Piping and valves are connected to stainless steel containers and related equipment when water or raw materials are fed into them. These connections use “joints” such as threaded fittings, flanges, and ferrules.
We will introduce their applications, types in this article, and we will also introduce the related products of “Tri-clamp ferrules” which are used in processes that require a more hygienic environment.
What you'll know from this article:
1.How tri-clamp ferrule works and how it is used
2. Various standards of tri-clamp ferrule
3. Basic knowledge of tri-clamp ferrule and its connecting joints
What is Tri-clamp Ferrule?
Ferrule is a fitting which is easy to assemble and disassemble and easy to clean.
It is also called “sanitary piping” or “sanitary fitting”.
How the Tri-clamp Ferrule Works
Ferrule has a groove in the connection and holds the cruciform shaped gasket between them. It can be fastened with a clamp band.
Tightening and loosening can be done easily by hand without tools.
Uses of Tri-clamp Ferrule
Because tri-clamp ferrule can be assembled and disassembled without tools, so it is often used for parts that are frequently removed for cleaning.
Tri-clamp ferrule's pipes are free of irregularities and have excellent cleaning properties, and it is difficult to get liquid remained, which reduced the risk of foreign matter and bacteria from invading.
For those characteristics, they are mainly used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products for sanitary products.
Ferrule can also be used for low pressure and low vacuum applications.
What does "Sanitary" refer to?
The word “Sanitary” in the field of stainless steel is often used to refer to the meaning of “hygienic and clean”.
Nitto-Kinzoku calls the specifications that improve detergency and prevent contamination with foreign substances “sanitary type containers”, such as containers that are made easy to wash by eliminating irregularities and corners, and products that eliminated all the gaps where tend to collect dirt or foreign matters.
Supporting part of Tri-clamp Ferrule
Supporting parts required when using Tri-clamp ferrules are listed below.
Gasket
Depending on the shape and size of the ferrule, there are different types of gaskets such as cruciform shape, brim shape and net shape.
At Nitto Kinzoku, white silicone gaskets are the standard type gasket, but we can also provide PTFE, fluororubber, EPDM, NBR, and other materials to fit the contents and applications you need.
Colored or metal gaskets are also available.
Clamp
At Nitto Kinzoku, we mainly use SCS 13 (cast steel equivalent to SUS 304)-made clamp.
It has high strength so that it can be used for pressurized containers.
The shape and segments differs depending on the manufacturer and ferrule size.
Types of ferrules
There are a variety of shapes for the ferrule fittings.
You can choose the best material and shape fit to your environment and use.
Ferrules for welding
To attach the ferrule to the container by welding.
Pipe with one ferrule
One side is ferrule and the other side is straight stainless pipe. It can be attached to the tank by welding.
Pipe with double side ferrules
Used as an connection fitting between 2 ferrules. To convert the size, pipe with 2 different ferrule sizes on both ends is also available.
Elbow pipe
Used to make bend of flow path, such as to connect a lower outlet vessel to a side pipe.
T-Fitting type pipe
Used to branch the flow path from one direction to two directions.
Ferrule cap
Used for closing the ends, such as when the ferrule is not connected to pipes or parts.
Socket type joint
A fitting that converts a nipple into a ferrule. Used for pressure gauges for threaded fittings.
Nipple joint
A fitting that converts a socket into a tri-clamp ferrule. Used for ball valves with threaded fittings.
Flange joint
Used to convert the tri-clamp fitting to flange joint fitting.
Hose Barb
The joint that connects the hose to the tri-clamp ferrule. The hose has an uneven surface to prevent the hose from falling off. For hose made by soft material, you can tighten it with a hose band.
Relating products
Introducing products using Ferrule
Sight glass
A sight glass allows you see the inside of a container. Also, tri-clamp ferrule connection allows you to attach and remove it without tools.
Sight glass with wipers
The wiper can wipe off water drops and dirt inside the glass.
Sight glass with flashlight
By illuminating the inside of the container with a flashlight, you can observe the inside of the container clearly.
Filling hopper
This hopper is attached to a filling machine or container and raw materials are put in.
Eccentric-type filling hopper
Using an eccentric type hopper is less possible to cause “rat holes phenomenon” than a normal hopper.
Square round corner hopper
This square-shaped hopper can make effective use of space.
Powder recylcing /collecting container
By connecting to equipment, you can collect the discharged particles or liquids.
Ferrule type wide mouth bottle
Stainless bottle with excellent airtightness, which is tightened with clamp.
Ferrule open pressure vessel
Pressure vessel with straight shape, easy to clean.
Inlet pipe
Slowly pour the liquid into the container to prevent foaming and splashing.
Simple shutter valve
A shutter valve for powder, which can be attached to hopper or chute.
Wrench socket
Tightening device for the clamp. You can control the tightening torque of the clamp by attaching it to a torque wrench.