A Tri-Clamp Gasket, also known as a tri-lobe gasket or sanitary gasket, is a type of sealing gasket specifically designed for sanitary connections. Below is a detailed introduction to it:
- **Structural Design**: A Tri-Clamp Gasket is typically used in conjunction with clamp fittings. Its assembly consists of two clamps, one gasket, and two pipe fittings. The gasket is placed between the connecting surfaces of the two pipe fittings, and the clamping force of the clamps compresses the gasket, thereby forming a tight, leak-free sealed connection.
- **Material Types**:
- **EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)**: It has an operating temperature range of -20°F to 300°F (approximately -29°C to 149°C). It offers excellent high-temperature resistance and good tolerance to animal and vegetable oils, ozone, steam, water, and oxygenated solvents. It is suitable for applications involving CIP (Clean-in-Place) disinfectants like Oxonia and ozonated water.
- **FKM/Viton (Fluorocarbon Rubber)**: Its operating temperature range is -30°F to 400°F (approximately -34°C to 204°C). It has higher chemical resistance than most elastomers and excellent compatibility with strong acids. However, it is not recommended for continuous use in SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) procedures.
- **PTFE/Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene)**: With an operating temperature range of -100°F to 500°F (approximately -73°C to 260°C), it boasts extremely strong chemical resistance. Nevertheless, it is not advisable for use in scenarios with frequent large temperature fluctuations, as it lacks memory and may experience a "cold flow" phenomenon.
- **Silicone Rubber**: Its operating temperature range is -40°F to 450°F (approximately -40°C to 232°C). It exhibits chemical resistance to various common chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and steam, but has only average tolerance to oils.
- **Application Fields**: Tri-Clamp Gaskets are widely used in industries with extremely high sanitary requirements, such as the food, dairy, beverage, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. They are used to seal clamp connections in sanitary piping systems, ensuring that the connections between pipes, valves, pumps, and other process equipment are sanitary, preventing product contamination, and guaranteeing product quality and safety.
- **Performance Advantages**:
- **Good Sanitary Performance**: It has a smooth, non-porous surface without layered grooves or protrusions, which makes it difficult for bacteria to grow and dirt to accumulate. It complies with relevant sanitary standards and certifications such as FDA and USP Class VI.
- **Reliable Sealing Performance**: Under the clamping force of the clamps, it can form an excellent sealing effect, effectively preventing the leakage of liquids or gases and ensuring the normal operation of the system.
- **Easy Installation**: No special tools are required; installation and disassembly can be quickly completed using clamps, facilitating the maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
