About Sanitary Fittings
Choosing the right fitting is essential for compatibility with your system. At Eagle Fittings, we manufacture:
- BPE Fittings: Often used in biopharmaceutical applications due to their high level of purity and precision.
- Tri-Clamp Fittings: Known for their ease of use and cleaning, making them popular in the food and beverage industries.
- Butt Weld Fittings: Provide a permanent, leak-proof connection that is ideal for high-pressure applications.
- I-Line Fittings: Commonly used in dairy processing due to their secure and robust connections.
How to Measure Sanitary Fittings
Measurement Tools
To measure sanitary fittings accurately, you will need the following tools:
- Calipers: For measuring the outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) of fittings.
- Thread Pitch Gauges: To determine the threads per inch (TPI) for threaded fittings.
- Depth Gauges: Useful for measuring the depth of fittings and ensuring proper fitment.
Measuring the Outer Diameter (OD) and Inner Diameter (ID)
To measure the outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID) of sanitary fittings accurately, start by using calipers. Place the calipers on the outer edge of the fitting to measure the OD, ensuring a firm but not overly tight grip to get a precise reading. To measure the ID, insert the calipers into the fitting and expand them until they touch the inner walls. Record these measurements carefully, as even minor discrepancies can impact the fitting's compatibility and performance.
Thread Pitch
Thread pitch refers to the number of threads per inch (TPI) on a threaded fitting, which is essential for achieving a secure connection. To measure the thread pitch, use a thread pitch gauge. Match the gauge's threads to those on the fitting, carefully aligning them to determine the correct TPI. This process is straightforward yet critical for ensuring that threaded fittings mate properly without cross-threading or leaks.
Ferrule Size
For Tri-Clamp fittings, use calipers to measure the outer edge of the ferrule. Place the calipers carefully and record the measurement. Accurate ferrule size measurements are essential for ensuring compatibility with other Tri-Clamp components, preventing leaks and ensuring a secure connection.
The ferrule size plays a significant role in fitting compatibility and the overall integrity of sanitary systems. A correctly measured ferrule can be securely clamped to create a tight seal that will prevent leaks and contamination.
Sealing Surface
The sealing surface of a sanitary fitting must be smooth and defect-free to ensure a proper seal. Use calipers to measure the diameter and depth of the sealing surface, paying attention to any irregularities or wear that could compromise the seal. An uneven or damaged sealing surface can cause gaps, leading to potential contamination and system inefficiencies. Regularly inspecting and accurately measuring the sealing surface helps ensure that the sanitary fittings will perform as expected, maintaining a secure and hygienic connection.
Common Challenges and Tips
If you have struggled to get accurate measurements, understanding some common pitfalls can help you re-evaluate your process. The two most frequent measurement issues stem from either tool problems or human oversight. Make sure that you:
- Are using properly calibrated calipers and other measuring tools.
- Double-check all measurements, and take multiple readings for consistency.
Eagle Fittings - High-Quality Stainless Steel Sanitary Fittings
At Eagle Fittings, all of our sanitary tubings and sanitary fittings are built to meet high standards of quality and industry compliance. We offer custom fabrication services to meet specific customer needs, providing tailored solutions that ensure the perfect fit.
By choosing Eagle Fittings, you are opting for reliability, quality, and precision in all your sanitary fitting needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your project needs.