Strainer Valve: a basic guide to know it better

26 Aug.,2024

 

Strainer Valve: a basic guide to know it better

When debris, such as scale, rust and other matters mix with water, oil, gas, air, steam or other media and is allowed to flow through a pipeline, it can become the cause of damage to the line&#;s valve seats, resulting in shortened valve life, not to mention equipment malfunction and damage. Therefore, Use of rightly selected strainers at correct locations is a must to protect expensive and critical downstream equipment such as pumps, flow meters, steam traps, control valves etc. in this article, Linquip has compiled necessary information on strainer valve. Read on to find out more about strainers and their application within a system.

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What is a strainer valve?

Strainer valve 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 flow line. 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.

Different types of a strainer valve

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

  • Y-Type
  • T-Type or Basket Type

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Y-Type Strainer

A Y Strainer valve takes its name from its configuration and is most commonly used in pressurized lines, gas or liquid. They can also be used in suction or vacuum conditions. Y-Strainers are intended for applications where small amounts of solid particulate are expected and where clean-out will be infrequent. If solids are flushed easily from the screen, and fluid can be exhausted to atmosphere, a blow-down valve on the drain port will allow clean-out without removal of the screen and without interrupting the process flow.

A Y-Strainer has the advantage of being installed in either a horizontal or vertical position. Obviously, in both cases, the screening element must be on the down side of the strainer body so that the entrapped material can be properly collected in it.

 

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 recommended 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.

Some manufactures reduce the size of the Y -Strainer body to save material and cut the cost. Before installing a Y-Strainer, be sure it is large enough to properly handle the flow. A low-priced strainer may be an indication of an undersized unit.

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T-Type or Basket Type Strainer Valve

T type or Basket type or Pot type strainer is defined by a vertically orientated chamber, typically larger than that of a Y-type strainer. Size for size, the pressure drop across a basket strainer is less than that across the Y-type as it has a greater free straining area, which makes the basket type strainer the preferred type for liquid applications. As the dirt holding capacity is also greater than in Y-type strainers, the basket type strainer is also used on larger diameter steam pipelines.

 

 

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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.

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.

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Strainer Valve Material

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.

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Differences between Strainer Valves and Filters

A filter is a device that removes particles from a liquid or gas. It consists of a disposable medium to remove particles of specified micron sizes. All strainers are filters, but not all filters are strainers. A strainer is only one type of filter. Strainer valve 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 is clogged.

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.

Another difference is resistance. Strainers normally present low resistance to liquid flow. The pressure drop across most strainers is relatively small compared to the pressure drop across thick media filters or membrane filters.

Last but not least, is their function. A strainer is used to protect other downstream equipment from damage by rogue junk. A filter is employed to separate particles from the fluid.

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So, this is all you need to know about strainer valve and its different types. Now it is your turn to share your experience with us in the comment section. Is there any question regarding the topic? Feel free to sign up on Linquip website where our experts are prepared to give you the professional advice you need.

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T Strainer vs Y Strainer: What is the Difference?

During pipeline applications, it is vital to understand the difference between Y-type and T-type strainers. Since both perform similar functions, it is essential to determine which one is better suited for a particular industrial valve application.

Straining is a coarse filtration process helpful in removing particulate matter from a flowing fluid, similar to the metal grill in a kitchen sink. Although both Y-type and T-type filters effectively remove the dirt from industrial fluid systems and protect downstream equipment for a prolonged period, they still possess some distinctive qualities making them uniquely different from each other.

They are also helpful in prolonging the life expectancy and usability of the equipment. Y-strainer is a more widely used industrial type compared to the T-type. There are many more characteristics that set one apart from the other.

So, let&#;s study T strainer vs. Y Strainer for a certain industrial application to find out which one is better.

Everything to Know About a T-type Strainer

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Also referred to as a bathtub strainer, a T-type strainer is used as a fixed filter in large bore lines about two inches and above. They can be flanged or welded to the pipeline network on which they are mounted and applied to all steam, water, oil, and air systems.

These filters are most commonly custom fabricated using pipeline materials, allowing them to serve the users with multiple unique features. It includes the addition of a ventilation port and differential industrial pressure relief valve, and a quick-opening style cover. But one thing to note about them is since they are fabricated using industrial materials, they can result in extended lead times.

A T-type strainer is a custom-made compound filter to extract contaminants from industrial pipelines. It is designed in such a way that it can offset the inlet and outlet by 90 degrees, forming an elbow shape. It is thus helpful in serving applications with space constraints. It is a low-cost option for high nominal bore straining specifications.

The best part is that one can use them in either horizontal, vertical, or even right-angled pipeline installations. These filters are typically equipped with a wide variety of graded filtration standards. One can pick either fine to coarse or vice versa to ensure it performs at the desired level of cleanliness when loaded fully. They can also be found in either a screwed cover or a quick-opening cover for convenient accessibility.

