Fabricated Strainer: Functions, Uses and Styles

Strainers are closed vessels that remove and retain foreign particles from flowing liquids. They are able to perform such functions by using perforated metal, mesh, or wire straining element. Strainers not only remove dirt, but also particulate materials that should not be in the fluid. When regular strainers are not suited for certain applications, companies can address this problem by manufacturing or ordering fabricated strainer units. This special type of strainer is specifically designed for certain applications and the industrial setting unique to the client. For example, a strainer is fabricated to fit in a limited space or in a certain uncommon piping configuration.

Just like industrial strainers, a fabricated strainer can provide protection to the piping system of plants, factories and industrial facilities. By removing foreign materials from the pipe line, it can protect other mechanical devices in the system such as pumps, valves, and flow meters and mechanical seals and nozzles. Thus, it prolongs the life of these devices. Fabricated strainers units can used in a wide range of applications in varied industries like pulp and paper, metals and mining, process industry, power industry, water and waste, chemical industry, and oil and gas.

A fabricated strainer is also manufactured following various forms and sizes, which are mostly based on the type and size of particles they intend to remove. One of the typical designs is a fabricated basket strainer, which has a screen that is styled in the form of a basket. This type of strainers allows easy maintenance because the particles captured within the screen can easily be disposed. A fabricated strainer that features a basket screen is suitable for water, air, gas, steam and other fluids. The other common customized strainer styles are "Y" type, "T" type, magnetic type, simplex basket, duplex basket, inline and conical strainer.

The straining element present in fabricated strainers determines its efficiency as this where the unwanted material is held. For basket strainers, the elements are mostly made of perforated sheet metal. The size of the perforation must be smaller than the minimum particle size. The element also has various opening sizes. The smaller the opening is, the faster the basket will get filled. This means that such a strainer must be cleaned more often. A fabricated strainer can be made out of a wide range of material depending on the manufacturers and client demands. Some of the common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, copper nickel, chrome molly, alloy, and titanium.

Leading strainer manufacturers can easily come up with different engineering solutions for strainer configurations, covers, screens, connections and other components to suit flow rate and retention requirements, and to match clients' expectations. The products of leading strainer companies must pass quality management and international standards before they are offered to clients.

A fabricated strainer which possesses superior design and features encourages advanced dynamic flow path and low pressure drops. It is most likely easy and convenient to operate, and has an automated self cleaning system, which eliminate the need for frequent draining. All these characteristics result in significant benefits such as decreasing maintenance cost, and lowering downtime frequency.