Strainers

Strainers arrest pipeline debris such as scale, rust, jointing compound and weld metal in pipelines,
protecting equipment and processes. This tutorial considers the range of strainer and filter types in
use and how to size and select them for different applications.
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As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, more emphasis has been placed on reducing plant
downtime and maintenance. In steam and condensate systems, damage to plant is frequently caused by
pipeline debris such as scale, rust, jointing compound, weld metal and other solids, which may find their way
into the pipeline system. Strainers are devices which arrest these solids in flowing liquids or gases, and protect
equipment from their harmful effects, thus reducing downtime and maintenance. A strainer should be fitted
upstream of every steam trap, flowmeter and control valve.

Strainers can be classified into two main types according to their body configuration; namely the Y-type and
the basket type. Typical examples of these types of strainers can be seen in Figure 12.4.1.
Fig. 12.4.1 Typical strainers
Y-type Strainers
For steam, a Y-type strainer is the usual standard and is almost universally used. Its body has a compact
cylindrical shape that is very strong and can handle high pressures. It is literally a pressure vessel, and it is not
uncommon for Y-type strainers to be able to handle pressures of up to 400 bar g. The use of strainers at these
pressures is however complicated by the high temperatures associated with steam at this pressure; and
subsequently exotic materials such as chrome molybdenum steel have to be used.

Although there are exceptions, size for size, Y-type strainers have a lower dirt holding capacity than basket
strainers, which means that they require more frequent cleaning. On steam systems, this is generally not a
problem, except where high levels of rust are present, or immediately after commissioning when large amounts
of debris can be introduced. On applications where significant amounts of debris are expected, a blowdown
valve can usually be fitted in the strainer cap, which enables the strainer to use the pressure of the steam to be
cleaned, and without having to shut down the plant.

Y-type strainers in horizontal steam or gas lines should be installed so that the pocket is in the horizontal plane
(Figure 12.4.2(a)). This stops water collecting in the pocket, helping to prevent water droplets being carried
over, which can cause erosion and affect heat transfer processes.

On liquid systems however, the pocket should point vertically downwards (Figure 12.4.2(b)), 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 (Figure 12.4.2(c)). 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.
Fig.
12.4.2 Correct orientation of strainers
Straight and angle type strainers
In addition to Y-type strainers, several different body configurations are used in steam systems, namely
straight and angle type strainers. These are shown in Figure 12.4.3. These types of strainer function in a
similar way to the Y-type strainer and have similar performance. They are used when the geometry of the
steam pipework does not suit a Y-type strainer being used.
Fig. 12.4.3
Straight type and angle type strainers
Basket type strainer units
The basket type or pot type strainer is characterised 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.

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.

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.

Basket type strainers are commonly found in a duplex arrangement. A second strainer is placed in parallel with
the primary strainer, and flow can be diverted through either of the two strainers. This facilitates cleaning of the
strainer unit whilst the fluid system is still operating, reducing the downtime for maintenance.
Fig. 12.4.4 A
duplex basket strainer
Filters
Whilst strainers remove all visible particles in the steam, it is sometimes necessary to remove smaller particles,
for example, in the following applications:
When there is direct injection of steam into a process, which may cause contamination of the
product.

Example: In the food industry, and for the sterilisation of process equipment in the pharmaceutical
industry.
Where dirty steam may cause rejection of a product or process batch due to staining or visible particle
retention.

Example: Sterilizers and paper/board machines.
Where minimal particle emission is required from steam humidifiers.

Example: Humidifiers used in a 'clean' environment.
For the reduction of the steam water content, ensuring a dry, saturated supply.
In such 'clean steam' applications, strainers are not suitable and filters must be used. A filter used in a steam
system typically consists of a sintered stainless steel filter element. The sintering process produces a fine
porous structure in the stainless steel, which removes any particles from fluid passing through it. Filters
capable of removing particles as small as 1 m are available, conforming to the good practice needs of
culinary steam.
Fig. 12.4.5 A horizontal in-
line filter
The fine, porous nature of the filter element will create a larger pressure drop across the filter than that
associated with the same size strainer; this must be given careful consideration when sizing such filters. In
addition, filters are easily damaged by excessive flowrates, and the manufacturer's specified limits should not
be exceeded.

