Large-diameter sanitary piping often requires tee fittings that do not match standard catalog dimensions. A project may require a specific main tube diameter, a smaller branch, a particular wall thickness, or longer dimensions than a standard sanitary tee can provide.
A custom 200 mm stainless steel sanitary tee is one example of this type of requirement. The same custom approach can also be applied to larger and smaller tube sizes, including approximately 150 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, and up to 325 mm OD, depending on the required configuration.
Why Large-Diameter Sanitary Tees Often Require Customization
Standard sanitary tees are generally produced around established tube and fitting dimensions. For larger process piping, however, the required configuration may not be available as a standard catalog item.
For example, a piping system may require:
- A 200 mm main tube with a smaller branch
- A 250 mm main tube with a non-standard branch diameter
- A 300 mm or larger main tube with a specific overall length
- A 325 mm tube connection with a custom wall thickness
- Different internal and external surface finishes
- A tee manufactured to match an existing tube or equipment connection
In these situations, specifying the complete dimensions is often more practical than selecting a standard tee from a catalog.
Custom Main and Branch Diameters
The main tube OD and branch OD can be specified independently.
For example, a custom tee may be required with a:
200 mm main tube × 100 mm branch
or:
250 mm main tube × 150 mm branch
Other combinations can be produced according to the piping design.
This is particularly useful when a large process line needs to connect to a smaller branch line without adding additional reducers or unnecessary welded connections.
Large Sizes from 150 mm to 325 mm
Large-diameter requirements are not limited to one particular size.
Depending on the application, custom sanitary tees may be required around:
| Main Tube OD | Example Custom Requirement |
|---|---|
| 150 mm | Custom branch diameter and length |
| 200 mm | Large main tube with reducing branch |
| 250 mm | Non-standard branch and wall thickness |
| 300 mm | Large fabricated sanitary tee |
| 325 mm | Custom large-diameter configuration |
These dimensions are examples rather than fixed configurations. The actual main tube OD, branch OD, wall thickness, and overall dimensions can be specified according to the piping design.
Custom Wall Thickness and Length
Large-diameter tees may require different wall thicknesses depending on the tube specification and operating requirements.
The overall length can also be customized rather than following a fixed catalog dimension.
For a custom tee, the following dimensions can be specified:
- Main tube OD
- Branch OD
- Wall thickness (T)
- Overall length (L)
- Branch length
- Other connection dimensions
A drawing or dimensional sketch is recommended when several non-standard dimensions are required.
ID and OD Surface Finish Can Be Specified Separately
Surface requirements can also differ between the internal and external surfaces.
For example, a customer may require:
ID: Mirror polished
OD: Satin or brushed
This type of independent ID/OD finishing can be specified according to the application rather than using the same finish on all surfaces.
For clean process piping, the internal surface may receive greater attention because it is in direct contact with the process medium, while the external finish may be selected according to cleaning, appearance, installation, or environmental requirements.
304 or 316L Stainless Steel
304 and 316L stainless steel are commonly available for custom sanitary tee fabrication.
316L is often selected for applications where corrosion resistance and cleanability are important, while 304 may be suitable for less demanding applications.
The material should be selected according to the process medium, temperature, cleaning conditions, and applicable piping requirements.
When Should You Request a Custom Tee?
A custom sanitary tee is worth considering when a standard fitting does not provide the required:
- Main tube diameter
- Branch diameter
- Wall thickness
- Overall length
- Surface finish
- Connection dimensions
For large-diameter piping, a custom tee can also help reduce unnecessary adapters and additional welded joints when the fitting is designed around the actual piping configuration.
What Information Is Needed for a Custom Quote?
For a quotation, the following information is useful:
Main Tube OD:
Branch OD:
Wall Thickness (T):
Overall Length (L):
Material: 304 / 316L
ID Surface Finish:
OD Surface Finish:
Quantity:
A 2D drawing, 3D CAD file, dimensional sketch, or sample can also be provided if available.
Custom Large-Diameter Sanitary Tees
WeldPure provides custom 304/316L stainless steel sanitary tees for standard and non-standard tube sizes. Custom configurations can be specified for main tube OD, branch diameter, wall thickness, length, material, and independent ID/OD surface finishes.
For large or non-standard tee requirements, send the required dimensions or drawing for review and quotation.
Custom 304/316L Stainless Steel Sanitary Tee | Welded, 12.7–325 mm OD – WeldPure