Strainer Purpose

Piping systems contain rust, scale, welding slag, gasket fragments, and debris from maintenance or upsets. Basket strainers trap large particles preventing damage to pumps, control valves, heat exchangers, and instrumentation.

Design Configuration

Y-strainer or basket-style housing with inlet connection, perforated or mesh basket capturing particles, outlet connection, cover or closure for basket access, drain plug for cleaning. Simple inline installation in piping.

Basket Element

Perforated metal or wire mesh basket typical opening 1/32 to 1/4 inch (0.8-6mm). Stainless steel or carbon steel construction. Cleanable and reusable reducing operating costs. Handle or lifting mechanism for removal.

Operating Pressure

Rated to line pressure typically 150-600 psig class. ASME flanged or threaded connections matching piping. Materials and design per applicable piping codes.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for most hydrocarbon and water applications. Stainless steel 304/316 for corrosive services or food applications. Bronze or exotic alloys for specialty chemicals. Cast or fabricated construction.

Particle Capture

Removes pipe scale, rust, weld spatter, gasket material, sand, packing fragments, and large debris. Protects downstream equipment while allowing normal solids loading without excessive maintenance.

Differential Pressure

Pressure gauges upstream and downstream indicate basket loading. Clean DP minimal 1-5 psi. High DP signals cleaning requirement typically 10-25 psi. Simple visual monitoring.

Cleaning Procedure

System shutdown or bypass enables cover removal. Basket lifts out for inspection and cleaning. Debris disposal and basket cleaning with solvent or water. Reinstallation and return to service. Simple maintenance.

Applications

Pump suction protection, steam system strainers, cooling water, process piping, fuel oil, natural gas, compressed air, and any liquid or gas system requiring coarse filtration.

Y-Strainer Design

Y-shaped body with angled screen chamber. Compact inline installation. Suitable for horizontal or vertical piping. Lower pressure drop than basket type. Common for smaller line sizes.

Basket Strainer Design

Vertical or horizontal body with larger basket capacity. Better for high solids loading. Easier basket access and cleaning. Typical for 2-inch and larger piping.

Blowdown Option

Some designs include bottom drain valve for periodic blowdown without shutdown. Removes accumulated solids during operation. Reduces maintenance frequency. Common for steam and gas service.

Installation Considerations

Installed upstream of equipment to be protected. Accessible location for maintenance. Drain pan or containment for liquid service cleaning. Proper support for filled weight.

Performance Benefits

Protects expensive equipment from large particle damage. Prevents control valve plugging and pump impeller wear. Simple economical coarse filtration. Reusable elements reduce operating costs.

Standards Compliance

Design per ASME B16.34 for valves and fittings or ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels. Materials per applicable piping codes. Pressure ratings matching piping class.

ERGIL basket strainers provide economical coarse particle removal protecting pumps, valves, and equipment in liquid and gas piping systems.