Sanitary Fittings
Tri-Clamp Sanitary Fittings are used in the Food & Beverage industry, Particularly as Brewery Fittings by Wineries and Breweries. A Winery, Dairy or Brewery will use these polished stainless steel sanitary fittings to make a Sanitary Connection that is secure, easy to clean and leak proof. Sanitary Tri-Clamp Fittings are designed to be "cleaned in place" (CIP), and can easily be taken apart for additional Cleaning. Originally titled Tri-Clover Sanitary Fittings based off the branded name, they have also become very popular as Home Brewing Fittings. These Sanitary Pipe Fittings also known as Sanitary Tube Fittings, include Tri-Clamp Ball Valves completing the Brewers Hardware required to Pipe your process. If you want stainless brewery fittings, we have all the Brew Hardware you need.
Scroll down for more information on How to size a Tri-Clamp fitting- Click here for for more information on how to make a Tri-Clover Connection
Tri-Clamp Fittings
To make a sanitary connection three things are needed: Two Tri-Clover Sanitary Fittings, One Tri-Clamp and a Gasket. These Brew Fittings complete your Brewing Hardware and are easy to assemble and disassemble for quick cleaning.
Threaded Tri-Clamps
To make a sanitary connection three things are needed: Two Tri-Clover Sanitary Fittings, One Tri-Clamp and a Gasket. These Brew Fittings complete your Brewing Hardware and are easy to assemble and disassemble for quick cleaning.
How to Size a Tri-Clover/Tri-Clamp Fitting.
Have you ever wondered how to determin Tri-Clamp size or how to measure a Tri-Clamp fitting? The sizing is based on the outside diameter (OD) of the tube and not on the outside diameter (OD) of the flange end itself. Therefore it is important to note that the OD of the flange end (Or Ferrule Face) does not determine the fitting Size. The OD of the flange end is about ½” wider than the OD of the tubing. Size is based on the Tube OD and not on the Flange OD. For Example a 1.5” Tri-Clover Fitting has a 1.5” OD on the Tube, even though the Flange OD is closer to 2”.
For the most part the only measurement you will require is the outside diameter of the tube, this will be the same as the size of the Tri-Clamp you will require. For example if your tube OD is 1.5", then you will require a 1.5" tri-clamp fitting. The OD of the actual Tri-Clamp Flange/Ferrule will be about 1/2" larger than the Tube OD. (see sizing chart below). The ID of the Tube will be about 0.13" smaller than the Tube OD. (This is due to the wall thickness.)
The 1/2" and 3/4" Tri Clamp fittings have the same flange end size of almost 1” (0.984”). This may cause one to think these are the 1” size. Likewise the 1" and 1.5" fittings both have a flange end of almost 2” (1.984"). Again this may cause one to think these are the 2” size. Furthermore the ½” and ¾” both use a ¾” Clamp. Similarly the 1” and the 1.5” both use a 1.5” Clamp. For Clarification see the Tri-Clamp Sizing Guide table below for Clamp size compared to the actual flange end size.
How to Size a Tri-Clamp Fitting Chart.
1) Tri-Clamp Size & also Tube Size (OD) | 3) TC Flange Diameter Size (OD) | 2) Pipe Inside Diameter (ID) |
1/2" & 3/4" | 0.984" | 0.87" |
1" & 1.5" | 1.984" | 1.37" |
2" | 2.516" | 1.87" |
2.5" | 3.047" | 2.37" |
3" | 3.579" | 2.87" |
4" | 4.682" | 3.834" |
6” | 6.570” | 5.782" |
Although the ½” and ¾” will connect with each other as will the 1” and 1.5”, it is important to note that their ID (Internal diameter) will differ. The ID of the ¾” is wider than the ½” and the ID of the 1.5” is wider than the 1”. So it is up to the user to decide if mixing and matching sizes will be suitable for your application. In many cases this could save money and allow you to conveniently jump tube sizes however it could also affect flow, draining and cleaning in a way that may not suit your particular application.
The most popular size used by breweries and for home brewing is the 1” and 1.5” sizes. Since they both have the same flange end size, they can interconnect with each other. For example a 1.5” Tri-Clamp Ball valve will connect with a 1”Ferrule.
Diagram Showing how to make a Tri-Clover Connection.
