Piping systems are a crucial part of many industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and food processing. These systems transport fluids, such as liquids, gasses, or slurries, from one point to another. However, as these fluids move through the piping system, they may contain solid particles or debris that can damage equipment or clog pipelines. The incomparable significance of strainers in the seamless operation of piping networks cannot be emphasized enough. Their indispensable role lies in the elimination of covert contaminants that may trigger the malfunctioning of such intricate systems. The intricate nuances of the various types of strainers in piping can often leave one feeling bewildered. And the task of selecting the appropriate strainer can be a daunting one.
Fear not, as we have meticulously compiled a comprehensive guide that is sure to demystify the complexity surrounding strainers in piping systems.
The tool known as a strainer is an essential component in the filtration of unwanted impurities, particles, and debris from a variety of fluid mediums, such as liquids, gases, and slurries. Its paramount role cannot be overstated, as it aids in ensuring the purity and quality of the filtered substance. These strainers are typically composed of a perforated or mesh screen that is designed to trap solid particles and contaminants. While still allowing the fluid to pass through. They are widely used in various industries such as oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing. To safeguard downstream equipment, maintain product quality, and preserve system efficiency.
In the ever-evolving market of today, one can find a plethora of types of strainers in piping, each with its unique filtration purpose. From the widely-used Y-strainers and basket strainers to the more specialized duplex strainers, temporary strainers, and cone strainers, the choices are endless. Choosing the most fitting strainer for any particular application depends solely on the specific requirements of the said application. With so many options available, the decision-making process can be perplexing. But with careful consideration, the ideal strainer can be selected to achieve optimal filtration results.
Strainers are crucial components in maintaining the smooth operation of piping systems and protecting downstream equipment from potential harm caused by unwanted solid particles, debris, and impurities. Without strainers, these contaminants can cause clogging, erosion, corrosion, and other forms of damage to the piping system and its components. They guarantee that the final product&#;s quality remains uncompromised while ensuring that the system runs at peak efficiency.
A vast assortment of strainers is available for purchase on the market, with each strainer type possessing distinct features and benefits that render them suitable for a variety of applications. Here are some of the most commonly used types of strainers in piping systems:
Y-Strainers
Basket Strainers
Duplex Strainers
Temporary Strainers
Cone Strainers3
Y-type strainers are a specific type of strainer that has been specially designed to remove small granules from the medium flowing through a piping system. They are commonly used in piping systems that allow for regular maintenance to improve efficiency. Y-type strainers can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on the specific requirements of the application. They are commonly used in pipelines with high-pressure levels exceeding PSI, where the risk of damage from unwanted particles and debris is significant. The strainer gets its name from its shape, which resembles the letter &#;Y&#;.
The Y-type strainer is equipped with two openings and a diagonal drain pipe to flush out debris. Any trash or debris is captured by the strainer before being expelled. It is generally recommended to install Y-type strainers vertically to prevent erosion, especially when the fluid being filtered is a liquid. In instances where filtration of gas or vapor is necessary, a strainer may be installed either horizontally or vertically based on the specific requirements of the application.
It is imperative to note that Y-type strainers are not intended to manage significant quantities of dirt or particles and necessitate regular cleaning to prevent blockages.
In contrast to Y-type strainers, basket-type strainers have a different structure and are intended to filter out larger-sized particles. They are suitable for pipelines that require frequent cleaning and are often used in applications with a pressure of up to 1,500 PSI. Basket strainers have been designed for installation only in parallel pipes and demand additional reinforcement due to their more substantial structure.
Basket strainers are well-suited for applications that require the retention of a larger volume of particles and decreased frequency of cleaning. Due to their larger straining area, they are capable of capturing a greater number of particles.
It is essential to note, however, that basket strainers have a lower capacity for pressure reduction than Y-type strainers. The cover located on top of the basket strainer can be easily removed, allowing the operator to clean the strainer or replace the filter element when debris begins to accumulate.
