The complete connector system: a snap-in flexible connector held between two shaped steel spigots welded into a process line. "A BFM" usually refers to the connector itself, but strictly it means the whole system working together. Also called: BFM, BFM connector, the fitting, flexible connector system, snap-fit system.

The full assembly: two spigots plus one flexible connector. Used to describe the engineered solution as a whole rather than a single part. Also called: the BFM® system, connector system, the setup, the assembly.

The flexible tube-shaped part that carries product between two pieces of equipment. In a BFM® system this is the snap-in connector; generically it’s any flexible sleeve linking machinery. Also called: connector, sleeve, flexible sleeve, sock, boot, flexi, flexible, coupling, flexible hose, transition piece, flexible joint, compensator. Manchette, soft connection, Bellow, expansion sleeve, snap fit connector.

The shaped steel adaptor welded to your inlet and outlet. The connector’s cuffs snap inside the two spigots and seal against them. Also called: adaptor, coupling, pipe fitting, weld joint, lipped spigot

BFM®’s patented installation method. The connector snaps into place inside the spigots with no clamps or screws, and is held in place by the tensioned steel snap-band inside each end (the cuffs). This enables the connector to be changed over in seconds. Also called: snap-in, push-fit, click-in, snap-on, tool-Free

The specially shaped end of the connector that nestles inside the spigot. There’s a cuff at each end. Also called: end, collar, snap-band.

BFM®’s trademarked name for its genuine snap-fit connector, referring to the distinctive blue band. Used to distinguish authentic BFM® connectors from imitations.

BFM®’s proprietary and most popular connector material: an ether-based polyurethane alloy that’s strong, flexible, and holds its shape. Much more tear-resistant than silicone or rubber. Variants include 020E, 040E, 040AS, 060ES. Also called: urethane, Polyurethane, TPU, PU.

A pure PTFE material for high-temperature applications, usable across the full pH scale (resists acids and caustics). Range includes Teflex Woven, Teflex NP Black, and Teflex NP Opaque. Also called: Teflex connector. PTFE.

A Seeflex polyurethane connector with a fully encapsulated 316 stainless steel coil to give a spring-like, compressible shape while keeping the aperture open. Ideal for bag feeders, filling heads, and bulk bag fillers. Variants: Flexi-Connector (standard), Flexi-Earthed (with terminal lugs for earthing cables), Flexi-Light (lighter coil and thinner wall ideal for weigh-scale and lateral-movement applications). Also called: spiral hose, coil hose, spring hose.

BFM®’s woven, breathable connectors that allow some air pressure to be relieved through pores in the material. LM3 is 100% woven polypropylene (flexible at low temperatures, higher air permeability). LM4 is 100% woven polyester (for higher temperatures, low air permeability). Also called: woven connector, breathable connector, vented connector, porous connector, permeable connector.

A 100% polyester needle-felt bag used to vent hoppers and other closed vessels. Lets air out while keeping dust contained. Also called: breather bag, breather, vent bag, filter bag, dust bag, vent sock, air sock, filter sock.

A flame-retardant cover fitted over a connector, typically for overpressure or potentially explosive applications, to reduce fire risk. Also called: flame cover, flame-retardant cover, fire cover, safety cover, explosion cover.

An all-black polypropylene-fibre cover that blocks light, for light-sensitive products and applications. Also called: blackout cover, light cover, light-blocking cover, UV cover, dark cover.

A port seal often used on closed vessels where product flow visibility is required (as a viewing window) or can be used as a ‘blind plug’ to close off parts of equipment to prevent dust emission when not in use or during CIP processes. Also used as an easy way to access product flow for sampling or inspection. Also called: sight glass, viewing port, end cap, cover cap, sealing cap, stopper, cap.

A container (made from Seeflex 040E) mainly used on sifter outlets to catch sifter overs or rejects – allows visibility of the contents and monitoring of fill level. Often lined with plastic bags for easy removal/disposal. Also called: blanking sock, sifter overs bin, blanking boot. reject bin.

