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A pipeline strainer is a device that filters out fines, dirt, and debris from the flow medium. They also protect upstream equipment like compressors, filters, pumps, and traps by trapping any particles that may clog them up.

Different strainers exist for various purposes and are made out of various materials. Here we’ll explain some of the more popular ones.

Before selecting a strainer, ensure it meets your application needs and fits within the budget. Consider factors like operating pressure range, fluid characteristics, and strainer geometry when making your selection.

What Is A Strainer?

An industrial strainer is a piece of equipment used to remove debris and solid materials from fluid flowing through it. These devices prevent these pollutants from damaging pumps, compressors, and other crucial equipment within a pipeline system.

Industrial strainers come in several varieties, such as simplex, Y (wye), duplex, and automatic. Strainers typically feature a pocket that directs debris into it; however, vertical pipes may also be utilized if the flow is downward. Either way, make sure that this pocket points away from any upstream pipework.

Types Of Strainers

Industrial settings employ a variety of strainers to remove sediment and debris from fluid flow. These devices help keep equipment running efficiently and prevent costly downtime.

• Y-Type Strainers

Y-type industrial strainers are utilized in liquid applications across a range of industries to protect downstream equipment from unwanted debris, such as sand, gravel, and other particles that could clog pipes or mechanical devices. These strainers ensure the cleanest possible liquid environment for downstream equipment during processing operations.

They can also be employed in steam and natural gas applications to prevent rust, sediment, and other debris from damaging pipelines and equipment. They work efficiently across a range of pipe sizes and often feature blow-off connections for easier cleaning.

• Basket Type Strainers

Basket strainers are a type of filtration system used to remove solid particles from liquid and gas streams. They come in various shapes and sizes, as well as being made from various materials like metal or plastic. Furthermore, these strainers can be tailored to fit various applications.

Depending on the application, strainers can be designed with either a perforated or solid mesh basket that allows liquid or gas through while trapping contaminants. They may also feature an internal strainer body that houses the basket for convenience.

• Temporary Strainers

Temporary industrial strainers serve the primary purpose of filtering out debris and solids during the construction, installation, or flushing of a line. This filtration prevents contamination, helps maintain process integrity, and shields equipment from particulates that could damage it.

Temporary strainers are frequently employed in upstream applications like drilling oil, derrick/mast construction, draw works, and top drive, as well as within mud/fuel tanks, power/pump stations, and shaker units. Furthermore, they have downstream applications like hydrocracking and filtration.

• Twin Strainers or Duplex Strainers

Twin strainers sometimes referred to as duplex or double basket strainers, that are designed for removing large particles of dirt and debris from fuel, oil, or water lines. These systems typically consist of two separate basket housings with a valve handle in between that diverts liquid flow to one basket while the other is being cleaned or serviced.

You can choose duplex strainers with self-cleaning elements or backwashing systems that scrape along the inside of the mesh to remove debris and recirculate clean fluid. Both models offer high-efficiency levels for continuous flow applications such as chemical processing plants, power plants, cooling towers/lines, compressors/condensers/oil burners/pump stations/water treatment facilities – just to name a few!

• Some Special Strainer Types

T-Type Strainers: T-type strainers are distinguished by a vertically oriented chamber, usually larger than that of Y-type strainers. Their dirt-holding capacity is greater than that of Y-type strainers, making them an ideal choice for liquid applications.

Self-cleaning Strainers: These strainers allow dirt accumulation to be cleaned without shutting down the plant. They feature a scraper or brush that rakes over the screen surface, dislodging any particles stuck in it.

Colander Strainers: Colander-type strainers are ideal for draining pasta, vegetables, and other items. They come in various sizes to meet your filtration requirements; either perforated metal or wire cloth construction makes it easy to find one that meets your criteria.

Magnetic Strainers: Magnetic strainers have magnets that attract iron molecules to themselves, helping prevent pump seals from rusting. They’re commonly installed before pumps and other piping apparatus.

Temporary Strainers: Temporary strainers are designed for short-term services, such as during the start-up of new fluid systems or after significant retrofits. They attach between two flanges on a pipeline and are removed after an established amount of time has elapsed.

How Do Strainers Function in a Pipeline?

A strainer’s purpose is to screen through the flow medium, separating larger debris from smaller ones. This helps protect equipment downstream of the pipeline.

Additionally, this filter media removes fine particles from the fluid to help prevent clogging, thus eliminating the need for frequent pipe cleaning appointments.

When selecting a mesh size for your strainer, remember that it will determine how much liquid can pass through it. Ideally, select a mesh with perforations around one-fourth the diameter of the smallest particles your pipeline needs to filter out.

Pipeline strainers can be tailored to meet the exact specifications of a project. They come with various connections and ports, exotic alloys, and special coatings, as well as design specifications regarding differential pressure, flow velocity, and particle holding capacity.