Are you a brewer? You will know the importance of a well-sanitised brewing process. Most of us have experienced the frustration of a contaminated batch of beer. In the case of commercial brewing, this might result in considerable financial losses in terms of resources and time.

So, how to ensure that the fittings in your beer-making process are as hygienic and safe as possible? A good quality Tri Clover setup will get you there. Read on to discover more about tri-clamp fittings and their role in the art of brewing.

Defining the Tri-clamp Assembly

Tri clover, also known as tri-clamp cover fittings, can be described as sanitary fittings that are used to make a sanitary connection in a process environment. Tri-clamp fittings are designed with four primary components – two ferrules or flange ends, a clamp, and a gasket. These elements working together create a leak-proof seal. Being a sanitary fitting, tri-clover fittings provide a safe and secure solution to any food-grade required connection set-up.

The Tri Clover Fitting Connection Set Up

Opposite each tri clover flange end there are different ends that allow for different tri clover design configurations e.g. bends, extensions, and for connecting to threaded pipe ends and hoses.
A gasket sits between two tri clover flange ends.
These elements are held firmly together using a clamp, which when tightened, establishes the seal.

Your Guide to Choose the Right Tri-Clover Gasket

As a professional brewer, choosing the appropriate gasket material in the tri-clamp clover union is important. There are different types of gasket material that need to be considered, among others:

Silicone gaskets are a commonly used gasket material that is food grade rated, resistant to ethanol, and has a wide operating temperature range.
EPDM gaskets – These gaskets are latex-free and can withstand high temperatures. They also have good resistance against ethanol and nitric acid.
PTFE Gaskets – An ideal choice during highly corrosive environments. They are best applied in stable temperature conditions.

Benefits of Tri Clover Fittings

A summary of the benefits of using TC’s follow:

Sanitary connection – Tri-clamp cover gives you a hygienic connection between various components in the brewing system. Designed for sturdy and leak-free connecting. They prevent contamination and ensure high product quality. Machined standards should meet an Internal Roughness av (Ra) measure of <0.4 -0.8 µm and have an electro and mechanically polished finish.
Easy connecting — Tri-clamp fittings are built for easy assembly and disassembly. This is highly beneficial in brewing operations, where the equipment must be cleaned often, reconfigured, and maintained over time.
Versatile applications – Tri-clamp clover fittings come in various sizes, allowing professionals to connect different components with ease. Whether you need to connect hoses and pipes or pumps or valves, these tri-clover fittings make for versatile and standardised solutions.
Leak-proof - The design of the clamp cover incorporates a gasket. When the component is properly secured with the clamp, the gasket will create a secure and leak-proof seal. It is important in brewing to prevent any loss of valuable ingredients while maintaining the integrity of the process.
Compatibility—Using tri-clover clamps makes it easy for brewers to comply with industry standards and regulations.
Durability—Tri-clamp fittings are usually made of stainless steel, which is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion.
Aesthetics—Tri-clover fittings boost the overall appearance of a brewing system. Their sleek and polished design makes them not only super-functional but also adds value to their visual appeal. Brewing aesthetics promote marketing and enhance customer experience.

Final Words

Brewing is an art that demands the right equipment to ensure consistent and great results, delivering a great product with concomitant returns. If you are looking for Tri clovers for your brewery, look no further than Pacific Fittings (Camlock Fittings)!

At Pacific Fittings, we stock a wide range of tri-clamp fittings that will suit your brewing needs. With extensive experience and supply connections, we have established ourselves as a leading name in the market. Our products stand out for their excellent quality and reliability, together with a competitive pricing structure that resonates well with the industry.

Looking for a tri-clamp fitting to complement your brewing? Connect with us today!