Introduction to different types of Strainers

What is the criterion for selection of T-type and Y-type strainers?

Strainer can be defined as a pipe fitting through which liquid is passed for purification, filtering or
separation from solid matter; anything used to strain a liquid; any device functioning as a sieve
or filter used to prevent solid bodies from mixing in a liquid stream or flowline.

Strainers arrest pipeline debris such as scale, rust, jointing compound and weld metal in
pipelines, protecting equipment and processes from their harmful effects, thus reducing
downtime and maintenance. Use of rightly selected strainers at correct locations (usually
upstream) is a must to protect expensive and critical downstream equipment such as pumps,
flow meters, steam traps, control valves etc.

Strainers can be classified into two main types according to their body configuration;

Y-Type
T-Type or Basket Type.

Y Type

In Y-type strainer the filter leg connects to the main pipe at a diagonal angle, giving the strainer
its “y” shape, and hence its name. This type is commonly used in pressurized lines, steam,
liquid or gas, but can also be applied in vacuum or suction situation.
When you talk about strainer in suction line of a centrifugal pump, the pressure drop becomes
first criteria, because the primary filtration is already done through big basket (Type) filter before
routing to pump and therefore no much dust is expected. The strainer, which is smaller in size is
installed just before the suction of the pump, primly to protect pump impellers. High pressure
drop in the strainer can cause the loss of NPSH to the centrifugal pump which is not desired.

In such situation you require a strainer which has less pressure drop and nominal filtration of
dust particles.

Y strainer creates less pressure drop than T type (also called basket type), but the dust holding
capacity is also less. The Y strainer can frequently and easily be cleaned and a drain line
provided in the bottom of the strainer can be operated to drain out accumulated liquid on line to
safer location. Therefore Y strainer is preferable over T type in the suction of a centrifugal
pump.

Strainers are usually sized such that the initial pressure drop should not exceed 2 psi with
velocity not to exceed 8 fps. Flow rate over 150 gpm are most likely basket type followed by a
small Y strainer before the suction of the pump.

Although commonly used for liquid applications, the use of Y type strainers were initially for
steam, air and other inert gases to protect downstream equipment from a "particulate upset
condition" such as protecting steam condensers from rogue pipe scale. Y strainers have a
blow-down port for steam applications and this flushing capability is a characteristic that T
strainers do not have. While blow-down may work for aqueous applications, the efficiency of
flushing depends upon the particles retained not becoming embedded within the element.

Although it is possible to fabricate Y strainers to satisfy specific applications, the majority of Y

strainers are cast items, thus non-customizable. It is common for Y strainers to be available in
1/4" through 10" sizes and because they are a cast item manufactured in foundry-pour based
quantities, shipment is often made within just a day or two after receipt of an order.

Material of Construction

The most common material used for Y type strainers and Basket strainers bodies are cast iron,
bronze, carbon steel, stainless steel, and plastic.

Cast iron is the most popular strainer body material because of its low initial cost. It is used in
systems where the pressure and temperature of the water are not high and the system is not
subject to high thermal or mechanical shock. Cast iron is mostly used for larger size potable
water lines and many non-potable water systems in addition to a variety of other product and
process uses.
Bronze material is preferred for brackish, saline, and seawater service. It is often used for
potable water services. Its cost doubles that of cast iron.
Carbon steel material is used where high temperature and pressure conditions are
encountered and where resistance to thermal and mechanical shocks is required. Carbon steel
components are the materials of choice where fire hazards exist.
Chrome-Moly steel material is used for high pressures and temperatures.
Stainless steel is the preferred body, basket, and screen material because of its
resistance to corrosion and contamination and ease of cleaning.

The open area ratio (OAR) for Y strainers is typically a little better than T strainers; most of our
Y strainers have a 3:1 OAR wheras the larger size T strainers have an OAR of ≤ 2.

Y strainers have a screwed or bolted chamber cover for screen access and are installed such
that when opened the process fluid will fall/drain out.

Orientation of Y-Type Strainer

A Y-strainer can be installed in either a horizontal or vertical position (Downward flow) with the
screen element pointing downward. This allows the strainer screen to collect material in the
strainer at the lowest point of the screen.

In horizontal steam or gas piping, Y type strainer should be installed in such a manner so that
the pocket is in the horizontal plane. This stops water from collecting in the pocket which can
cause erosion and affect heat transfer processes.

In liquid systems, the pocket should point vertically downwards. This ensures that the removed
debris is not drawn back into the upstream pipework during low flow conditions.

