Optimize Your Production Process with BFM Fittings
In the process industry, it's all about reliable production, minimizing downtime, and keeping costs under control. Equipment must operate as intended, and malfunctions need to be resolved quickly and easily. That's why more and more companies worldwide are opting for quickly interchangeable BFM fittings. This smart Snap-Fit system replaces traditional sleeves with hose clamps, eliminating leaks, contamination, frequent changes, and long downtimes.
The unique flexible Snap-Fit system
A BFM fitting consists of a flexible connector with snap rings that fit between two stainless-steel adapters welded to the inlet and outlet of your pipework. The best part? No tools, no clamps — just “click and done” in under 30 seconds. The system ensures a perfect fit with a 100% seal — no leaks, no contamination. We make engineering simpler, so you can focus on your process.
Traditional sleeves with hose clamps
The BFM difference
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Where and how BFM fittings are used
BFM fittings for every production process
Wherever bulk materials are moved — from silos to packaging lines — you’ll find BFM fittings. Thanks to the smart Snap-Fit design, they create the perfect transition between fixed and moving parts, such as sieves, vibrating pipes, and metal detectors. They ensure a leak-proof connection that flexes with the process — without clamps or hassle. Whether you’re handling powders, granules, or liquids, the BFM fitting is the new standard for flexible connectors in any production environment where hygiene, safety, and efficiency are top priorities. This keeps your process clean, safe, and running smoothly.
Designed for the toughest conditions
Industrial processes place high demands on flexible connections: vibration, pressure differences, vacuum, high temperatures, and chemical cleaning. The BFM fitting performs reliably under all these conditions. Whether it’s CIP cleaning, vacuum systems, or explosion-risk environments, the unique design holds firm and prevents leakage, downtime, and failures.
Applications across all industries
BFM fittings are used worldwide in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, chemical, and mineral industries. Typical applications include:
- Sieves, vibrating pipes, and mixers where constant movement challenges traditional seals.
- Metal detectors and conveyors where metal-clamp systems often cause disruptions.
- Silos, big bag filling stations, and rotary valves where dust-free operation is critical during filling and discharge of powders or granules.
Adapters
The base of the BFM fitting
The standard BFM adapter is designed with a slightly tapered shape, ensuring a perfect fit on pipes or tubes. Thanks to precise dimensions, the connector provides an airtight seal without the need for hose clamps or fasteners. The adapter is available in high-quality stainless steel (T304L and T316L) or Hastelloy for chemically aggressive environments. This makes it suitable for a variety of processes, from food to chemical industries.
For modular clamp or piping systems
This adapter makes the connection between a BFM system and modular piping systems effortless. The 6 mm raised lip ensures the fitting can be quickly and securely fastened with a clamp, without welding. Perfectly compatible with JACOB and similar brands. This allows easy integration of BFM fittings into existing production lines and saves installation time.
Perfect connection to the Surge Hopper
This adapter is specially designed for the Surge Hopper and features a unique flange with an internally welded weir plate. This allows product to flow smoothly down one side while air is vented in a controlled manner on the other side. Ideal for preventing bridging. The adapter is available in stainless steel T304L or T316L, suitable for intensive applications above or below dosing gates. The precise design ensures the connection remains secure and leak-free.
Enhanced safety for Tool Release sleeves
The TR Lock-Out increases the safety of removing Tool Release sleeves. By placing a small tube over the TR opening, into which a padlock can be inserted, only employees with a key or code can remove the sleeve. This allows controlled and safe maintenance and prevents staff from inserting other tools into the TR opening.
Standard Connectors
Transparent, strong, and versatile
Seeflex sleeves are the most versatile and popular BFM fittings. Made from transparent, wear-resistant polyurethane (ether), they provide excellent flexibility, hygiene, and product visibility. Available in standard, antistatic, and extra-strong versions, suitable for applications in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Ideal for processes with pressure differences, frequent movement, and the need for leak-free connections.
Flexible, lightweight, and ATEX-safe
Flexi sleeves feature an integrated stainless steel coil. They are designed for applications where compression and movement are important, such as bulk bag fillers, filling machines, and bag feeders. Flexi sleeves retain their shape, are mechanically strong, and suitable for both horizontal and vertical movements. Available in standard, lightweight (Flexi-Light), and grounded (Flexi-Earthed) versions for extra flexibility and safety in ATEX environments.
Lightweight, breathable, and antistatic
LM sleeves are lightweight, breathable, and antistatic fittings suitable for low-pressure applications and processes requiring airflow or ventilation. LM3 is flexible and breathable, LM4 is heavier and tear-resistant for intensive industrial conditions. Ideal for minerals, powders, and ATEX-sensitive applications.
Heat- and chemical-resistant
Teflex sleeves are made from heat- and chemical-resistant PTFE (Teflon). They withstand high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and demanding process conditions. Available in black, opaque, and woven versions, ideal for chemical processes, sterile environments, and high-temperature applications.
Combinations and configuration options
Standard BFM sleeves can be enhanced with various options to perfectly match specific process requirements. Important: not every option is available for every standard sleeve. Some variants can, however, be combined, bringing multiple functionalities into a single sleeve. For example, a Seeflex sleeve can be combined with a Tool Release and a Quick Access Port. For clarity, these special versions are grouped under the category “Combinations.”
