT port will not seal correctly and risks cross-threading.
2
Inspect the port face: The BSPP port face must be clean, flat, and free of scoring, burrs, or corrosion. Any irregularity on the port face will prevent the bonded seal from seating evenly and may cause a leak. Clean with a wire brush or scraper if needed.
3
Seat the bonded seal: Place the bonded seal in the machined recess on the male connector's thread shoulder with the rubber element facing the port. Do not apply PTFE tape or sealant — the bonded seal alone provides the pressure seal.
4
Hand-start the thread: Screw the male connector into the BSPP port by hand until the bonded seal contacts the port face. Confirm the thread engages cleanly without force — cross-threading will destroy the port.
5
Tighten to specified torque: Using a correctly sized wrench, tighten the fitting to the recommended torque for the thread size (see torque table below). Do not use a pipe wrench — use a flat spanner on the hexagonal body flats to avoid scoring.
6
Make up the compression tube end: Insert the tube through the back nut and ferrule(s). Push tube to full depth. Hand-tighten the nut, then tighten 1¼ turns from finger-tight to swage the ferrule onto the tube OD.
7
Pressure test: Pressurise the system to 1.5× working pressure with nitrogen or clean dry air. Check the bonded seal shoulder area for leaks with a leak detection solution. Zero bubbles over 60 seconds confirms a good seal.

Recommended Tightening Torque — BSPP Male Thread


BSPP Thread SizeTorque — SS 316 Body (Nm)Torque — Brass Body (Nm)Hex Size (AF)
1/8" G12–16 Nm10–14 Nm14 mm AF
1/4" G20–26 Nm16–20 Nm19 mm AF
3/8" G30–38 Nm24–30 Nm22 mm AF
1/2" G45–55 Nm36–44 Nm27 mm AF
3/4" G60–75 Nm50–62 Nm32 mm AF
1" G80–100 Nm65–80 Nm41 mm AF
⚠ Over-tightening caution: Exceeding the recommended torque extrudes the rubber element beyond the metal ring, permanently damaging the bonded seal and possibly cracking the port body. If the fitting is inadvertently over-tightened, replace the bonded seal and inspect the port face for rubber extrusion residue before re-assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. What is the difference between a bonded seal (Dowty seal) and an O-ring face seal (ORFS)?

Both provide an axial face seal for parallel threads, but they are not interchangeable. A bonded seal has a metal outer ring that sits in a recess on the fitting shoulder — it requires a machined recess on the fitting, and seals against a flat port face. An ORFS uses an O-ring in a groove machined in the fitting face and seals against the matching ORFS female port (which has a specific machined cone or face seat). Bonded seals are used with standard BSPP ports; ORFS is a dedicated system with its own port geometry specified under SAE J1453 or ISO 8434-3.

Q2. Can I use a male connector for bonded seal on an NPT or BSPT tapered thread port?

No. This fitting has a BSPP (G) parallel male thread. BSPP and BSPT/NPT are different thread forms and are not interchangeable. Forcing a BSPP fitting into a tapered port will appear to tighten but will not seal correctly and risks damaging the port. Always verify the port thread form before selecting a connector.

Q3. How many times can a bonded seal be re-used?

A bonded seal can typically be assembled and disassembled once (i.e., used a second time total) without replacement, provided the rubber element shows no permanent deformation, cracking, or extrusion. For safety-critical or high-pressure applications, TES-LOK recommends replacing the bonded seal on every reassembly. Replacement seal kits are available matched to every fitting size.

Q4. Is the bonded seal included with the fitting, or ordered separately?

TES-LOK Male Connectors for Bonded Seal are supplied as a complete kit: fitting body, compression nut, ferrule(s), and one bonded seal (NBR standard) — all in a single part number. Spare bonded seals (NBR, Viton, EPDM) are also available separately as spares. Specify elastomer grade at the time of order if you need Viton or EPDM instead of standard NBR.

Q5. My BSPP port face is slightly damaged — can I still use a bonded seal?

Minor surface rust or light scoring can sometimes be overcome by the rubber element's ability to conform to small irregularities. However, deep scoring, cross-hatch machining marks, or pitting exceeding 0.1 mm depth will prevent a reliable seal. In those cases, the port face should be re-faced with a spot-face cutter before fitting a bonded seal. TES-LOK's technical team can advise on port face refacing specifications.

Q6. What elastomer should I specify for steam or hot water service?

For steam up to 150°C, specify EPDM. NBR degrades rapidly in steam — it swells and loses tensile strength, leading to extrusion failure within hours of contact with live steam. Viton is generally not recommended for steam either (it is better for dry heat and hydrocarbons). For superheated steam above 150°C, consult TES-LOK for a PTFE-encapsulated or metallic seal option.

Q7. Are TES-LOK bonded seal connectors compatible with Swagelok or Parker compression fittings?

The compression tube end of TES-LOK fittings uses the same double-ferrule geometry as industry-standard 37° and 24° compression fittings. Ferrules and nuts from TES-LOK are dimensionally interchangeable with Swagelok, Parker CPI, and similar double-ferrule systems in the same tube OD and material grade. However, TES-LOK recommends using TES-LOK ferrules with TES-LOK bodies for certified leak-tight performance.

Q8. Do you supply male connectors for bonded seal in Hastelloy or Inconel?

Yes, on a made-to-order basis. Hastelloy C-276 and Inconel 625 bodies with matching ferrules are available for aggressive chemical service. Lead time is typically 3–5 weeks with full EN 10204 3.1 MTC documentation. Minimum order quantity is 10 pieces per size. Contact TES-LOK's sales team with your fluid, pressure, temperature, and thread requirements for a formal quotation.