Duplex strainers operate using two filtering elements that work together to filter the medium. While they share some similarities with basket strainers, they also have distinct differences. Duplex strainers are particularly useful in situations where cleaning between processes is difficult due to continuous operation. With two strainers in place, when one becomes full, the medium flow is automatically directed to the other strainer, ensuring uninterrupted operation. This ensures that the filtering process is uninterrupted until the first strainer can be cleaned or replaced.
Typically, duplex strainers come equipped with plug or ball-type valves. Which allows for the flow of the medium to be redirected from one strainer to the other. Duplex strainers may only be installed in parallel pipelines and are well-suited for larger pipes. They are most effective in continuous pipelines or processes, as one strainer can take over while the other is being cleaned or replaced.
Tee strainers, also known as T-strainers, are a type of strainer used in piping systems. To remove unwanted debris or particles from fluids. As the name suggests, the strainer is shaped like a &#;T&#; and is installed perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid.
Tee strainers are typically used in applications where the flow rate is low and the amount of debris to be removed is minimal. They are designed to handle low-pressure applications. And can be used with a wide range of fluids, including gases, liquids, and steam.
Tee strainers consist of a body with a flanged inlet and outlet and a removable screen or filter element. The fluid enters through the inlet and flows through the
screen or filter element, which captures any debris or particles in the fluid. The filtered fluid then exits through the outlet.
One advantage of tee strainers is their compact size. Which makes them ideal for use in tight spaces or where there is limited installation space. However, they may require more frequent maintenance compared to other types of strainers, as the screen or filter element can become clogged quickly, especially in applications with high levels of debris.
Overall, tee strainers are a useful option for low-flow applications that require basic filtration of fluids in a compact package.
Cone strainers are used in applications where a high level of filtration is required. They are installed in a vertical position and have a conical-shaped screen that traps solid particles and debris. The conical shape of the screen allows for a large filtration area, which reduces the frequency of cleaning.
Choosing the right strainer for your specific application requires careful consideration of multiple factors. These factors include the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the size and type of particles that need to be removed. Here are some of the essential factors to keep in mind when selecting the right strainer for your application:
The flow rate refers to the volume of fluid that passes through the system per unit of time. And selecting a strainer that matches this rate is essential for ensuring efficient filtration and preventing damage to downstream equipment. The strainer should be able to handle the maximum flow rate without causing a significant pressure drop. A strainer with a lower flow rate may quickly become clogged, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, selecting a strainer that can handle the flow rate of your fluid is critical for achieving optimal performance and avoiding costly downtime.
The pressure of the fluid in the piping system is another critical factor to consider when choosing a strainer. The strainer should be able to withstand maximum pressure without leaking or failing. The pressure drop across the strainer should also be considered, a high-pressure drop. This can result in reduced flow rates and increased energy costs.
The temperature of the fluid in the piping system is another important factor to consider when selecting a strainer. The strainer should be able to withstand the maximum temperature without melting or deforming. The temperature can also affect the viscosity of the fluid. which can impact the strainer&#;s ability to filter out particles effectively.
The size and type of particles that need to be removed from the fluid are also essential factors to consider when selecting a strainer. Different types of strainers have different screen sizes and mesh options, which can filter out particles of varying sizes. For example, Y-type strainers typically have a mesh size ranging from 20-400 microns, while cone strainers can filter particles as small as 10 microns.
Knowing the particle size and type is critical in selecting the right strainer to prevent damage to downstream equipment and ensure the quality of the end product.
Maintenance and cleaning requirements are also crucial factors to consider when selecting a strainer. Some strainers, such as basket and Y-type strainers, are easy to clean and maintain, while others, such as cone strainers, require more time and effort to clean. Consider the frequency of cleaning required and the impact on downtime and production when selecting a strainer.
The primary role of strainers in a pipeline system is to capture any solid particles and debris that may be present in the fluid flow. As the fluid passes through the strainer, the screen or mesh catches the unwanted particles, allowing only the clean fluid to continue downstream.
