Industry Information

How to size Tri-Clamp Fittings & Valves

Posted by Site Admin on

Tri-Clamp fittings, originally trademarked by Alfa Laval as "Tri-Clover" fittings over 50 years ago . They are used in processes in the dairy, food processing, bio-pharm and cosmetics industries where even tiny crevasses, such as pipe threads for example present too much of a contamination risk. Tri-Clamp connections consist of a clamp, 2 ferrules or fittings and a gasket to maintain a tight and hygienic seal as picture below. Tri-Clamp Size is determined by the outside diameter of the pipe, NOT the outside diameter of the ferrule. The ferrule ( the end piece that makes half of the connection to...

Read more →

304 / 316 vs 304L / 316L Stainless Steel

Posted by Site Admin on

  304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are austenitic grades that contain high levels of chromium and nickel. This has the following impact: • Chromium – Increases tensile strength, hardness, toughness resistance to wear and abrasion, resistance to corrosion and scaling at elevated temperatures. • Nickel - Increases strength and hardness without sacrificing ductility and toughness.  316 Stainless adds Molybdenum • Molybdenum - Increases strength, hardness, hardenability, and toughness as well as creep resistance, and strength at elevated temperatures. What is 304 Stainless Steel? As the most widely used of all stainless steel, 304 stainless steel is most notably present in industrial applications and kitchen equipment. It is a...

Read more →

Full, Standard or Reduced Port Ball Valves... Whats the difference?

Posted by Site Admin on

  The full port ball valve is a relatively recent creation, only made possible by advances in forging and casting techniques that sprang up after a demand for better performing ball valves that allowed unrestricted media flow. Previous to this innovation ball valves were bored out of metal bar or rod. Manufacturers were limited the the physical dimensions of the bar used while keeping in mind the sufficient wall thickness to withstand the pressures on the body of the valve. This drastically limited the size and possible complexity of valve internals. Pictured are full port 2'' 2006s-a and a reduced(standard)...

Read more →