Tri-clamp fittings, also known as tri-clover fittings, are an essential component in sectors where gas and liquid need to move, uninterrupted, through applications and piping systems.
Preventing leaks and contaminants from entering applications, these fittings provide a robust and secure seal between two mating surfaces and connecting parts.
In this post, we examine tri-clamp fittings in more detail, including their benefits and applications for use.
What are tri-clamp fittings?
Tri-clamp fittings are ring-type joints that are simple in their design and assembly yet incredibly effective.
Providing a secure, leak-proof connection between pipes and ensuring the integrity of the environment, tri-clamp fittings are used to connect different process lines with varying sizes and end-point connections to ensure continuous flow.
Tri-clamp fittings are made up of three elements:
A flexible gasket – the primary sealing element that sits between the ferrule and the adjoining surface. Typically, these gasket materials are EPDM, Viton, or silicone, ensuring flexibility as they are resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and microbial growth. The gasket’s ultimate purpose is to provide a tight seal in order to prevent leaks.
A clamp compresses the gasket to provide a tight and secure seal. Made from stainless steel, the clamps help with quick assembly and disassembly, and they are robust and incredibly reliable, even under high-pressure conditions.
Ferrules (metal rings/collars) – the interface for the fittings. Ferrules are circular in shape with tapered ends that attach to the pipe. There are various sizes available to meet different piping requirements. They often come as stainless steel components, making them durable and resistant to corrosion.
Note: The gasket and ferrules must be correctly aligned with each other, sitting within the groove of the clamp, to ensure the continuity of the piping system in question. The clamp then fits around the metal rings (ferrules), also encompassing the gasket, and is tightened and secured in place.
Understanding tri-clamp fittings
As part of the tri-clamp fitting, the gasket sits between the two metal rings and will act as the sealing agent; the gasket prevents leaks from occurring.
The clamp element is then placed around the ferrule and gasket, applying pressure and compression to create the seal with no visible gaps, space, or air pockets.
They are available as a single hinge (2-segment) and a double hinge (3-segment) component, with the double hinge often chosen because it is more heavy-duty and suitable for tight spaces
Tri-clamp fittings are suitable for:
- Brewing and distilling industry
- Biotechnology
- Dairy sector
With various tri-clamp fittings available, it’s important that you choose the one that is most suitable for your application.
Note: The size you require is determined by the outer diameter of the piping tube, NOT the outside diameter of the flange.
Benefits of tri-clamp fittings
- They are easy to assemble and disassemble, which is a significant benefit where cleanliness and equipment hygiene are required. This also makes it easy to maintain, with less maintenance required compared to other ring joint gaskets.
- Due to their composition, tri-clamp fittings are hygienic, helping to maintain the quality and the purity of the element/product contained within the application and reducing the risk of contamination.
- In addition, their smooth surface drastically reduces areas where bacteria could build, hence increasing their hygienic qualities and offering improved sanitation.
- Its universal design makes the tri-clamp suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Versatile – it can sustain fluctuating temperature ranges and exposure to chemicals.
- Durable – tri-clamp fittings are hard-wearing, so they will stand the test of time, providing you with longevity and, as a result, cost savings.
- Resistant to corrosion (this is particularly important in the specific sectors (mentioned above) where a range of chemicals are used)
- Can maintain consistent pressure and flow due to the flexible nature of the gasket material.
What is a tri-clamp fitting – Types
There are different tri-clamp fittings available, such as:
Tri-clamp elbows – used if directional changes are required.
Tri-clamp tees – used to branch off process lines, changing the flow in different directions.
Reducers – used to connect pipes of varying diameters.
Sight glasses – used to provide a visual of the flow for inspection purposes.
RTI – Ring Type Joints
Tri-clamp fittings are indispensable components that help to prioritise safety and quality.
Serving an extremely important purpose in specific sectors, tri-clamp fittings are a vital component.
At Specialist Sealing Products, all of our gaskets and seals are quality assured and tested to provide you with complete peace of mind.
We offer a range of sealing solutions, with tri-clamp fittings in particular, in various sizes and material types to best match your specific application requirements.
To find out more and if you have further questions, we’d be happy to help.
Contact us on 01535 274 776.