The trapped particles build up over time, reducing the strainer&#;s efficiency and creating a pressure drop across the strainer. Once the pressure drop reaches a particular threshold, it becomes necessary to clean or replace the strainer. To maintain optimal flow and avoid damage to downstream equipment.
Overall, strainers play a critical role in protecting equipment, improving process efficiency, and ensuring the quality of the end product in many industries.
Strainers have widespread usage in various industries, such as oil and gas, chemical, food processing, water treatment, and many others. The fundamental purpose of strainers in these industries is to safeguard downstream equipment from harm. And can result from unwanted solid particles, debris, and impurities that may accumulate in the fluid. Strainers are commonly utilized in various applications in piping systems, including:
Strainers are used to produce and transport oil and gas to remove solid particles, sand, and other debris. That can damage pipelines and equipment.
In the chemical industry, strainers are used to remove impurities and solid particles from chemicals and other fluids. That is used in manufacturing processes.
Strainers are used in food processing applications to remove solid particles and debris from liquids, such as fruit juices, sauces, and syrups.
: Strainers are used in water treatment plants to remove solid particles and debris from incoming water, protecting downstream equipment such as pumps and valves.
: Strainers are used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to remove dirt and debris from the air. That ensures efficient operation and prevents damage to equipment.
Overall, strainers play a vital role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of piping systems across a range of industries. Helping to prevent downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure the quality of the end product.
Strainers are crucial components in pipeline systems as they help to filter out solid particles, debris, and other impurities. That can cause damage to downstream equipment, reduce efficiency, and compromise the quality of the end product. The presence of these contaminants can cause blockages, corrosion, and erosion of equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Strainers also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of piping systems. In industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and food and beverage, contaminants in the fluid can pose a significant risk to workers, the environment, and the end product. Strainers aid in reducing the risk of harm or contamination by eliminating particles and debris.
In addition, strainers can help prolong downstream equipment&#;s lifespan by preventing damage from particles and debris. This can lead to significant cost savings over time by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
Overall, the role of strainers in a pipeline is to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the system. By removing unwanted contaminants and protecting downstream equipment.
Strainers play a vital role in protecting downstream equipment, maintaining system efficiency, and ensuring product quality in various industries. Selecting the appropriate strainer for a specific application requires consideration of several factors, such as flow rate, pressure, temperature, particle size, and maintenance requirements. The correct strainer can help prevent damage to downstream equipment, minimize downtime, and save expenses. The five types of strainers in piping discussed in this guide are Y-strainers, basket strainers, duplex strainers, temporary strainers, and cone strainers, and each has unique features and benefits. By understanding the different types of strainers and their applications, individuals can make informed decisions. And select the right strainer for their specific needs.
Y type filter, as the name implies, is a Y-type device, which can filter, or strain out unexpected solids from steam, gas, or liquid in your pipelines.
The Y shape body offers you better flow characteristics than for example a T-shaped strainer does because the fluid flows through the Y strainer filter with less change of direction.
At Kinvalve, the Y strainer sometimes can be fitted with a blow-off connection. This kind of y strainer is a self-cleaning strainer.
In a self-cleaning Y strainer, usually, a ball valve is installed on the strainer cap. When the valve is open, the impurities and solids trapped inside the screen drain out.
This design benefits that you can clean the screen without shutting off your pipeline or disassembling it.
Another advantage of Y type filter is that it has a flexible installation position, horizontal position and vertical position.
For obvious reasons, the Y strainer mesh must be in the downward direction and position regardless of either two installation positions, so that the impurities and solids trapped can be collected inside.
When we are talking about y strainers with our customers, most of them often consider that installation of a Y Strainer is a kind of consumption, but in our opinion, they are a very valuable investment.
They are the patrons of important downstream equipment. These devices can be an important part of your system, expensive and critical.