A connector system for loading bulk bags (FIBCs / "big bags") with product. Features an inflatable bladder that pushes out on the neck of the bulk bag holding it securely in place during loading and preventing dust leakage. Also called: BBL, bulk bag loader, bag loading head, FIBC connector, big bag connector, bulk bag spout, bag loader, filling head.

Optional rings (steel or plastic) fitted into a connector to help keep the aperture open during compression or under vacuum. Also help reinforce connector walls under positive pressure to avoid expansion. Also called: support rings, reinforcement rings, internal rings, vacuum rings, pressure rings.

A connector with different diameters at each end, used to transition between two different sized spigots. Also used as smaller intermediary hoppers. Also called: cone, taper, hopper, transition, transition piece.

A connector option with a significantly firmer snap-band that makes it virtually impossible to remove by hand, requiring a specially shaped tool inserted through a hole (the TR hole) in the top ridge of the spigot. Used where the connector sits close to fast-moving or dangerous parts like rotary valves or rotary knives and accidental removal must be prevented. The access hole comes in a standard or "Smiley-Face" shape. Also called: TR, tool-release option, tool-release connector, locking connector, security release, TR hole.

The physical tool that is inserted through a TR hole in a BFM spigot to release the much firmer TR cuffs to enable removal of the connector.

An add-on that upgrades a Tool Release setup: a small piece of tubing (the Lock-Out Tube) is welded over the spigot’s TR hole, and a standard padlock passes through it. With the padlock fitted, nothing can be inserted into the TR hole, so only staff with the key or padlock combination can release the connector. It stops people improvising tools to get at the TR hole. Also called: TR lock-out, lock-out tube, padlock lock-out, lockout system, TR safety lock, TR lock out tube.

A safety/monitoring add-on for Seeflex connectors that detects when a connector is removed. Pressurised air is fed between the connector cuff and the spigot; air-line sensors respond the instant that outward pressure is released when the cuff is pushed inwards and will trigger an alarm and/or shut off moving equipment below. Useful where hands could reach dangerous moving parts (rotary valves, rotary knives), and it can also confirm that every connector across a plant is correctly seated. Available in IP65 and ATEX-certified versions. Also called: pneumatic monitoring, air monitoring system, connector removal sensor, positional sensor, removal alarm, presence detection.

A screw-in port built into the side wall of a Seeflex 040E or 060ES connector: a polyurethane threaded port hole with a stainless-steel screw-in plug. It gives quick, clean access to the product flow (for metal-detector drop-ball testing, product sampling, or adding small amounts of an ingredient) without needing to remove the connector, so there’s no spillage or interruption. ATEX certified provided the stainless plug is earthed. Also called: access port, sample port, sampling port, screw port, drop-ball port, test port, inspection port, test ball port.

The general category BFM® supersedes: a flexible sleeve secured at each end by a clamp of any type tightened around the outside of a pipe end. Prone to leaking, slow to change, and can pull loose or fail under pressure. Also called: clamped connector, hose-clamp connector, traditional connector, conventional connector, old-style connector, clamp-on sleeve.

A metal band tightened with a screw to squeeze a sleeve onto the outside of a pipe. The most common traditional fastening method, and the main thing BFM®’s snap-fit replaces. Also called: worm-drive clamp, worm-gear clamp, jubilee clip / jubilee clamp (Jubilee® is a UK brand name), gear clamp, screw clamp, band clamp, hose clip.

A hygienic clamp connection common in food, dairy and pharma pipework: two flanged ferrules with a gasket between them, held together by a hinged clamp. Used to join rigid sections; customers moving from sanitary pipework often search for a flexible version of this. Also called: tri-clover, Tri-Clover®, sanitary clamp, TC clamp / TC fitting, sanitary fitting, tri-clamp fitting, clamp fitting.

Flexible connectors that have rigid, drilled metal or plastic flanges on either end. These bolt directly to the flanged ends of the fixed equipment, sandwiching a gasket between them. Also called: flanged fittings, flanged connectors

The space left between the two BFM® spigots when they’re welded into the line. It always needs to be slightly shorter than the connector length, so the connector sits under slight tension and seals correctly. Getting the IG right is the single most important part of installation. Also called: IG, gap, spigot gap, the gap, fitting gap.

