Tri-Clamp Gaskets
Metal Detectable PTFE Clamp Gaskets
Contamination detection & product safety for sanitary process lines. Standard PTFE is virtually invisible to metal detection and X-ray inspection equipment — a torn or degraded gasket fragment can pass straight through a detector and into finished product. Polytech's metal detectable PTFE clamp gaskets are compounded with a certified detectable additive that lets in-line metal detectors, X-ray systems, and magnetic separators reliably catch fragments before they become a recall.
Why it matters
Same sealing performance. A built-in safety net.
Same chemical resistance and Tri-Clamp fit as our standard PTFE gaskets, now detectable by your existing inspection equipment.
- Closes the gap left by standard elastomer & PTFE gaskets in HACCP / FSMA inspection programs
- Detectable by metal detectors, X-ray inspection, and magnetic separators
- Reduces product recalls, downtime, and customer complaints
- Drop-in replacement — same Tri-Clamp footprint & hardware, no line changes
- Retains PTFE's chemical inertness, non-stick surface, and CIP/SIP durability
- Supports third-party audit & food-safety documentation requirements
Comparison
Standard PTFE vs. Metal Detectable PTFE
| Standard PTFE | Metal Detectable PTFE | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical resistance, temp range & Tri-Clamp fit | Same | Same |
| Detectable by metal / X-ray inspection | No | Yes |
How detection works
Detectable through the full cross-section
1
Additive embedded throughout
The detectable additive is compounded through the full cross-section of the gasket — not just a coating — so any fragment stays detectable.
2
Fragment enters the line
If a worn or torn gasket sheds material into product flow, the fragment carries the detectable signature with it.
3
Sensor flags & rejects
Existing metal detection, X-ray, or magnetic separation equipment identifies the fragment and rejects the affected product automatically.
Standard colors
Line identification built in
Additional colors available on request for custom line-identification programs — ask your Polytech rep.
Blue
High-visibility line ID color for food & beverage processing — blue is not naturally found in most food products, making a fragment easy to spot visually in addition to detection.
Red
High-contrast option for lines running light-colored product, or for flagging a specific process stage / clamp position during changeover and inspection.
Gray
Standard neutral finish reflecting the natural color of the metal-loaded PTFE compound — the default choice when line-color coding isn't required.
Typical applications: Dairy & Beverage Processing · Pharmaceutical & Biotech · Food Manufacturing & Packaging
Technical specifications
Material & performance
| Base Resin | Virgin PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), loaded with FDA-compliant detectable additive |
| Hardness | Shore D 55–65 |
| Continuous Temperature Range | −320°F to 500°F (−196°C to 260°C) |
| Detectability | Metal detector, X-ray inspection, magnetic separator |
| Compression / Wear | Excellent creep & deformation resistance; low friction, non-stick sealing face |
| CIP / SIP Compatibility | Rated for repeated clean-in-place / steam-in-place cycles |
| Chemical Resistance | Broad resistance to acids, caustics, solvents & CIP chemicals; not recommended for molten alkali metals or elemental fluorine |
| Compliance | FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 & 177.2600 · USP Class VI · 3-A Sanitary Standards · ASME-BPE |
- FDA Compliant
- USP Class VI
- 3-A Sanitary
- ASME-BPE
- Metal Detectable
Tri-Clamp sizing
Sizes 1/2″ – 12″
Type I (unflanged) gaskets shown; custom / flanged profiles machined to print — contact Polytech for a quote.
- 1/2″
- 3/4″
- 1″
- 1.5″
- 2″
- 2.5″
- 3″
- 4″
- 6″
- 8″
- 10″
- 12″
Chemical resistance snapshot
Broad chemical compatibility
General guidance only — confirm compatibility for your specific process product and concentration with Polytech's technical sales team.
| Acids (dilute & concentrated) | Excellent | Oils, fats & solvents | Excellent |
| Caustics / alkalis | Excellent | Oxidizers | Excellent |
| Steam / SIP | Excellent | Molten alkali metals | Avoid |
| CIP cleaning chemicals | Excellent | Elemental fluorine | Avoid |
Ordering information
Specify size, color & quantity
Sizes 1/2″–12″ Tri-Clamp in Blue, Red, or Gray — per unit, box, or bulk. Every Polytech gasket ships with full material traceability and a Certificate of Compliance on request. Custom colors, durometers, and machined-to-print profiles are available.
- In-house precision machining & fast turnaround
- Full material traceability on every order
- Direct technical support — no middleman