A simple, inexpensive well-designed Y type filter can protect them from being damaged by sediment, rust, pipe scale, and other extraneous debris.
As a professional Y strainer manufacturer and supplier with over 18 years of experience, we always recommend you to take a serious attitude on Y strainers where clean fluids are required.
Clean fluid can maximize the reliability of the devices and prolong their service life. These devices include but are not limited to Pumps, Turbines, Spray nozzles, Heat exchangers, Condensers, Steam traps, Meters, and other general devices.
Don&#;t underestimate a simple Y type strainer. It can guard these components that are the most valuable and important parts of your pipeline.
As it is referred above, the Y strainer filter mesh is very critical for the function to filter the particles in your application. Without proper filter elements, the wye strainer will lose its reason for existence.
In order to find the right Y strainer filter for your application, you must know the basics of mesh and screen sizing.
There are two basic parameters that describe the size of the Y strainer mesh which debris can pass through, micron and mesh size. They look like different units of measurement, but they express the same standard.
A micron is a unit of length used to represent the diameter of a tiny particle. Intuitively, a micrometer is one-thousandth of a millimeter or about a quarter of an inch.
The Y strainer mesh size describes the number of openings in the mesh across one linear inch. As this measurement method indicates, a 10-mesh screen means you&#;ll find 10 openings across one inch. And so on, a 100-mesh screen means 100 openings per inch.
The more the number of openings in each inch, the smaller the size of impurities that can pass through, and the stronger the filtration capacity.
It&#;s important to take time to size your y strainer filter mesh correctly. Too big or too small openings will affect your whole system.
Too small openings will increase the pressure drop through it, filter out some extra impurities, increase the system burden and shorten the cleaning interval.
On the contrary, if the openings are too large, it will lead to unexpected bigger particles passing through, affecting the performance and life of downstream equipment, and even damaging the equipment.
At Kinvalve, we can customize the opening from a size 3 mesh screen with 6,730 microns to a size 400 mesh screen with 37 microns to satisfy your application specifications.
Another critical thing you need to check in a wye strainer is the point where the screen or straining element seals to the body.
At Kinvalve, we always pay more attention to the seat. This seat should be finely processed to fit the screen tightly, so no particles can bypass without filtered by the mesh.
As a leading y type strainer manufacturer and supplier, Kinvalve can customize your y strainers with flanged end or threaded end connections available in stainless steel, carbon steel or cast steel bodies.
At Kinvalve, all the Y strainer meshes are made of stainless steel, of course, special alloy steel also is optional as your requirements.
At Kinvalve, the threaded Y strainer is normally up to 4 inches, and the working pressure is mostly lower pressure like 200psi.
For extremely high-pressure applications, you can choose a Y strainer filter with butt weld end connections.
For the flanged Y strainer, we can provide your y strainer with a range from 1/2inch to 12 inches. Flanged y strainers are usually used for higher-pressure applications.
At Kinvalve, flanged Y strainers are designed to ANSI or JIS specifications. The common types of flanges are RF, FF or RTJ faces.
When talking about the carbon steel Y strainers, they are ideal for the application of the oil and petrochemical industry.
Kinvalve carbon steel Y strainers also excel in resistance to mechanical or thermal shock and it&#;s important in case of a fire.
Our carbon steel Y strainers are available in forged steel and cast steel design. The forged carbon steel y strainers are used for higher-pressure applications because of their great strength, and they are usually equipped with butt-welded end connections.
Kinvalve cast steel Y strainers feature good pricing with high performance. It&#;s your cost efficient choice. Cast steel y strainers are available in flanged type and threaded type for lower pressure rating.
At Kinvalve, stainless steel y strainer benefits from the all stainless steel structure, has a strong corrosion resistance, and no contamination. It is ideal for your chemical, food and pharmaceutical applications.
Based on the above reasons, it is not too much to emphasize the role of the Y strainer. As an experienced Y type strainer manufacturer and supplier, we have served hundreds of customers from all over the world in the past 17 years.
