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Your Guide to Different Types of Pipeline Strainers for Efficient Industrial Operations
March 18, 2024 by Brina
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.
Table of Contents
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- What Is A Strainer?
- Types Of Strainers
- How Do Strainers Function in a Pipeline?
- Applications of Strainers in Industry
- How To Select A Pipeline Strainer?
- Differentiating Filters and Strainers
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
Xintai offers 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.
Applications of Strainers in Industry
Strainers are used industrially for filtering liquids like water, oil, and sand. Additionally, they remove rust, leaves, and other organic debris from the flow stream.
When processing materials, different mesh sizes are employed to capture particles of 40 microns or greater. 60-mesh strainers typically capture particles at 240 microns, while 100-mesh strainers can handle particles as small as 150 microns or greater.
When selecting a strainer, material sensitivity to flow is an important consideration. This can be determined by pipeline velocity, differential pressure drop, and open area ratio.
Pipeline Velocity – This refers to the speed of liquid through a system, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Accurate measurement of this flow rate is essential in selecting an appropriate strainer size and determining what differential pressure can be experienced without damaging the basket.
Viscosity (Viscosity) – Viscosity is the sensitivity of a fluid to flow, and it’s essential to understand how viscosity varies based on temperature and the material being filtered.
Dirt Loading (DL) – This refers to the weight percentage of particulate contaminants in a pumped liquid or slurry form that must be removed for moisture removal. It’s essential that this liquid be correctly pumped in order to avoid filter clogging and subsequent system malfunction.
How To Select A Pipeline Strainer?
A pipeline strainer is an advanced filter that separates contaminants and particulates from the liquid. Not only does this improve efficiency in a process, but it can reduce maintenance costs, too, since particles won’t damage downstream equipment.
When selecting a strainer for your pipeline, there are several factors to take into account. One of these is the size of the hole and mesh, which determines how many particles can be captured by the strainer.
In general, strainers should have holes slightly smaller than the particles you want to filter. This ensures any foreign debris is captured before reaching downstream equipment and helps protect your investment.
When selecting a basket filtering element, there are a few essential things to take into account. Materials used can significantly affect how well the element will hold up under high pressure.
When selecting a pipeline basket strainer, the open area ratio (OAR) should be taken into account. This quantity determines how long a strainer can be used without cleaning or losing pressure across its basket or screen.
In most cases, the OAR is calculated by analyzing the relationship between an internal cross-section area of a basket or screen and its overall open area. A wider opening allows more time for the basket or screen to work without needing cleaning, which may cause pressure loss.
Differentiating Filters and Strainers
When it comes to particulates that need removal, the size of the particles can determine which strainer or filter is appropriate. If they are larger than 40 microns in diameter, a strainer would be an optimal option; if smaller, then filtering would be the better solution.
Selecting the correct mesh for a strainer or filter is critical in determining its effectiveness and how often it must be cleaned. If particulates being removed are extremely fine, a finer mesh may be needed; however, this would also necessitate more frequent cleaning sessions.
Another critical distinction between a strainer and a filter is the pressure of gas or liquid that passes through them. With a strainer, there is no noticeable drop in pressure as the substance passes through.
Conversely, substances passing through a filter will typically experience an abrupt decrease in pressure regardless of whether they need to be cleaned or not. This is essential because lower pressure enhances filtration efficiency and minimizes the possibility that debris will escape from the system.
Conclusion
Xintai Valve offers quality products and services. As an ISO 9001:2008-certified company, they manufacture valves, actuators, and piping systems for various industries. With over four decades in business, they are dedicated to creating valves that last a long time while functioning efficiently and dependably.
Xintai Valve’s product range encompasses gate valves, globe valves, ball valves, check valves, and spool valves for use in oil & gas, power generation, chemical plants, and more industries.