Types of Strainers

Y-Type

A Y-type strainer is a cost-effective permanent industrial strainer that can be installed along a pipe without any support. Both horizontal or vertical installation are possible. It is commonly used in pressurised lines for steam, liquids or gas.

Basket Type

The advantage of basket type versus Y-type is its higher dirt capacity, size for size. Also, the pressure drop is lower. In most liquid applications, a basket type water pipe strainer is preferred.

Duplex Type

Duplex type strainers are basically 2 basket strainers installed in parallel. A valve is put between them to direct the flow between each strainer. This is so that we can remove the filter element from the basket strainers without interrupting the process.

Common applications are where the process does not allow for any downtime to clean the filter.

Automatic Strainer

An automatic water pipe strainer can clean the filter element automatically without having to remove the filter element. A motor is mounted onto the strainer to remove the suspended solids continuously. We recommend using them where heavy debris is expected, such as a river or seawater intake, for fire protection or cooling purposes.

Conical Strainer

A conical strainer is designed to be clamped between two pipe flanges. It is fast and cheap to manufacture. However, the disadvantage is that we must dismantle the section of pipe in order to clean and maintain the industrial strainer.

For this reason, they are usually used for commissioning or temporary purposes and are sometimes known as ‘temporary strainers’.

Strainer Filter Element

The strainer filter element is made up of fine wire formed into a grid or mesh. Usually, it is combined with a perforated screen for better durability. Different mesh sizes are possible. The smaller the mesh size, the smaller the particles it can filter. However, there is a trade-off. Debris will build up more quickly for smaller mesh sizes, and more frequent maintenance is required.

Selection & Sizing of Strainers

Pressure Drop

Pressure drop is the difference in pressure between 2 points. Resistance to flow, such as pipe elbows, reducers, valves, etc., causes a pressure drop. A high-viscosity medium or high flow may also contribute to pressure drop.

Pressure drop is an important consideration when designing the strainer.

Open Area of strainers

Over time, the strainer filter element will get clogged with debris. This will lead to a higher pressure drop. Therefore, the strainer filter element has to be cleaned periodically to unclog the filter and prevent the filter from breaking.

The open area will affect how frequently the strainer must undergo maintenance. A strainer with a higher open area, such as a basket strainer, will need less frequent cleaning than a y-strainer.

Usually, the open area is compared to the pipe size. For example, the user may demand an open area that is 3X of the pipe size.

Types of strainers

When specifying the strainer, the first thing that comes to mind is the type of strainer filter required. Both the pressure drop and open area are important considerations. Next, we must consider the amount of dirt expected.

For applications where the process cannot stop, consider using a duplex or automatic strainer.

Material of Construction

Cast Iron – Cheap and fairly resistant to corrosion.
Cast Steel – Resistant to corrosion and able to handle high pressures
Stainless Steel – Very resistant to corrosion. Used in hygienic applications or extremely clean raw materials/products is a must.
Other materials such as Alloy 20, GRP/FRP, Bronze, Monel, Hastelloy and Super Duplex Stainless are available on request

Filter Strainers in Singapore

With the help of a filter strainer, you can prevent damage to the system.
If you’re looking for a filter strainer in Singapore, browse our selection today.