Based on our good product quality and after-sales service, we have reasons to believe that we can meet your requirements and special customized services.
When you are specifying or buying a Y-Strainer, price should not be your first consideration. A high quality, well-designed y strainer filter can have almost unlimited service time. Compared with this long period of time, the initial cost is almost negligible.
For more information, please contact us now.
Strainers are important when filtering unwanted materials from piping systems.
There are two main types of strainers, basket strainers and Y-strainers.
This guide will focus on Y-strainers, sometimes referred to as &#;Wye&#; strainers.
We will walk you through the crucial details you need to know about this type of strainer.
Keep reading:
Y Strainers
Filters and Y-strainers have a similar function, to remove particles from gas or liquids.
The two are mainly fixed in a piping system to ensure the quality of product and to protect the equipment from damage.
Generally, the Y-strainer and filters help to improve the efficiency of the piping system.
On the flip side, the two differ in terms of the size of particles they trap.
Filters remove particles less than 40 microns, whereas Y-strainers remove particles greater than 40 microns.
In simple terms, filters can trap particles not visible to the human eye. On the other hand, Y-strainers effectively trap particles that you can see with your bare eyes.
Another difference lies in the pressure drop. Fluids passing through a Y-strainer will not experience a pressure drop unless the strainer needs cleaning or replacement.
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Conversely, liquid or gas passing through a filter will experience some level of pressure drop.
First, the two differ in terms of their structure and shape. A Y-strainer has a chamber (filter leg) that forms a Y shape. On the other hand, a basket strainer has a vertically oriented chamber.
Also, compared to basket strainers, Y-strainers have a low dirt holding capacity. This makes Y-strainers less ideal for applications that require a large amount of debris collection.
In terms of installation, Y-strainers can be installed either horizontally or vertically. However, basket strainers only permit horizontal installation.
Lastly, basket strainers have less pressure drop compared to Y-strainers. This is because the former has a greater free straining area compared to the latter.
Consequently, the basket strainer is preferred for liquid application.
All strainers, including Y-strainers, use two main types of screens: perforated and Mesh Screen.
As the name suggests, this type of sheet construction involves punching holes on a flat metal sheet. Subsequently, the perforated sheet is rolled and spot weld into a tube.
Generally, the hole sizes range between 0.8 mm &#; 3.2mm. As such, perforated screens are majorly used in trapping average size pipe debris.
The formation of a mesh screen involves arranging fine wire in a mesh or grid arrangement. Commonly, the mesh is then placed over a perforated screen, which supports the mesh.
Unlike the perforated screen, the mesh screen can have small holes sizes small as 0.07mm. Consequently, this screen type is useful in removing small debris that can pass through the perforated mesh.
The filter screen (in this case, mesh screen) is the most important part of a Y-strainer. Without it, no debris will be trapped. As such, you must have the right filter screen for your Y-strainer.
Importantly, proper sizing of the filter screen will dictate the efficiency of the piping system. For example, a filter screen that is too small (with too many openings) will result in a pressure drop.
Also, a small filter screen will trap even unnecessary debris. This will result in clogging, and in turn, increased maintenance costs.
Conversely, a filter screen that is too large will allow large particles to pass, damaging the downstream equipment.
Before we look at the sizing, let us first define the below key terms:
Generally, the larger the mesh size, the smaller the size of the particles that can pass through the filter screen.
To better understand the subject of how to size a Y-strainer filter screen, have a look at the table below.
The table is divided according to the mesh size and the size of particles (in microns) it can trap.
Mesh sizeMicronsParticle Size Example 280.Beach Sand600.Fine Sand2000.Portland Cement3250.Silt4000.Plant PollenApart from using the above table as a guide during the sizing of your filter screen, you can also consider:
We place a lot of emphasis on ensuring that our clients have the correct mesh screen size. The reason being, a large mesh screen will:
Below are the main parts of a Y-strainer:
Y-strainer Parts
The main pipe is where the filter basket is connected. Fluid first enters the inlet of the main pipe before it is redirected into the filter basket.
