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These three terms describe different characteristics of the same product — they are not alternatives to choose between, but distinct attributes that are almost always combined in a single unit.

• Inline describes where it’s installed: directly in a pipeline run, as opposed to mounted on a tank wall, vessel port, or elbow.
• Sanitary describes the hygienic standard it’s built to: 316L stainless construction, polished product-contact surfaces (Ra ≤ 20 µin for ASME BPE, ≤ 32 µin for 3-A), crevice-free joint geometry, and FDA/USP Class VI compliant gaskets — designed for CIP/SIP service and to prevent bacterial harborage.
• Tri-Clamp describes how it connects: quick-disconnect ferrules and a clamp, as opposed to weld-end, threaded, or flanged connections.

In food, beverage, dairy, biotech, and pharmaceutical applications, these characteristics are typically combined into one product: a sanitary inline tri-clamp sight glass. Note that inline sight glasses provide a defined viewing window – not a full 360° cylindrical view of flow, which is a common misconception.

Durability in sanitary valves is best evaluated at the product-family level, as it depends on the specific wear components in each valve type – diaphragms in regulators and control valves, sealing and bellows elements in steam traps, seats and discs in check valves.

For Steriflow’s sanitary pressure regulators (such as the Mark 96 Series) and sanitary control valves (such as the MK978 Series), durability comes down to the proprietary Jorlon™ diaphragm, backed by the industry’s only lifetime diaphragm warranty.

The Steriflow Regulators unique, above-the-diaphragm stem guiding ensures that the stem is not guided in the inlet waterway – a feature that prevents microparticle generation in process steams. It’s simplified construction along with the lifetime warranty allows bio-pharmaceutical facilities to extend preventive maintenance intervals significantly compared to standard industry practice.

For other product families such as ball valves, diaphragm valves, or safety relief valves, durability should be evaluated based on the materials, construction, and design features specific to those products.

Steriflow valves are precision-engineered sanitary and hygienic flow-control solutions designed primarily for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, where cleanliness, sterility, drainability, and process reliability are non-negotiable.

The strongest differentiator across the Steriflow line is the proprietary Jorlon™ diaphragm. The majority of Steriflow valves are equipped with it, and all Jorlon-equipped valves carry a lifetime diaphragm warranty – the only one of its kind in the industry. This applies across pressure regulators, control valves, and compressed gas regulators.

Steriflow supports customers through:
• Quick Ship Program for reduced lead times on select configurations, including the Mark 96 Series Pressure Regulators, J Series Sanitary Gas Pressure Regulators, and SSRV Series Sanitary Safety Relief Valves
• JVCV/SVCV Max sizing software for accurate Cv calculations, cavitation and flashing warnings, and noise level calculations per IEC standards
• Full material certification and traceability at no charge to meet pharmaceutical and bioprocess documentation requirements
• ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification
• Worldwide sales representative network for regional technical and commercial support

Absolutely. Steriflow offers a complete product line dedicated to food and beverage applications, purpose-built for the food, beverage, and dairy industries. The dedicated line includes sanitary pressure regulators, control valves, steam traps, diaphragm valves, and safety relief valves — with most products carrying 3A Sanitary Certification — so you can match the right valve to virtually any sanitary processing need.

More information is available at Food and Beverage – Steriflow Valve

Several reliable Cv calculators and valve sizing tools are available depending on the valve type, application, and level of engineering documentation required.

Richards Industrials offers the JVCV/SVCV Max sizing software for use with their Steriflow, LowFlow, and Jordan Valve product lines. The SVCV is specifically designed for Steriflow and Steriflow Food & Beverage sanitary control valves and regulators in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical applications, while JVCV covers the Jordan Valve and LowFlow Valve industrial lines.

Both versions will calculate for Cv or Flow, and for liquid, gas, and steam. The programs are designed to direct you to IEC standard sizing or a low flow sizing for your specific application parameters, flag cavitation and flashing conditions; and calculate noise levels per IEC standards. Both are available for online or offline use. These tools are a practical choice for engineers working within the Steriflow product family who need accurate sizing reports and engineering submittals.