In order to understand what a clamp connection is, you need to understand what a clamp is. This is a connecting piece of the pipeline, which belongs to the category of quick couplers - quick disconnect connections. In some cases, it is also referred to as reinforcement, which at present has become widespread only in such industries as pharmaceutical, food, chemical, dairy.
General description of the design
By itself, this device has a fairly simple design. However, with its help, in a fairly short time, you can create a clamp connection, characterized by high tightness, as well as reliability. The assembly and disassembly of this device is also quite simple, as well as its use. Such compounds are highly appreciated in those industries, as well as in those facilities where regular disassembly of the entire pipeline system is required in order to clean it from pollution. Clamps are often called quick-disconnect or quick-disconnect fittings, which are used in order to connect elements such as ball valves, dampers.
The minus of the clamp connection is that it is unstable to high pressure. For this reason, such flanges are not used for flange connections . The same fact became the main one when choosing the scope of application of the clamp (in those places where the medium moves along the pipeline system with low pressure).
Seals and supplies
Naturally, to create the most airtight environment, it is necessary to have a high-quality seal at the pipe junction. Most often, such seals are made of silicone, NBR, PTFE, EPDM. However, it is important to clarify here: in order to obtain the most effective seal for the clamp connection, you need to know exactly in which environment the device will be installed.
As for the supply of this device to the territory of the Russian Federation, the bulk comes from Asia and Europe. Clamps are not produced on the territory of the Russian Federation. The material that is used abroad for manufacturing is stainless steel. The clamp connection made of such a material will perfectly resist corrosion, which will greatly increase the service life.
Material characteristics
If we consider the technical characteristics of these compounds, then you need to start with the most important. Maximum working pressure is one such parameter. The maximum value of this characteristic that the BRS can withstand is 10 atmospheres. If we talk about the size of these devices, then the lineup is rather meager. Clamp joint sizes start at 10 mm in diameter and end at 100 mm. Very rare types of steel clamps, suitable for nominal pipe passage up to 150 mm. It is worth noting here that compounds of this kind are poorly distributed in the territory of the Russian Federation. If any company needs a large number of products of this type, then it will be very difficult to find it. This applies even to the most running size DN 20-50 mm.
Equipment delivery
The price of the clamp connection varies within wide limits. The simplest devices with a small diameter cost 150-200 rubles. Complete complete sets with a large diameter and made of stainless steel can cost up to 20,000 per set. Since this device is not produced in the country, it is necessary to order delivery from Europe or Asia. The samples available in warehouses are most often intended only for use in those enterprises that are essential for the livelihoods of the population. For all other needs, facilities, etc., you will have to wait for delivery from abroad. Depending on the storage location, this process can take up to four weeks. You can reduce this period to two weeks if you request delivery by air. However, it is better to do this only if the company incurs huge losses due to the lack of a clamp connection. In all other cases, it will only be an unjustified waste of a large amount of material resources.
Choosing the right clip
The question of how to choose the clamp connection is quite acute. The first and most important condition for making the right choice is the outside diameter of the pipe. If the pipe is purchased together with the BRS, then there will be no problems, and if you need to establish a connection to an already finished pipeline system, you will have to measure this parameter. The most common parameters for stainless pipes are 51 and 38 mm and 45 mm, if the pipes are made of copper. Under this parameter, it is worth looking for a connection. For example, if you take a quick coupler with a diameter of 50.5, then it will be under such a pipe diameter as 19, 25, 32, 38.
What elements are included in the connection
Another important element worth knowing about this device is that it consists of several components.
- The first part is a clamp for a clamp. Most often, for the manufacture of this part, the AISI 304 stainless steel brand is used. It is worth noting that the fittings are made of another material. The clamp is two half rings that are interconnected using a pin.
- Next come the seals for the clamp, made of different materials. Of all the types of substances , either silicone or EPDM is most commonly used. devices made of these substances do their job perfectly. However, if the working environment is characterized by high temperature, as well as aggressiveness, then it is better to stop at VITON.
- The last part is a clamp in the amount of two pieces. For the manufacture of this element, AISI 316 steel is used. The use of an improved steel grade is due to the fact that the fitting will directly come into contact with the working medium, unlike the same clamp.
Gaskets for klampovyh connections (in St. Petersburg they get them or in another city - it does not matter) are divided into two types. The former are marked as CLAMP DIN, and the latter as CLAMP SMS.
How to connect and which is better?
The last two questions that quite often arise are what is best - a milk coupling or a clamp connection - and how to properly assemble this device.
In fact, assembling the device is quite simple. A seal is laid between two identical fittings, after which the entire structure must be clamped with a clamp. Here it is necessary to note one small, but very important nuance. It is necessary to weld fittings to the pipeline before connecting them to the seal. Otherwise, the welding machine will burn this part.
If you compare the milk coupling and the clamp connection, then it is immediately worth noting that both devices are able to withstand the same pressure, despite the difference in size. The clamp is much smaller than the coupling.
If we compare these two compounds in all other parameters, then we can say with confidence that the clamp in the assembly wins in almost all characteristics. The only weak point is the cost. The milk coupling costs a little less.