The Ultimate Sanitary Fittings Dictionary (Updated 2025)
Whether you are new to sanitary processing or you are a seasoned pro, the terminology can get overwhelming. This dictionary breaks down common terms so you can find what you need and navigate your next project with confidence.
Connection Types
Tri-Clamp Fittings:
A type of sanitary connection that uses a clamp, two ferrules, and a gasket to securely connect components. Known for easy assembly and cleanability. In depth guide on tri-clamp fittings here.
Tri-Clover (Fittings):
The original company that invented the Tri-Clamp fitting. Today, it is used as another name for Tri-Clamp fittings.
Butt-Weld Fittings:
A permanent connection formed by aligning two metal pieces end-to-end and then welding along the joint. The pieces being joined are on the same plane.
Threaded (NPT) Fittings:
A connection where tapered threads are screwed together. NPT stands for National Pipe Thread and is a standardized thread for consistency. Less common in sanitary settings due to potential thread contamination.
DIN Fittings:
An alternative to Tri-Clamp fittings, mainly used in Europe. Not 3-A certified, but instead are certified under the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG).
Bevel Seat Fittings:
A type of sanitary fitting featuring connection between a threaded and a plain ferrule, typically secured with a hex nut. Also known for easy assembly and cleaning. Can be 3-A certified.
Fitting Types
Sanitary Elbow (45° and 90°):
Used to change direction of the flow in a piping system, often found and 45 and 90 degree variants. Can have tangents, meaning longer pieces of pipe on each end of the elbow.
Sanitary Tee:
Shaped like the letter “T,” this fitting can split or combine flow in three directions. Often used for system branches.
Sanitary Concentric Reducer:
Used to connect pipes of different sizes. Typically used when pipes have a vertical orientation or when pipes need on-center alignment.
Sanitary Eccentric Reducer:
Used to connect pipes of different sizes. Typically used when pipes have a horizontal orientation, you need to maintain the axis of one side, or when air and liquids flow together.
Sanitary End Cap:
Used to close off the end of a pipe or fitting. Often used during cleaning or when a process line is temporarily out of service.
Sanitary Clamp:
One of the components of a tri-clamp connection. Wraps around the two ferrules and the gasket, to securely hold everything together.
Sanitary Ferrule:
A flanged fitting, meaning a short stub of tube and then a crimped “flanged” end. The flanged end is used in a tri-clamp connection.
Valve Types
Sanitary Ball Valve:
A type of valve that uses a rotating ball with a hole to control the flow of fluid. Can be used as a quick shut-off or on/off valve.
Sanitary Butterfly Valve:
A type of valve that uses a rotating disc to control the flow of fluid. When the disc is perpendicular, the valve is closed, when it is parallel to the flow, the valve is open. Often used in sanitary settings for compact design and easy cleaning.
Sanitary Check Valve:
A type of valve that allows fluid or gas to only flow in one direction. Used to prevent backflow.
Material and Finish
304 Stainless Steel:
Contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it suitable for kitchen applications and indoor environments. It performs well under normal conditions but becomes vulnerable to corrosion when exposed to salt or harsh chemicals. Usually more economical than 316L stainless steel.
316L Stainless Steel:
Contains 2-3% molybdenum in addition to chromium and nickel, providing superior corrosion resistance, especially against saltwater and chemicals. Furthermore, 316L has a lower carbon content than 316, increasing corrosion resistance and making it ideal for welding. While it commands a higher price point than 304, it is recommended for outdoor marine environments and food processing applications involving salt.
Electropolished:
An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of metal to create a smooth, shiny cleanable surface.
Mill Finish:
The original surface finish of metal as it comes from the rolling mill. Typically dull and not smooth enough. Not considered sanitary.
Sanitary Finish (≤ 32 Ra):
A surface finish of 32 microinches roughness average (Ra) or less. Meets 3-A Sanitary Standards and smooth enough to help prevent bacteria and make cleaning easier. Certain Biotech or Pharmaceutical applications may require even smoother finishes.
Roughness Average (Ra):
The calculated average of peaks and valleys on a surface finish. A smoother surface will have a lower Ra.
3-A Certification:
Based off of the 3-A Sanitary Standards set by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. Certifies that a fitting, valve, or component meets hygienic design requirements for food and dairy industries.
Measurements and Standards
Tube OD (Outside Diameter):
The external diameter of tubing measured from external edge to external edge. Sanitary fittings are often sized by tube OD instead of pipe ID (inside diameter).
Schedule (Pipe Thickness):
Refers to a standard wall thickness of piping based on a formula. Not typically referenced in sanitary tubing.
ASME BPE:
A standard from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for Bioprocessing Equipment. Focuses on helping develop high purity equipment used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
3-A Sanitary Standards:
Set of standards followed in the sanitary processing developed by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. to ensure hygienic design for processing equipment.
ISO Standards:
International standards that may apply to fitting compatibility or design, especially with globally manufactured components.
USP Class VI:
A standard developed by United States Pharmacopeia Convention. A very stringent certification indicating that a material is suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications based on biological tests. Often required in FDA regulated industries.
Gaskets
EPDM:
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. A type of synthetic rubber that is great against the elements and perfect for water-heavy applications. If you need a gasket that can handle steam, weather, and chemicals choose EPDM.
Viton®:
A type of high-performance FKM (fluoroelastomer rubber) gasket known for high temperature and chemical resistance, making it popular in the aerospace and automotive industries. If your system sees harsh chemicals, extreme heat, or exposure to fuel, Viton is a great pick.
Buna-N (Nitrile):
A synthetic rubber that is known for its high resistance for oils, fuels, and greases.
Teflon® (PTFE):
A synthetic fluoropolymer known for its best in class chemical and extreme temperature resistance. PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene.
Silicone:
Essentially a type of man-made rubber that has high heat-resistance, is non-toxic, and is great food food environments. It is an FDA approved material which is ideal for anything with human consumption or high-heat sterilization.
Common Applications
CIP (Clean-in-Place):
This is an automated method of cleaning equipment without disassembly. Usually done by sending rinse water, cleaning solutions, and other agents at high pressure through process systems. Drying is done by circulating warm or hot air.
SIP (Steam-In-Place):
This is a commonly used method in the food and pharmaceutical industries to sterilize process lines. Done by sending superheated steam through a piping system.
Brewing Systems:
Sanitary fittings are widely used in large, medium, small, and at home beer brewing to maintain cleanliness and product safety.
Wineries:
Used in process lines in wineries and known for easy assembly and disassembly.
Dairy Processing:
Often requires strict sanitary standards to ensure milk and dairy products are processed in clean conditions.
Pharmaceutical Lines:
Often uses ultra-sanitary, high-purity equipment to prevent contamination and meet regulatory standards.
Have questions about Sanitary Fittings?
We sell a variety of sanitary fittings and want to make sure your needs are met. Our team is here to assist you. Please contact us at sales@sanifitdirect.com or call 804-214-6098.