BFM® Fittings – Safety and Protection for Product, Personnel, and Process

Whether it’s personnel safety, product protection, or process stability – a BFM® fitting offers a well-thought-out safety concept that goes far beyond conventional connection systems. With mechanical, sensor-based, and design-integrated safety features, you can reliably and compliantly protect people, machinery, and products.

Mechanical Safety: Access Protection Where It Matters

• BFM® "TR" (Tool Release): The reinforced clamping ring in the seal ensures that the connection can only be opened with a special tool – providing access protection for critical hazard areas in compliance with the Machinery Directive.
• WALTER Safe: This mechanical lockout device prevents unintended access to the BFM® connector, going a step further than the "TR" version, which only prevents the connection from being opened.
• WALTER Singlelock: Inductive sensors detect the correct positioning of the fitting and allow integration into control systems with Performance Level D. While this does not prevent physical access to the connection and underlying parts, the electronic signal can neutralise the hazard area (e.g., emergency stop).

System Tightness: Pressure-Resistant and ATEX-Certified

• The patented BFM® seal improves its sealing capability as internal pressure increases – verified through various tests and certified according to applicable ATEX guidelines.
• Significantly reduced dust emissions at connection points lower the risk of secondary explosions, improve the working environment, and reduce PPE requirements.

Product Safety: Clean, Crevice-Free, Traceable

• The nearly crevice-free design prevents product build-up – a real advantage for hygiene and in avoiding cross-contamination.
• Fixed lengths and diameters of BFM® fittings eliminate cutting errors, ensuring consistently high sealing quality and preventing installation mistakes.
• Clear labelling allows safe identification even when installed – particularly important at safety-critical points.

Full Documentation – Ensuring Secure Audits
Every BFM® fitting is fully traceable, including certifications and declarations of conformity. This significantly simplifies and clarifies both internal and external audits – a clear advantage in safety-sensitive industries.

Even Special Solutions Like the Inflatable Connector Are Securely Integrated
Even special components such as the inflatable connector integrate seamlessly into the safety concept. Reliable sealing during big bag filling, both at the BFM® seal and at the inflatable seal, protects not only the product but also the operating personnel from dust and uncontrolled material discharge.

For safety-critical applications, WALTER has developed additional components that specifically enhance the BFM® fitting with tamper protection, monitoring, and mechanical safeguarding. These solutions meet the highest standards for occupational safety, process control, and ATEX compliance – ideal for sensitive areas in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Tool Release “Smiley” – Protection Against Unauthorised Opening

The “Smiley” special version is equipped with a reinforced clamping ring that can only be opened using a special "TR" tool. This prevents unintended or unauthorised disconnection of the connector – a decisive advantage, particularly in hazardous areas.

WALTER Safe – Mechanical Lockout with Visual Inspection

As a separating protective device in accordance with the Machinery Directive, WALTER Safe prevents direct access to moving or hazardous machine parts above or below the BFM® connector. Quickly installed without welding, WALTER Safe then completely prevents any unwanted access to the BFM® connector beneath it. Optional sensors (inductive switches) can be integrated for double safety and external electronic monitoring.

WALTER Singlelock – Electronic Monitoring with Signalling Function

The WALTER Singlelock check verifies the correct positioning of the BFM® connector in the socket and sends a corresponding electronic signal to the machine control system. Ideal for systems where safety is non-negotiable – compatible with all BFM® connector materials.

In processes involving high pressure, explosive atmospheres, or heavy mechanical loads, standard connectors reach their limits. For such applications, we offer specially adapted special versions:

Seeflex 060ES – The Extremely Pressure-Resistant Connector Variant

This fabric-reinforced version of the classic BFM® Seeflex connector combines the chemical resistance of the proven Seeflex material with an internal stabilising polyester mesh. The result: high pressure resistance (up to 1.7 bar), even at temperatures up to 120 °C. Ideal for static or low-vibration applications where safety and material stability are the top priorities.

Kevlar Cover – External Protection Against Flames and Pressure Surges

The Kevlar protective cover is simply pulled over the BFM® fitting and protects the connector during explosion-prone processes from uncontrolled expansion or flame escape. The cover, made from certified flame-retardant material, can be installed and removed without tools – perfect for systems requiring frequent maintenance.

Support Rings – Shape Stability Under Vacuum/Overpressure or Heavy Movement

In applications with strong vacuum or overpressure, or vertical or horizontal movement, support rings made of stainless steel or plastic provide additional internal stability. They ensure unobstructed product flow while reducing product contact with the wall of the BFM® connector: less product build-up, longer service life!

Safety Inside and Out – For Your Entire BFM® System

The flexible connection point must, by necessity, remain the weakest point in your production process due to the flexibility required (apart from other defined weak points such as rupture discs). However, with BFM®, it becomes the strongest flexible connection point possible!