BFM®’s tool for working out the correct installation gap and connector length/spigot length for a prospective installation position. Available online or as a downloadable app for use on a mobile device in the field. Also called: IG calculator, gap calculator, BFM calculator, installation calculator, sizing tool.

The length of the flexible connector itself, excluding the cuff sections. The installation gap is always set slightly shorter than this figure. Also called: CL, connector size, length.

The nominal bore size of the connector and spigots. BFM® diameters run from Ø100mm (4") up to Ø 1,650mm (65") in 50mm (2") increments (including a Ø 125mm (5") option). Also called: Ø, bore, spigot size, connector diameter.

The straight portion of the spigot (about 52mm / 2" of the standard 89mm length) that can be cut down (to the base of the ‘head’), or cut on an angle, to match your existing pipework before welding. Also called: spigot tail, stub, weld tail, offcut.

The wider end portion of the spigot with the two ridges (about 37mm / 1 ²⁹/₆₄ in total) where the connector cuffs get seated inside. This part of the spigot cannot be cut or reshaped in any way.

Describes how the two pieces of equipment/pipework move relative to each other. The standard IG calculator covers horizontal movement; vertical movement (for example compression on a filling head) needs additional adjustment when calculating IG. Also called: lateral movement, axial movement, side-to-side / up-and-down movement.

An application where one end of the connected equipment moves vertically up and down, compressing the connector as it lowers. Typical on bag feeders, filling heads and bulk bag fillers. The Flexi range is specifically built for this. Also called: vertical compression, telescoping movement.

Screening equipment that separates product by particle size, with constant movement that stresses flexible connections and causes leaks or failure in clamped systems. One of the most common BFM® applications. Also called: sifter, sieve, screener, separator, vibrating screen, gyratory sifter, vibratory sifter. oscillating sifter, screen, rotary screen, rotary sifter.

Inline detectors that check product for metal contamination. A challenging spot for traditional connectors because metal parts (like clamps) can’t sit close to the detector head. Longer BFM® connectors (often with plastic support rings) are often used in these as they are easy to feed through the metal detector, and fast and easy to remove for cleaning. Also called: metal detector, metal detection, in-line detector, contaminant detection, ferrous detector.

Cleaning pipework and inline fittings without dismantling them, usually by flushing through cleaning chemicals. The connector must handle the chemicals and stay sealed. Also called: clean-in-place, clean in place, in-place cleaning, flushing, wash-down, cleaning cycle, cleaning process, chemical cleaning, sanitation cycle.

Operating with positive internal pressure, where the main challenge is keeping product and dust contained without the connector leaking or failing. BFM® connectors seal tighter as pressure rises. Adding rings also helps increase operating pressure resistance. Also called: positive pressure, overpressure, pressurised, internal pressure, air conveying, pneumatic conveying.

Operating under negative pressure, often used to stop product escaping. The connector still has to seal properly so it isn’t ‘sucked ‘inwards. Rings are often used for longer connectors or those subject to higher vacuum as this helps keep the connector walls open to allow product flow. TR cuffs are also recommended under higher vacuum to help with pressure resistance. Also called: negative pressure, suction, under vacuum, vacuum conveying, pneumatic suction, suction conveying, air conveying.

The static charge that can develop as dry powders move through a process. Static-dissipative connectors reduce the risk of electrostatic spark discharge (ESD), which can ignite a combustible dust explosion. Also called: static, static build-up, electrostatic discharge, ESD, static dissipation, anti-static, earthing / grounding (the methods used to manage it), tribocharge

A processing environment where airborne dust or gas could ignite. One of the biggest safety concerns in dry bulk processing that drives the choice of static-dissipative materials, Kevlar covers, and earthed connectors like Flexi-Earthed. Double-layer connector set-ups are another way to mitigate wider ATEX risk. Also called: explosive atmosphere, ATEX zone, hazardous area, dust explosion risk, Ex zone, IECEx. NFPA, dust hazard area, dust explosion area, gas zone, gas explosion zone, gas hazard area.

The European framework governing equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres (the name comes from the French for "explosive atmospheres"). BFM® holds an ATEX Declaration of Compliance plus independent IBExU reports covering use of its connectors in these environments. Also called: ATEX certified, ATEX rated, ATEX zone compliance, explosion compliance, Ex rating.

