FAQs of Tri Clamp Manifold

1. What is the accuracy advantage of the Tri Clamp manifold?

Precision index industry top, and 100% full inspection guarantee:

• Size precision: pipe diameter tolerance ±0.05mm (same line ±0.1mm), branch angle error ≤0.5° (same line ≤1°), flange sealing surface flatness ≤0.02mm (Same trade ≤0.05mm), Flow channel diameter tolerance ±0.1mm (peer ±0.2mm)
• Testing equipment: Each processing equipment is supported by a Hexagon coordinate measuring instrument (Accuracy ±0.001mm). 100% of finished products pass a “size full inspection + sealing test + flow resistance test.”
• Actual effect: When matched with Plumberstar sanitary valves, the connection gap is ≤0.03mm, the seal leakage rate is ≤1×10 Pa·m³/s, and the flow resistance coefficient is 15% lower than that of the same industry, ensuring stable medium flow (fluctuation ≤2%), especially suitable for high-precision fluid control systems.

From Get Er Brewed – Brewing Beer

2. What is the Tri Clamp manifold manufacturing process?

The ex-factory pass rate is ≥99.9%.
Details are as follows:
Raw material procurement: We exclusively use 304/316L coils from Taiyuan Iron and Steel and Baosteel (tolerance: ±0.01mm), as well as imported Hastelloy blanks (German VDM brand).
Raw material inspection: Use a spectrometer to test chemical components (testing time ≤30 seconds per piece). Use ultrasonic flaw detection (detection depth ≤20mm, defect detection rate 100%).
CNC machining: Use CNC lathes to process the tube body (speed 8000/rpm). Use machining centers to mill flanges (positioning accuracy ±0.005mm).
Salt spray test: Use neutral salt spray test chambers.
Full-size inspection: Use coordinate measuring machines to test key dimensions.
Appearance inspection: Use endoscopes to check the inner surface (no scratches, no impurities).
Finished product packaging: Package by standard classification. Each package comes with a quality traceability card (including batch number, raw material furnace number, and test data).

3. Can customized structures be provided for the tri-clamp manifold?

• Standard Structures:

T-manifold (2 in 1 out / 1 in 2 out), Y-manifold (split angle 45°, flow resistance 30% lower than T-type), Multi-way manifold (3–10 channels, branch spacing ≥50mm), Shunt manifold (main pipe to multi-branch, shunt uniformity ±3%), Confluence manifold (multi-branch to main pipe, no turbulence during confluence)

• Custom Structures support full-dimensional customization:

Unequal diameter branches (e.g., main pipe DN50 → mixed branches DN25/DN32)
Inclined branches (30°/60°/120° and other arbitrary angles)
Integrated functional interfaces (G1/2 pressure gauge interface, DN15 sampling port, DN20 drain port)
Special flow channel designs (low flow resistance, anti-vortex)

4. How is the salt spray test and corrosion rate data of the tri-clamp manifold?

Test conditions: 5% NaCl solution, 35℃ temperature, 95% humidity, continuous spray; standard GB/T 10125; Corrosion data: 304 stainless steel (1000 hours, corrosion rate 0.008mm /year); 316L stainless steel (1500 hours, corrosion rate 0.004mm /year); 316L nickel plating (2000 hours, corrosion rate 0.002mm /year); Hastelloy C276 (5000 hours, no visible corrosion); test report: SGS issues formal report with photos of corrosion morphology and weight change data, which can be used directly for customer quality check record.

5. What are the tri-clamp manifold advantages in terms of sanitary grade?

Sanitary grade advantages quantified up to standard, fully in line with GMP (2010 version) requirements:

• Internal surface treatment: adopt “mechanical polishing + electrolytic polishing” dual process, roughness Ra≤0.4μm (conventional model), Ra≤0.2μm (high precision model), Ra≤0.1μm (electronic grade model), no scratches (depth ≤0.02mm), depression (Area ≤0.1mm²) and other defects;
• Structure design: flow channel fillet transition (R≥ 3mm), no right-angle dead angle, weld adopts internal welding + polishing treatment (Weld clearance ≤0.2mm), avoid medium residue;
• Material compliance: 100% of parts in contact with medium pass FDA 21 CFR Part 177 certification, heavy metal migration (Pb≤0.01mg/kg, Cd≤0.005mg/kg, As≤0.003mg/kg) far below the national standard limit;
• detection guarantee: each batch of sampling for microbial detection (total colony count ≤10CFU/g), particle count detection (≥50μm particles ≤3/m²), can provide a complete GMP compliance report, and is the pharmaceutical and food industry’s preferred brand.

6. What is the difference between brass and stainless steel Tri Clamp manifolds?

Brass and stainless steel tri-clamp manifolds differ in corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, cost, and applications.
Stainless steel—especially 304/316L—has better sanitary performance. It’s ideal for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Brass is extremely durable and resistant to high pressure. It works well with other brass fittings. People often prefer it for heating and plumbing systems because of its sturdiness. But brass can have dezincification issues. For large systems, brass also incurs higher costs.

7. What materials are available for the tri-clamp manifold?

①304 stainless steel: Chemical composition Cr18%-20%, Ni8% -12%, C≤0.08%, Tensile strength 515-689MPa, Yield strength ≥205MPa, Adapt to temperature-20℃~120℃, Medium for water, juice, normal temperature chemicals scene, cost-effective, accounting for 60% of total sales
②316L stainless steel: Ultra Low Carbon(C≤0.03%), Mo2% -3%, tensile strength 485-655MPa, yield strength ≥170MPa, chloride ion resistance ≤2000ppm, suitable for pharmaceutical, seawater desalination, weak corrosion chemical scene, accounting for 35% of total sales.

