Aseptic or not: Tri-clamp vs. Camlock

Many people choose couplings based on what they are used to. It feels safe, but are they really suitable for the task? The difference between Tri-Clamp and Camlock can have a major impact on hygiene, documentation and operational reliability, and the right choice reduces the risk of contamination, minimises downtime and reduces audit challenges. 

Tri-Clamp is designed for sanitary environments where cleaning, inspection and documentation are key. Camlock, on the other hand, is designed for quick, robust connections in utility situations. Here we give you an overview of the differences, strengths, limitations and the mistakes that can quickly become an expensive mistake. 

Read on and be equipped to make the right choice! 

What is Tri-Clamp?
Tri-Clamp is a sanitary coupling system widely used in dairies, breweries, food production and pharmaceuticals. The design allows quick separation without tools, making cleaning and inspection easy. The DIN 32676 and ASME BPE standards define, among other things, requirements for surface roughness and materials. The result is a solution that can be documented all the way from raw material to finished product.  

What is Camlock?
Camlock is a mechanical quick coupling, typically in accordance with the DIN 2828 standard. It is suitable for CIP return, rinse water and other media where hygiene requirements are lower. Camlock couplings typically consist of locking arms that ensure a quick and secure connection without the use of tools. 

First, you need to decide whether the coupling will be used in a product zone or in a utility situation. In product zones, legislation and quality systems require hygienic design, documentable materials and effective cleaning, making Tri-Clamp the obvious choice. In utility situations, Camlock can be both quicker to assemble and cheaper to purchase without compromising on operational reliability.  

Next, consider the temperature and pressure. Tri-Clamp is chosen for hygiene, not to handle high pressures. Camlock can in some cases handle higher pressures in non-sanitary applications. 

The medium also plays a role. Food, pharmaceutical products, CIP chemicals, steam or air place different demands on gasket materials and surfaces. SIP typically works with temperatures above 121°C and requires materials that can withstand heat and steam over time. This is where Tri-Clamp comes into its own.  

Also consider how often the coupling needs to be disassembled. Tri-Clamp can be opened quickly and without tools for inspection, while Camlock provides the same easy and efficient access in utility situations, but without the same documented hygiene. 

At Alfotech, you will find both types of couplings in our product range. For example, we offer a Clamp liner (Tri-Clamp), ASME-BPE, which is particularly useful in combination with our Clamp ring with spring. We recommend this coupling solution, which provides even faster and more efficient separation and is ideal in environments where frequent cleaning is an integral part of operations.  

Our Camlock couplings include Camlock coupling housings, for example type B, type C and type D – all simple, robust and maintenance-free solutions. Regardless of the type, you get a construction that ensures stable performance in utility situations such as CIP return and rinse water. 

One of the most common mistakes is to use Camlock in a product zone. Although the coupling works mechanically, it often has a coarser surface roughness than Tri-Clamp, which increases the risk of residues binding to the contact surfaces. This increases the risk of bacterial growth and creates problems with batch control and audits. Surface roughness plays a crucial role in the design and operation of process equipment, and how you can use this knowledge to make better choices.  

Lack of documentation is another challenge. Without material certificates and traceability, you cannot prove that the components meet the requirements. Gaskets without a valid food contact material declaration (EU 1935/2004) create a hole in the documentation chain. Incorrect surface roughness also causes problems because rough surfaces bind residues, which prolongs cleaning time and increases chemical consumption.  

Finally, there is material mismatch. A gasket that cannot withstand CIP chemicals or high temperatures will quickly break down. This leads to leaks, unplanned stops and extra costs. 

EU 1935/2004 requires that materials in contact with food are safe and traceable. This means that the entire chain – hose, coupling, gasket – must be documented with certificates. In the pharmaceutical industry, you often encounter requirements for 3-A or ASME BPE. 3-A specifies hygienic design, while ASME BPE goes into depth with materials, welding, surfaces and testing. Gaskets without certificates, couplings without traceability and materials without the necessary approvals are typical documentation gaps. They create unnecessary risks of deviations and orders. 

Tri-Clamp is suitable for clean zones with high hygiene requirements, while Camlock is well suited for utility and service connections. Once you know the medium, pressure, temperature and cleaning method, the choice is easier. 

Our specialists have many years of experience in advising on couplings, standards and hygiene requirements, and we are happy to help you find the right solution for you. 

Do you need an assessment of your process line? Call us on +45 7020 0422 or send an email to inquiry@alfotech.eu, and we will give you our recommendation.