It is where the complete filtration of the fluid takes place. It houses the filter screen.
The gasket helps prevent any leakage when the fluid gets into the filter leg. To perform this function, it is designed to withstand high pressure and temperature.
The filter screen in a Y-strainer is commonly a mesh screen. Depending on the size of the holes, the filter screen traps various debris present in the fluid.
By loosening or tightening the screw, you can be able to either open or tightly seal the components of the filter leg.
It acts as a cover for the components of the filter leg. Also, it holds the set screw.
When the fluid enters the inlet of the Y-strainer, it goes into the filter leg. The filter leg has a filter screen that traps the solid foreign particles (debris).
The now debris-free liquid then exits the filter basket and is discharged from the Y-strainer via the filter outlet. Over time, the debris accumulates, necessitating regular cleaning of the filter basket.
Before installation, ensure that you adhere to the following for the efficiency of your Y-strainer:
After adhering with the above, you can then commence with the installation process:
One of the perks of a Y-strainer is that it can be installed in two positions, vertically or horizontally. Also, the filter leg can be aligned horizontally or vertically, depending on the application.
For example, in gas or horizontal piping, the filter leg should be in a horizontal plane. This helps prevent media collection in the filter leg, which may result in corrosion.
Conversely, in liquid applications, the filter leg should face vertically downwards. This helps ensure that the removed debris is not drawn back into the media.
Up to this stage, you have now installed your Y-strainer. Now let&#;s consider how to start up your newly installed Y-strainer.
Usually, the Y-strainer is installed immediately before the equipment meant to be protected. For example, if the installation aims to protect a pump, the Y-strainer will be situated at the suction end of the pump.
Such installation, or location, will ensure the foreign solid particles are trapped before getting to the equipment.
The main benefits the Y-strainers have over the other types of strainers (especially basket strainers) include:
Both vertical and horizontal installation. This makes the Y-strainers more versatile and easier to install.
Y-strainers have three main end connections; threaded, flanged, and weld connections.
This is the main type of connection employed by many Y-strainers, mostly for large pipe diameters. Also, they are easy to use and permit fast installation.
Flanged End Connection Y Strainer
They are ideal for systems requiring tight connections or are transporting hazardous or corrosive media. However, flanges are not ideal for high-temperature conditions, i.e. temperatures that exceed 360o.
Importantly, the mating flanges of the pipe and the Y-strainer should be similar for efficient connection.
Once put in place, the flange ends of the pipe and the Y-strainer are secured using several bolts. This ensures that the connection is tightly sealed.
There are two main types of flanges, raised face and flat face flanges. With regard to joints, flanges can either have ring type joints (male or female) or groove and tongue joints.
Notably, Y-strainer flanges should comply with ANSI standards.
Ultimately, the threaded connection is the oldest connection type used in piping. They are commonly used for small diameter Y-strainers.
Compared to the flanged connection, Y-strainers with the threaded connection have a lower pressure rating. Fixing a Y-strainer with a threaded end is as easy as screwing a bolt into a nut.
The usage of threaded Y-strainer is mostly in low cost and noncritical applications. Such uses include domestic water systems, fire protection mechanisms, and water cooling systems in industries.
The welded connections can be subdivided into two types:
For this to be possible, the pipe&#;s diameter should be smaller than that of the Y-strainer.
They are a stronger connection alternative compared to other connection types
Importantly, a welded connection should be used where there is no evident need for frequent dismantling.
Y-strainers have the below common applications:
Materials used in the construction of a Y-strainer&#;s body do vary. This is aimed at making the Y-strainer ideal for various conditions.
Below are some common materials used.
Since carbon steel is strong, Y-strainers that need high thermal and mechanical resistance are made from it. Primarily, carbon steel Y-strainers are used in the oil and petrochemical industry.
