September 17,2024
Roy

When it comes to protecting equipment and ensuring clean flow in your system, using the right strainer in pipeline applications is essential. Pipeline strainers are mechanical filters that remove solid particles from liquids or gases, helping reduce pressure drop, avoid equipment damage, and improve pipeline maintenance cycles. 

In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of strainers, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your operation. Whether you’re in water treatment, chemical processing, or oil and gas, understanding strainers is a must.

What Is a Strainer in Pipeline?

A strainer in pipeline systems is a filtration device installed to catch debris such as rust, scale, and other solids. It prevents these particles from reaching sensitive equipment downstream, such as pumps or valves.

Key Takeaways:

Commonly used in filtration systems across industrial processes.

A pipeline strainer is a protective device that filters out debris.

It helps extend the life of industrial equipment and reduces maintenance.

Common Types of Pipeline Strainers

Choosing the right strainer depends on your pipeline’s design, media type, flow rate, and pressure requirements. Below are the most commonly used industrial strainers.

Y Strainer

The Y type strainer is compact and used when the pipeline operates under high pressure. It works well in horizontal or vertical installations.

  • Best for gases or steam.
  • Requires regular cleaning due to limited debris capacity.
  • Ideal for situations where shutdowns are acceptable.

Basket Strainer

A basket strainer has a larger filtration area than the Y-type, making it ideal for systems with heavy debris.

  • Suitable for liquids with large particles.
  • It can store more debris and reduce cleaning frequency.
  • Only installed in horizontal pipelines.

T Strainer

A T strainer is pretty similar to the Y strainer. It’s also termed the inline strainer. These two are differentiable by the vertical passageway in the T strainer which is larger than the one in Y strainers. These strainers are found in smaller sized pipes. They can handle pressures up to 6000psi and work well in 398°C operations.

Duplex Strainer

Duplex or twin strainers have two baskets and a valve to switch flow between them.

  • Designed for continuous operation.
  • Cleaning can be done without stopping the flow.
  • Common in cooling towers, pumps, and continuous processing lines.

Temporary Strainer

Temporary strainers are low-cost solutions placed between flanges during system startup.

  • Often used during commissioning or cleaning.
  • Available in flat, conical, and truncated cone shapes.
  • Not suitable for long-term use.

Self Cleaning Strainer

A self cleaning strainer is also apt for operations that need continuous flow. These strainers don’t need to be cleaned manually. They clean trapped impurities using a brush that lines the strainer’s inner body. The self cleaning strainer works at temperatures up to 260°C. These usually handle maximum pressure of 47psi.

Strainer by LIANKE

Industrial Strainers by LIANKE

Reliable filtration to protect valves and pipelines — Y, T, basket, and duplex types available.

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LIANKE industrial strainer

Special Application Strainers

Some applications require specialized industrial strainers, such as:

  • Magnetic strainers: For capturing iron particles.
  • Jacketed strainers: Maintain media temperature.
  • Micronic strainers: For extremely fine filtration (e.g., 5 microns).

Pros And Cons Of Water Treatment Strainers

  • Y Strainer: Suitable for higher temperatures. Fit in smaller spaces. Cheaper than most strainers. Cannot handle high concentration of debris.
  • Basket Strainer: Can clean up larger impurities. Hold more impurities than most other strainers. Take up more space. Increased pressure drop over time.
  • T Strainer: Can handle high velocity fluid flow. Larger flow capacity. Can experience large pressure drops even when the filter isn’t completely blocked.
  • Duplex Strainer: Allow uninterrupted flow. Generally more expensive to install. Allow flow even during cleaning.
  • Temporary Strainer: Cheaper than other strainers. Maintenance is very time consuming. Have to be replaced often.
  • Self Cleaning Strainer: Need minimal maintenance. Can clean themselves. Generally more expensive. Must be attached with a place to deposit debris that has been removed.

Getting Your Industrial Strainers From LIANKE Valve

Getting your hands on a mesh strainer isn’t difficult if you know about places like LIANKE Valve. Founded in 1982, this company has always prioritized quality for their customer’s needs. And working with them will keep your operations and investments safe. At LIANKE Valve, customers won’t have to worry about the standards of the strainers or about the type. 

Each industrial strainer is compliant with CE, API, ISO, EAC and TS standards. Additionally, getting yourself a strainer from LIANKE Valve is pretty simple as they control quality and production time through their raw material mill and producing mill.

FAQs

What Are The Differentiable Kinds Of Industrial Strainers?

There are 6 main differentiable kinds of industrial strainers. The Y strainer, Basket Strainer and Duplex strainer are used in most operations. Additionally, you’ll also find a T strainer, temporary strainer and self cleaning strainer.

What Should You Consider Before Buying Industrial Strainers?

Before purchasing industrial strainers, it’s imperative to figure out your operational needs. Each strainer has different pressure limits, flow rates and maintenance needs. Similarly, not every strainer collects the same sized particles/debris.

Resources

Are You Familiar with the Different Types of Strainers in Pipelines? – Premium Residential Valves and Fittings Factory (plumberstar.com)

Types of Strainers Used in Oil and Gas Companies (commercialfiltrationsupply.com)

101 Guide on Different Types of Strainers in Pipeline | Dombor

Your Guide to Different Types of Pipeline Strainers for Efficient Industrial Operations (xintaivalves.com)

Pros and Cons of Self-Cleaning Filtration Technology (fcxperformance.com)

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