Safe changeover with minimal risks
Most BFM fittings can be removed without tools, but in installations near rotating or moving parts, this poses risks. The Tool Release (TR) version has a reinforced snap ring that makes manual removal nearly impossible. Only the special TR Tool allows the fitting to be safely removed. This extra protection prevents accidents and complies with Article 7.7 of the Working Conditions Decree. The TR version is ideal for applications near rotary valves, blades, or other fast-moving components.
Perfect fit between different diameters
The conical version ensures optimal connection between different diameters or transition points. The tapered design creates a strong, leak-free connection and prevents product from sticking between fittings. This makes the fitting ideal for discharge points, silo outlets, and transport transitions. The flexibility and durability of the BFM sleeve remain fully intact.
Prevents collapsing under pressure or vacuum
Anti Collapse sleeves feature internal support rings that prevent collapsing or deformation. This is essential for applications under negative pressure or heavy compression, such as silo outlets or transport tubes. The design ensures the sleeve always remains open and provides a stable, leak-free connection. Available with SS (stainless steel) or plastic support rings, depending on application and process conditions.
For CIP processes and frequent cleaning
The Wash Sleeve version is specifically designed for processes with frequent cleaning, such as CIP systems. The material resists cleaning chemicals and prevents leaks during cleaning. The smooth interior makes flushing product residues easy, ensuring a hygienic, safe, and efficient connection in food and pharmaceutical processes. Identified by the light blue “Wash Sleeve” stamp on the sleeve.
Inspection and sampling without removing the sleeve
The Quick Access Port version allows easy access to the product flow or process point. Ideal for inspections, sampling, or maintenance without dismantling the entire system. The system remains fully leak-proof and safe during use, saving time and minimizing production downtime.
Flexible solution for corners, bends, and tight spaces
Corner Connectors are designed for applications where the product flow must follow a 90° angle. Available in 040E and 060ES for light to heavy-duty applications. They ensure smooth, leak-free passage and reduce product buildup in bends or transitions. Thanks to the flexible and durable material, the fitting maintains the same hygiene and reliability as straight sleeves.
Special BFM Fittings for Your Process Line
Secure sealing with BFM Blanking Caps
End caps provide a safe, leak-free closure of pipes or process points that are temporarily out of use. Ideal during maintenance, cleaning, or product changeovers, they prevent dust, air, or product from escaping. Made from durable, pressure-resistant material, they remain securely in place even under vibration or movement, ensuring process safety and hygiene even when parts of the system are idle.
Safe and hygienic product collection
Blanking bins are designed to capture bulk products in a controlled, clean manner during transport, transfer, or maintenance. They fit perfectly to the system, preventing spills, product loss, and contamination. The flexible design ensures stability even with vibrating or moving equipment, keeping your work environment safe, hygienic, and efficient—even during temporary process interruptions.
Control over airflows
Brather bags allow controlled release of air and gas from your system without letting product particles escape. Ideal for silos, big bags, or overflow points where pressure differences occur. The strong, flexible material ensures reliable performance under heavy use, limiting dust, protecting staff, and maintaining production stability.
UV and heat protection with covers
Kevlar and Black Out covers provide extra protection for BFM sleeves. Kevlar is strong and wear-resistant, protecting against mechanical damage, heat, and sharp products. Black Out blocks light and UV radiation, ideal for light-sensitive powders and granules. Using covers extends sleeve life and ensures optimal product quality during transport and processing.
The solution against product build-up
The Surge Hopper is an innovative replacement for traditional steel hoppers. Its conical shape and central divider allow product to flow on one side while air escapes on the other. Transparent Seeflex 040E material provides full visibility of the product flow and makes bridging easy to monitor. Flexible walls facilitate clearing product buildup, and the hopper is easy to remove and clean, ensuring efficient and hygienic handling.
Accurate weighing and precise measurements
The Weighing Bellow provides a flexible, airtight connection between weighing systems and process equipment. Its elastic, wear-resistant material ensures accurate weighing even under vibration or movement. The smooth seal prevents leaks and guarantees hygienic handling of powders or granules, ensuring reliable measurements and consistent product quality.
Fast big bag filling without leaks or contamination
The BFM Bulk Bag Loader is designed for quick and safe filling of big bags without product loss or leakage. The inflatable sleeve ensures a perfect connection and can be installed or removed without tools. The Bulk Bag Loader is foodgrade and ATEX-certified, suitable for both the food industry and explosive environments.
Extra control and security for your process
Pneumatic Monitoring System: continuously monitors air pressure in the BFM system and immediately detects deviations that could affect sealing or product flow, preventing downtime and product loss.
Tool Release Tools: available in standard and Smiley versions for fast and safe TR sleeve replacement, minimizing downtime and maximizing system reliability.
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AkzoNobel reduces dust explosion risk with BFM fittings from Vlint
A former AkzoNobel production site struggled with leaking sleeves and the risk of dust explosions caused by dust buildup. Thanks to Vlint’s BFM fittings, the installation is now dust-tight, safer, and easier to maintain. Read how just one fitting made a big difference in the factory’s production process.