A US sanitary standard for equipment used in food and dairy processing. BFM® holds 3-A certification for both its plastic connector materials and its connector-and-spigot fittings. Also called: 3A, 3-A Sanitary Standards, sanitary standard, dairy standard.

The US Food and Drug Administration. FDA compliance means a material is approved for food and pharmaceutical use under US regulations. The FDA will only issue a compliance certificate for products manufactured in the USA. Also called: FDA approved, FDA compliant, food-contact approval.

The US Department of Agriculture. BFM® holds a USDA Equipment Acceptance Certificate confirming Seeflex is accepted for dairy processing. Also called: USDA accepted, USDA approved, dairy acceptance, USDA certified, USDA EAC.

The core European regulations for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. EC 1935/2004 sets the general requirement; EU 10/2011 covers plastics specifically. BFM® issues a Declaration of Compliance for both. Also called: EC compliance, EU food contact regulation, 1935/2004, 10/2011, food-grade compliance, EU food-contact.

A general term meaning a material is safe and approved for contact with food. For BFM® this is backed by the specific standards above (3-A, FDA, USDA, EC). Also called: food safe, food-contact safe, food-quality, food contact

A signed statement from the manufacturer confirming a product meets a given regulation. BFM® issues these for ATEX, EU food-contact regulations, and other standards. Also called: DoC, declaration of conformity, compliance declaration, certificate of compliance.

The document listing a material’s safety, handling and composition information. BFM® publishes one per connector material, in EU and GHS formats. Also called: SDS, safety data sheet, MSDS, data sheet.

Religious dietary approvals confirming a product is acceptable for halal food production. BFM® connectors has halal approval. Also called: halal approved, halal certified

Religious dietary approvals confirming a product is acceptable for kosher food production. BFM® connectors hold kosher approval, which also covers Passover). Also called: kosher certified, certificate of kashrut.

IECEx is a global certification system that verifies equipment meets strict safety standards for hazardous and explosive environments. While IECEx is a voluntary international standard, its rigorous testing and engineering criteria are fundamentally identical to the legally mandated European ATEX directive. Because BFM® equipment is fully ATEX certified, it is engineered to the highest global safety thresholds aligned with IECEx standards.

A measure of how readily a material lets static charge flow across its surface, used to judge whether a connector is suitable for explosive-dust environments. Lower resistivity means charge dissipates rather than building up. Teflex NP Black, for example, offers a surface resistivity around 10⁶ vs silicone which rates around 1015. Also called: static dissipative, anti-static rating, conductivity, surface resistance, ESD rating, low resistivity.

A measure of how much air passes through a connector material, the key spec for breathable / woven connectors like LM3, LM4 and the FM1 Breather. Higher permeability means more venting; quoted in cm³/cm²/sec or ft³/ft²/min. Also called: breathability, porosity, air flow rate, venting rate, volume flow rate, air volume flow rate.

The average roughness of a surface, relevant for hygienic stainless steel where a smoother finish (lower Ra) resists product build-up and is easier to clean – essential in dairy processing. BFM® publishes an Ra certificate for its stainless spigots. Also called: surface finish, roughness average, surface roughness, polish level, finish, 2b equivalent.

The independent German institute that tests and reports on the electrostatic and explosion properties of BFM® connectors, underpinning the ATEX claims. Also called: IBExU Institute, IBExU report, the test institute.

A company appointed by BFM® to sell, stock and support BFM® products in a given market, with the training to recommend the right solution for a customer’s application. BFM® works through a network of 50+ authorized distributors worldwide, and they’re the usual route to buy. Also called: authorized distributor, BFM® distributor, approved distributor, local distributor, appointed distributor.

A reseller that holds a direct relationship with BFM® and is approved to sell genuine BFM® products.

An Original Equipment Manufacturer that builds BFM® spigots and connectors into the machinery it manufactures, so the equipment ships BFM®-ready. A formal partnership rather than a sales channel. Also called: OEM, OEM partnership, equipment manufacturer partner, machine builder partner.