Options for Installing Flow Strainers

One of the great debates in industrial systems management involves the choice between installing a filter or installing a strainer. While both work to remove particles and debris from the flow of liquid passing through the system, they also have some very unique and defining characteristics that need to be studied before a business makes their final selection.

Flow strainers are often preferred by companies that want to limit the resistance presented to the flow path in a piping system. A filter tends to cause there to be a big drop in flow pressure, because it provides a great deal of resistance to the liquid when it passes through for cleaning. Flow strainers do not cause large drops in pressure as they remove debris, and this keeps systems functioning at quicker rates.

In addition to the different impacts on the pressure of flow, flow strainers and filters are often used in different types of situations. A filter is generally used to clean the liquid for refining or other types of circulation purposes. Flow strainers are usually implemented with more concern for other parts of the factory and machines in use in a particular system. Sometimes, flow strainers are installed directly before a liquid passes through some more sensitive equipment. The removal of debris at this point serves to protect the sensitive machinery from potential damage that could be inflicted by these particles. Depending on the type of production, flow strainers or filters may be more appropriate for a certain business.

Businesses have a variety of options to choose from, whether they are implementing flow strainers or filters. Each of these fixtures are available in a wide range of sizes, and they can always be specially ordered to meet the specifications of a particular pipeline. Flow strainers are available in the form of basket strainers and wye strainers. If a system needs to run continuously, however, a duplex basket strainer is the type of flow strainer that will need to be installed. The duplex basket strainer consists of two different basket strainers that work together to remove particles from the liquid flow. The set of two strainers allows for one strainer to be removed periodically for maintenance and cleaning, while the other basket strainer continues to remove debris from flow, protect sensitive machinery, and keep system operations running smoothly. Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential for flow strainers, because if the substances removed from flow build up too much, they will prevent any flow from occurring at all. A duplex basket strainer system allows for this cleaning to occur without any other type of system shut-off.

Wye (or Y) flow strainers are especially useful if a piping system includes an angled intersection that branches off in a different path. Additionally, wye strainers can be used for liquids or steam and gases, but they are generally used in non-liquid applications.

Flow strainers are available in a variety of materials, including iron, bronze, stainless steel, and carbon steel. The plethora of options allow each business to purchase and install the types of flow strainers that will best meet their needs.