Although it is advisable to install strainers in horizontal lines, this is not always possible, and
they can be installed in vertical pipelines if the flow is downwards, in which case the debris is
naturally directed into the pocket.

Installation is not possible with upward flow, as the strainer would have to be installed
with the opening of the pocket pointing downwards and the debris would fall back down
the pipe.
T strainers
T strainers are mostly a custom fabricated product, often manufactured from pipe. The
advantage of a fabricated product is the ability to provide customized features, such as a quick-
opening style cover, addition of a vent port or adding differential pressure taps. It is also
possible to off-set the inlet and outlet by 90 degrees, forming an "elbow" shaped strainer which
might be desirable when the installation area is constrained.

T strainers usually begin at larger sizes (2") and can be fabricated for 24" or larger pipelines. As
a fabricated product, the lead times range from 8-12+ weeks (inclusive of generating approval
drawings and manufacturing).

While the OAR for a T strainer is typically less than a comparable size Y strainer, its' flow
capacity is higher. This is attributable to the flow path within a T strainer having a "straight-
through" design as well as the convoluted element shape.

To service a basket type strainer, the cover can be removed so technicians get immediate
access to the filtering element if it needs replacement (due to accumulated debris). When
basket type strainers are used on steam systems, a significant amount of condensate may be
formed. Consequently, strainers designed for use in steam systems usually have a drain plug,
which can be fitted with a steam trap to remove the condensate.

When installed horizontally, the chamber cover of a T strainer can be opened without the
process fluid draining from the chamber; this might be a desirable feature with valuable or
hazardous process fluids.
Basket type strainers can only be installed in horizontal pipelines, and for larger, heavier
basket strainers, the base of the strainer needs to be supported.

Basket Strainers are also available in a duplex style which consists of two parallel basket
strainers and diverting valves. Duplex basket-type strainer is more suitable for robust chemical
and abrasive applications. It is designed so no interruption on the process would happen to give
way to cleaning of the strainer. It does this by altering the flow of the fluid to a second strainer
once it detected the first basket is full. This way, the operator is allowed to remove the strainer,
clear the particles in it and put it back without disrupting the process.
Strainer screens

There are two types of screens used in strainers:

Perforated Screen
Mesh Screen

Perforated Screen
These are formed by punching a large number of holes in a flat sheet of the required material
using a multiple punch. The perforated sheet is then rolled into a tube and spot welded together.
These are relatively coarse screens and hole sizes typically range from 0.8 mm to 3.2 mm.
Consequently, perforated screens are only suitable for removing general pipe debris.

Mesh Screen

Fine wire is formed into a grid or mesh arrangement. This is then commonly layered over a
perforated screen, which acts as a support cage for the mesh. By using a mesh screen, it is
possible to produce much smaller hole sizes than with perforated screens. Hole sizes as small
as 0.07 mm are achievable. Subsequently, they are used to remove smaller particles which
would otherwise pass through a perforated screen. Mesh screens are usually specified in terms
of ‘mesh’; which represents the number of openings per linear inch of screen, measured from
the centre line of the wire.

Temporary Strainer

Temporary strainers are designed for protection of equipment and instrumentation during start-
up periods. The strainer is usually installed between a set of flanges for an initial period after a
new plant has been installed. Installation of a spool piece equal or more than the length of the
strainer is recommended for ease of installation or removal. There are three basic
configurations of temporary strainers, namely the conical type, the basket type and the plate
type.

Filters vs Strainers

A filter is a device that removes particles from a given liquid or gas. It includes a disposable
medium for removing particles of specified micron sizes. All strainers are filters, but all filters are
not strainers. A strainer is only one type of filter. Strainer uses a perforated plate or screen
mesh to remove larger particles from a process stream. The major advantage of a Strainer is
that it is reusable. The filter screen is only used once and must be changed when it clogs.

The main difference seems to be in diameter of the holes in the media screen also termed as
mesh size in case of strainer. There is no hard and fast size division to define strainers from
filters. Filters capable of removing particles as small as 1 µm are available

Another difference is resistance. Strainers normally present low resistance to liquid flow. The
pressure drop across most strainers is relatively small compared with the pressure drop across
thick media filters or membrane filters.
Another difference is the function. A strainer is used to protect other downstream equipment
(e.g., pumps, instrumentation) from damage by rogue junk. A filter is employed to separate
particles from the fluid.

Summary

Y strainers typically offer the best value in terms of initial cost, lead time and overall flexibility
which include materials of construction, pressure class, and inherent built-in blow-down
port/drain.

T strainers are used when transferring fluids at higher velocities (equates to higher flow rates),
for larger pipelines, applications that require special features and for quicker access to the
straining element.