Benefits of Using a T-type Strainer in Industrial Applications:

  • They offer a quick opening style cover to industrial pipelines.
  • They have additional ventilation ports and differential pressure taps.
  • They are ideal for hazardous processes as the chamber cover can be opened without draining the fluid when installed horizontally.
  • They are better suited for transferring fluids in the pipes, even at higher velocities.
  • They offer a higher flow capacity despite having a smaller open ratio area.
  • They are ideal for large pipeline applications requiring quick access to the strain.

Everything to Know About a Y-type Strainer:

Now that we know everything about a T-type strainer let&#;s move on to the other one, which is a Y-type strainer. A Y-type strainer is predominantly used in liquid applications for protecting the downstream equipment from harmful particles, such as dirt. It is useful equipment because if the harmful particles are left untreated, they might affect the performance of industrial pipelines.

Most Y-type strainers are perfect for steam applications and work effectively in applications dealing with inert gases or air. One can even fabricate them to specific application needs, although most of them cannot be customized from the standard.

It is possible to find these devices in sizes ranging from ¼ to 10 inches. An industry can even manufacture these strainers in any of these sizes, using various materials, including cast iron and steel, bronze, and stainless steel. It is also possible to manufacture them with a screwed or bolt cover for screen access to ensure industrial process fluid is drained effectively through the cryogenic valves.

Benefits of Using a Y-type Strainer in Industrial Applications:

  • They involve superior flushing capabilities because of their inherent blow-down ports.
  • They have a quicker shipment time because of minimal customization capabilities.
  • They offer greater levels of flexibility to the users in multiple industrial applications.
  • They use a wide range of materials for building and a broader range of pressure classes.
  • These filters offer users a larger open ratio area compared to the T-types.
  • Y-type strainers offer better value for money along with initial expenses.

Y-type Strainer or T-type Strainer &#; What is the Difference?

For choosing the perfect type of filter for an industrial application, it is vital to focus on the business needs. Once a person clearly understands their requirements, they can make an informed decision.

Here are a few points to help one understand which filter is ideal for a particular application:

Cost Effectiveness

If concerned about the costs, a Y-type strainer is a better option because its housings are cast. It is the perfect training solution, offering flexibility to the users, unlike a T-type strainer which is a comparatively expensive solution.

Ease of Cleaning

A basket-type strainer is installed upright at the right angle, making cleaning easier. One can easily remove its cap for cleaning purposes. Contrastingly, a Y-type strainer is installed by making the strainer leg below the pipeline and point down. It means that when removing the cover, its particles can drain out right away.

Thus, one can go for a Y-type strainer if the application in an industrial check valve does not require frequent cleaning and is safe for the environment.

Convenience of Installation

When it comes to installation, a Y-type filter is ideal for applications requiring either horizontal or vertical installation. But it is possible to install a T-type strainer only with horizontal lines due to the orientation of its filter screen.

Dealing with Harmful Fluids

A T-type strainer is a better option for industrial applications dealing with viscous fluids that must be transferred at higher velocities. A basket strainer is an ideal option in this case as it offers a higher flow capacity by draining dangerous fluids quickly. It can hold more particles because of a larger filtration system.

Moreover, if the pipeline does not allow pressure drop, the basket strainer can be a perfect pick.

Contrastingly, Y-type strainers are suitable when dealing with non-dangerous fluids in industrial pipelines. It is so because these strainers are designed to protect downstream from particles not frequently present in the application. In other words, they are ideal for pipelines dealing with a low concentration of particles since they have a smaller screen for storing the dirt.

Tackling Operation Pressure

A Y-type strainer is a better option when talking about taking the pressure of operation. It is so because it can withstand very high operation pressure, much more than the basket type.

Parting Words

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Strainers are installed near the beginning of a pipeline, often before the intake side of a pump. In the absence of these items in industrial pipelines, large particles in a flowing liquid could continue downstream, clogging or damaging other components, such as pumps, valves, and sensors. For purchasing high-quality industrial strainers for various processes, please contact us.

We hope this blog helps everyone understand T strainer vs. Y Strainer so that they can make an intelligent decision when choosing one for a particular application. Since a filter plays a critical role in industrial pipelines by capturing and removing the impurities by interrupting the flow, it is an essential component that must be paid special attention to.

A filter is similar to a perforated plate or screen mesh in the pipeline to eradicate impurities. One cannot just pick any of them for a particular application. It is crucial to learn about the differences between the two types as they differ in their performance characteristics, such as their filtration area, pressure tolerance, dirt-holding capacity, price, and ease of cleaning.