The application of stainless steel Y-strainers is typically in the food, drink, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. This is because stainless steel is less prone to contamination and has high corrosion resistance.
For Y-strainers designed for low pressure and temperature conditions, cast irons are commonly used. It is the most common material used for strainer&#;s body construction.
This is the common body material for Y-strainers used in saline or seawater applications. Compared to other options, it is relatively expensive.
Unlike bronze, brass is a more affordable Y-strainer body construction material. It is mostly used for Y-strainers intended for upstream applications to protect pumps, control valves and regulators.
Both Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) are considered versatile materials in constructing a Y-strainer&#;s body. The two have high excellent chemical and corrosion resistance.
Also, they have high pressure and temperature tolerance. However, CPVC is slightly superior to PVC.
For example, CPVC has a temperature tolerance of about 94oC, while PVC has a temperature tolerance of around 60oC.
Having the right Y-strainer is key to ensuring it is efficient. You should ensure the following when selecting a Y-strainer.
You will frequently need to disassemble your Y-strainer to clean the strainer back and assemble it back once done.
Y-Strainer
Below is a general disassembly procedure that will guide you:
To assemble back the Y-strainer, you follow the disassembly procedure in reverse.
The main seal materials option for Y-strainers are:
There are two major cleaning methods used in Y-strainers
This is a rather easy cleaning method and does not require you to shut down the system. Preferably, you should commence blow-down cleaning when the pressure differential is between 5 to 10 psi.
All you need to do is to open the blow-down valve and allow the debris to come out. You will then close the valve when the pressure differential returns to normal.
If the pressure differential does not return to normal after blow-down cleaning, it implies you need to initiate the second cleaning option.
This is the other cleaning alternative if the blow-down cleaning is not efficient. It involves the following steps.
The maintenance of a Y-strainer involves three major practices:
You can know when to clean your Y-strainer by keeping tabs on the pressure drop.
As the filter screen traps debris continuously, it becomes blocked, resulting in a pressure drop. Notably, when the pressure differential gets to around 5 to 6 psi, it is time to clean your Y-strainer.
Importantly, do not let the pressure drop to exceed 10 psi. A high-pressure drop will drastically affect the performance of the entire system.
Self-cleaning Y-strainers enable the accumulated debris to be removed without shutting down the system. Usually, they can either be mechanical or automatic.
These types of Y-strainer have a brush or a scraper that dislodges debris trapped on the screen. The debris then falls into a collection area situated at the bottom of the strainer.
As the name suggests, these automatic self-cleaning strainers clean the screen through a backwash cycle.
The fluid moves in a reverse direction to dislodge any particles on the filter screen. This is made possible by a set of valves that can alter the direction of the fluid.
Automatic Self-Cleaning Y Strainer
Note: Apart from the above types, a Y-strainer can be uniquely designed by the manufacturer to self-clean. Examples include the incorporation of knives and metal discs in the strainer to aid in the cleaning process.
The table below will guide you when troubleshooting a Y-strainer:
ProblemPossible CauseSolutionPressure Dropv The filter screen is cloggedv Clean or replace the filter screenLow flow v Filter screen cloggedv Piping clogged
v Check both the piping system and the strainer and clean if necessary.Leakagev The filter basket is fullv The filter screen is clogged
v Worn out seals
v Replace or clean both the filter basket and filter screen.v Check and replace the seals if necessary
Broken flangev Over tightened boltsv Poor alignment of mating ends
v Re-align the piping and the strainer.v Repair or replace the damaged strainer or piping end.
The prices of a Y-strainer vary mostly depending on:
The life span of a Y-strainer entirely depends on the selection and the maintenance. Choosing the wrong Y strainer will result in shorter service life.
Also, lack of maintenance and regular cleaning will damage the Y-strainer.
Depending on your unique requirements and specifications, we design and manufacture a range of y strainers for your applications.
Contact Kinvalve today for all your y strainers needs.
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