Tri-Clamp Fittings and Sanitary Connections
Quick reference guide for tri-clamp (tri-clover) fitting sizes and specifications used in brewing, distilling, and food processing.
Tri-Clamp Size Reference Table
Clamp sizes are nominal and refer to the tube outer diameter (OD). Use this chart to match your equipment connections and determine compatibility.
| Clamp Size | Tube Outer Diameter (A) | Flange Outer Diameter (B) | Tube Inner Diameter (C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¾" | ½" | 0.984" | 0.37" |
| ¾" | ¾" | 0.984" | 0.62" |
| 1.5" | 1" | 1.984" | 0.87" |
| 1.5" | 1.5" | 1.984" | 1.37" |
| 2" | 2" | 2.516" | 1.87" |
| 2.5" | 2.5" | 3.047" | 2.37" |
| 3" | 3" | 3.579" | 2.87" |
| 4" | 4" | 4.682" | 3.83" |
| 6" | 6" | 6.570" | 5.78" |
| 8" | 8" | 8.570" | 7.78" |
| 10" | 10" | 10.570" | 9.73" |
| 12" | 12" | 12.570" | 11.81" |
Note: Measurements are in inches. Tube OD (A) refers to the outside diameter of the tubing. Flange OD (B) is the total diameter of the tri-clamp ferrule. Tube ID (C) is the inner diameter, which determines flow capacity.
Tri-Clamp Solid End Cap Dimensions
Solid end caps are used to blank off tri-clamp connections. Measure dimension A (wall thickness) and B (outer flange diameter) to identify the correct size.
TC Solid End Cap - Measurement Points
| Tri-clamp Size | A (Wall Thickness) | B (Flange OD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 0.187" | 0.99" |
| 3/4" | 0.187" | 0.99" |
| 1" & 1-1/2" | 0.250" | 1.98" |
| 2" | 0.250" | 2.52" |
| 2-1/2" | 0.250" | 3.05" |
| 3" | 0.250" | 3.58" |
| 4" | 0.312" | 4.68" |
| 6" | 0.437" | 6.56" |
Tri-Clamp (Clamp Only) Dimensions
This table shows the outer diameter measurement (A) for tri-clamp clamps themselves. Useful for identifying loose clamps when you don't have the ferrules present.
TC Clamp - Measurement Point
| Tri-clamp Size | A (Outer Diameter) |
|---|---|
| 1/2" & 3/4" | 1.062" |
| 1" & 1-1/2" | 2.122" |
| 2" | 2.654" |
| 2-1/2" | 3.185" |
| 3" | 3.727" |
| 4" | 4.820" |
| 6" | 6.695" |
What Are Tri-Clamp Fittings?
Ferrules
Stainless steel flanges available in 304 and 316L stainless. Weld-on ferrules for permanent installation or threaded ferrules for adaptability.
- Standard weld ferrules
- Threaded pipe adapters
- Tube adapters
- Reducer ferrules
Gaskets
Food-grade gaskets in multiple materials for different applications and temperature ranges.
- Silicone (most common for brewing/distilling)
- EPDM (economical, good chemical resistance)
- Viton (high temperature, solvent resistant)
- PTFE (extreme chemical resistance)
Clamps
Stainless steel clamps in single-pin (standard) and three-segment (high-pressure) configurations.
- Single-pin (bolted) clamps
- Three-segment (heavy-duty) clamps
- Quick-release lever clamps
- Double-pin clamps for high pressure
Specialty Fittings
Elbows, tees, crosses, and other configurations for building custom process piping systems.
- 90° and 45° elbows
- Tees and crosses
- Caps and blanks
- Sight glasses
How to Choose the Right Tri-Clamp Size
Selecting the correct tri-clamp size depends on your flow requirements and equipment connections:
Small Format (½" - 1.5")
Ideal for sample ports, small pumps, sight glasses, and low-flow applications. Common in homebrew setups and pilot systems.
Medium Format (2" - 3")
The workhorse sizes for most craft brewery and distillery applications. Used for main process lines, pump connections, and tank ports on small to mid-size vessels.
Large Format (4" - 12")
High-volume transfer applications, large tank connections, and production brewery systems. Essential for minimizing transfer times on big batches.
Pro Tip: Match your tri-clamp size to your pump size for optimal flow. Under-sizing connections creates flow restrictions and reduces pump efficiency.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
- Inspect gaskets before each use - Replace any gaskets that are torn, compressed, or show signs of wear
- Center the gasket - Ensure the gasket is properly seated between both ferrules before tightening the clamp
- Tighten evenly - For bolted clamps, alternate tightening on opposite sides to ensure even pressure
- Don't over-tighten - Finger-tight plus a quarter turn is usually sufficient for smaller sizes
- Use the right gasket material - Silicone works for most beverage applications, but high-temp or chemical processes may require Viton or PTFE
- Keep spare gaskets on hand - They're inexpensive and prevent downtime when you need to break a connection
- Clean and inspect ferrule sealing surfaces - Scratches, dents, or residue can prevent proper sealing
Need Tri-Clamp Components?
GW Kent stocks tri-clamp ferrules, gaskets, clamps, and specialty fittings in common sizes for breweries, distilleries, and food processing operations.