8. What is the pressure test standard for the Tri Clamp manifold?

The pressure testing of the Plumberstar Tri Clamp manifold follows strict international standards and internal factory controls. All tests are conducted in a clear and repeatable manner to ensure safety and reliability for global markets.

Test medium:
Clean tap water is used.
All air inside the pipeline is fully discharged before testing to avoid false readings.

Test equipment:
An automatic hydraulic test machine is used, with an accuracy of ±0.001 MPa.
Pressure sensors and data recorders capture the full pressure curve in real time.

Test method:
Every finished product is tested. There is no sampling inspection.
Each unit generates its own pressure test report, which includes the batch number, test time, and pressure curve.
This data is fully traceable.

Handling of nonconforming products:
Any product that shows leakage or deformation during testing is scrapped immediately.
Repair is not allowed.
Scrap items are destroyed through a centralized process and fully documented.

9. Do you maintain QC documentation for traceability for manifolds?

1) Core Identity Documents for Valves and Heating Manifolds

Product identification labels
Each valve and heating manifold is marked with a unique, traceable identifier (such as a serial number, batch number, or traceability code).
Records of identifier generation and application are retained, and all identifiers are linked to the complete traceability document system.

Production and order tracking records
Production records clearly document the destination market, shipment details, and associated customer information for each order.

Raw material and component traceability reports
Traceability test records are maintained for all key materials and components, including brass bars, stainless steel, seals, fittings, and other critical parts.

2) Inspection and Testing Traceability Documents

Factory inspection reports
Inspection reports comply with the valve testing standards required by the destination market (such as EN standards for the EU or API standards for the USA).
These reports cover core performance indicators, including sealing performance, pressure resistance, and flow capacity.

Type test reports
Type testing is conducted for valve models exported for the first time or after any structural or design modification.
The reports meet the applicable standards of the destination country.

Destructive test reports (when required)
If requested by customers or required by local regulations, destructive testing is performed.
Reports clearly state the applicable standards, test methods, parameters, and final results.

3) Export Compliance and Regulatory Traceability Documents

Customs clearance documents
Commercial Invoice (CI), Packing List (PL), and Bill of Lading (BL) clearly record the quantity and batch correspondence of valves and heating manifolds shipped under each order.

Certificate of Origin (CO)
Used for tariff preference purposes in certain countries and as proof of origin when required by customers.

Mandatory certifications
Including but not limited to: CE marking for the European Union, CSA certification for Canada, cUPC certification for the United States, WaterMark certification for Australia

Material compliance reports
Some customers require additional test reports, such as REACH and RoHS, confirming that valve and manifold materials do not contain restricted hazardous substances.

4) Distribution and After-Sales Traceability Documents

Logistics and transportation records
Transportation routes, handling records, and—if required—temperature and humidity conditions during transit are documented to trace potential transport-related issues.

Customer receipt and acceptance records
Customers confirm receipt of the products, including identifier codes, quantities, and condition.
These records serve as formal proof of delivery.

After-sales service and recall records
If issues arise after export, all maintenance actions, recalled batches, corrective measures, and resolution results are fully documented.

5) Key Focus for an Export-Oriented Factory

As a manufacturer specializing in the export of valves and heating manifolds, the most critical documentation lies in: Core identity and material traceability (Section 1),  Inspection and testing traceability (Section 2), Distribution and after-sales traceability (Section 4)

These documents form the foundation for regulatory compliance, customer trust, and long-term international market access.

10. How do you verify thread accuracy on each manifold?

To ensure the accuracy of threads for valves and heating manifolds (hydraulic separators/divers), we have 3 core aspects: design standards, production and machining, and inspection and verification. The thread requirements for these two products share certain similarities.

Clarify the Standards for Thread Specifications​

For export to Europe, ISO metric threads (M series) or BSPT are typically used. Unified Thread Standards (NPT, UNEF, UN/UNC/UNF) are more commonly used. Valves and heating manifolds, with thread standards suitable for selected applications, such as NPT and G (ISO 228/Standard Pipe).

Threads for valves must comply with EN 10226 (specifications for pipe threads and fittings). Threads for heating manifolds, used in HVAC systems, are specified in standards such as EN 331 in Europe and ASME in the USA.

Common Thread Inspection Tools​

Thread plug and ring gauges: These are fundamental inspection tools. The “Go” gauge should pass through the thread smoothly, while the “No-Go” gauge should not, allowing for quick verification of basic thread accuracy in terms of pitch diameter, pitch, and thread form. This is a rapid inspection method for mass production.

Thread gauges (plug/ring gauges): Used to check the dimensional accuracy of threads.

Thread Inspection for Valves​

As valve threads are used for pipe connections, it’s better to thread a water pipe directly and turn it on /off for one more test after leakage approval.

Heating manifolds have multiple threaded ports, so the positional accuracy of each thread must be inspected to ensure the relative positions of all loop threads meet design requirements and avoid misalignment during pipe connection.

The first piece should undergo a full inspection to confirm machining accuracy during mass production.

Sampling inspections should be conducted according to AQL during the mass production process.