Tri Clamp Size & Dimensions Guide

Overview

Tri Clamp fittings (also known as Tri-Clover fittings) are a standard in sanitary process industries, from laboratory and pharmaceutical systems to food and beverage processing.
They’re reliable, easy to clean, and simple to assemble, but sizing them correctly can be confusing.

This guide breaks down Tri Clamp sizing, flange dimensions, gasket compatibility, and clamp types so you can confidently select the right parts for your system.

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Tri Clamp Sizing Basics

When selecting a Tri Clamp fitting, remember these key points:

1. Tri Clamp refers to sanitary fittings with a clamp-style ferrule end.

2. Size is determined by the tube’s outside diameter (OD), not the ferrule flange diameter.

   • For example, a 1.5" Tri Clamp fitting has a 1.5" tube OD, but the flange measures 1.984".

3. Certain sizes share ferrules:

   • ½" and ¾" tubing use a ¾" clamp.

   • 1" and 1.5" tubing use a 1.5" clamp.

4. Different OD tubes can be joined directly, but flow may be affected—always use the larger gasket for compatibility.

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Tri Clamp Size Reference Table

A Brief History

Tri Clamp fittings (also known as Tri-Clover fittings) have been a cornerstone of sanitary process design for more than half a century.

Originally developed by Alfa Laval under the Tri-Clover trademark, these fittings transformed how industries achieved clean, reliable, and easy-to-service process connections. The design introduced a smooth, crevice-free joint, a huge leap forward in hygienic piping for food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical systems.

Later, Ladish Co. adopted and popularized the now-familiar term “Tri Clamp”, expanding its use across laboratories and industrial process applications. Today, the name is used universally to describe any sanitary clamp-style connection, even when produced by other manufacturers.

At USA Lab, Tri Clamp components are part of nearly every stainless steel assembly we offer—from fittings and adapters and valves to tanks and vessels. They provide a secure, reusable, and easily cleaned seal ideal for sanitary systems in:

• Laboratories & Research Facilities

• Extraction & Processing Systems

• Pharmaceutical & Biotech Production

• Food, Beverage, and Brewing Applications

Each Tri Clamp assembly includes three core components:

1. Two ferrules welded to tubing or vessels

2. A sanitary gasket (typically EPDM, PTFE, or Viton)

3. A clamp that secures the ferrules together, ensuring uniform compression and leak-free performance

Together, these components form one of the most trusted sanitary connection standards worldwide—offering speed, flexibility, and long-term reliability.

For complete Tri Clamp setups and related hardware, explore:

• Tri Clamp Components

• Clamps

• Gaskets

• Reducers

• Sight Glasses

• Valves

• Fittings & Adapters

• Tanks & Vessels

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Determining the Correct Tri Clamp Size

The most common sizing mistake is measuring the flange instead of the tube. Tri Clamp standards add roughly ½" to the flange beyond the tube OD.

Example:

• A 1.5" Tri Clamp fitting has a flange OD of 1.984" (almost 2").

• Ordering a 2" clamp to match that flange will result in a fitting that’s too large.

Shared Ferrule Sizes:

• ½" & ¾" tubing share the ¾" ferrule (0.984" flange).

• 1" & 1.5" tubing share the 1.5" ferrule (1.984" flange).

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Joining Different Tube Sizes & Gasket Selection

When connecting compatible sizes (e.g., 1" to 1.5"), there are two important considerations:

1. Flow Transition

Joining tubes of different ODs behaves like a reducer fitting, causing an abrupt change in flow diameter.

• For tubes 2" and larger, use a dedicated reducer fitting (concentric or eccentric).

• For smaller compatible pairs (½"/¾", 1"/1.5"), you can connect them directly.

2. Gasket Fit

Always use the larger gasket size to ensure a sanitary seal.

Example:

• Joining 1.5" and 1" tubing → use a 1.5" gasket.

• Joining ¾" and ½" tubing → use a ¾" gasket.

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Tri Clamp Style Options

Tri Clamp fittings are secured using one of three common clamp designs:

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Clamp Pressure Ratings (PSI)

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Common Applications

• Laboratory & pharmaceutical processing

• Food & beverage production

• Distillation & extraction systems

• Chemical transfer and reactor setups

• Brewery and fermentation piping

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Pro Tips for Ordering

• Always measure the tube OD, not the flange.

• Confirm gasket compatibility for mixed-size joints.

• Use 316L stainless steel components for maximum corrosion resistance.

• For high-pressure systems, choose bolted clamps and rated gaskets.

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Triclamp Stainless Steel Categories

Summary

Understanding Tri Clamp sizing and compatibility ensures your sanitary system stays leak-free, safe, and efficient.

By matching tube OD, flange size, gasket, and clamp type correctly, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and maintain proper flow integrity across your system.