When the filter is used in steam or gas applications, a separator should be fitted upstream of the filter to
remove any droplets of condensate held in suspension. In addition to improving the quality of the steam, this
will prolong the life of the filter. A Y-type strainer should also be fitted upstream of the filter to remove all larger
particles which would otherwise rapidly block the filter, increase the amount of cleaning required and reduce
the life of the filter element. By installing pressure gauges either side of the filter, the pressure drop across the
filter can be measured, which can then be used to identify when the filter requires cleaning. An alternative to
this is to install a pressure switch on the downstream side of the filter. When the downstream pressure
decreases below a set level, an alarm light can be switched on in a control room alerting an operator, who can
then clean the filter.
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Strainer screens
There are two types of screens used in strainers:
Perforated screens - 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 screens - 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. Figure 12.4.6 shows a 3 mesh screen.
Fig. 12.4.6 Example of a 3 mesh screen
The corresponding hole size in the mesh screen is determined from knowledge of the wire diameter and the
mesh size; it is usually specified by the manufacturer. The maximum particle size that will be allowed to pass
through the screen can be determined using geometry. If, for example, a 200 mesh screen is specified and the
manufacturer's specifications stated that the hole size is 0.076 mm, then the maximum particle size that will
pass through the screen can be found using Pythagoras' theorem:
Equation 12.4.1

Fig. 12.4.7 Determining the maximum particle
size
The problem with this dimension is that the screens are two-dimensional and the particle must reach the hole
in a certain orientation. Therefore, if a long thin particle reached the strainer 'face on', it may be allowed to pass
through the screen. However, if it hit the hole 'side on' it would be stopped. If this is likely to be a problem, a
finer mesh should be used.

The screening area is the area available for removing debris. A larger screening area means that the
frequency of blowdown for cleaning the screen is considerably reduced.

The free area is the proportion of the total area of the holes to the total screening area, usually expressed as a
percentage. This directly affects the flow capacity of the strainer. The greater the free area (and the coarser the
screen), the higher the flow capacity and ultimately the lower the pressure drop across the strainer. As most
strainer screens have very large straining and free areas, the pressure drop across the strainer is very low
when used on steam or gas systems (see Example 12.4.1).
However, in pumped water or viscous fluid systems, the pressure drop can be significant. Strainers should
have flow capacities quoted in terms of a capacity index or Kvs value.

Example 12.4.1
A DN40 strainer with a Kvs value of 29, is installed on a 40 mm diameter steam pipe system, which passes 500
kg/h of saturated steam at 8 bar g. What is the pressure drop across the strainer?

Using the empirical formula in Equation 3.21.2:
Equation 3.21.2

Equation 12.4.2


This equates to a pressure drop of just over 0.5%.

The pressure drop across a strainer may be determined either from the Kv value or from a pressure loss
diagram. The method for doing this for steam flow is shown in Tutorial 12.2, and for water flow in Tutorial 6.3.

Screens are typically available in a number of different materials; most commonly austenitic stainless steels
are used in steam applications, due to their strength and resistance to corrosion. Where the strainer is used
with specialised chemicals or in offshore applications, a monel screen should be used.
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Strainer options
In addition to standard strainers, there are several other options available.
Magnetic inserts
A magnetic insert may be placed in a basket type strainer in order to remove small iron or steel debris. Small
particles of iron or steel may be present in a fluid where there is wear of iron or steel parts. These particles will
pass through even the finest mesh screens, and it is necessary to use a magnetic insert. The insert is
designed so that all the fluid passes over the magnet at relatively low velocity and the magnetic element is
powerful enough to catch and hold all the metal particles present. The magnetic material is usually encased in
an inert material such as stainless steel to prevent corrosion.
Self-cleaning strainers
There are number of different types of self-cleaning strainer, which enable the build up of debris on the screen
to be removed without shutting down the plant. The cleaning process can be initiated either manually or
automatically; furthermore, strainers that are automatically cleaned can usually be set to clean either on a
periodic basis, or when the pressure drop across the strainer increases.
Mechanical type self-cleaning strainers
Mechanical type self-cleaning strainers use some form of mechanical scraper or brush, which is raked over the
screen surface. It dislodges any debris that is trapped in the screen, causing it to fall down into a collection
area at the bottom of the strainer.
Backwashing type strainers
Backwashing type strainers reverse the direction of flow through the screen. A set of valves is changed over so
that water is directed across the screen in the reverse direction and out through a flush valve. The fluid
dislodges any debris entrained in the screen and carries it out in the backwash fluid to a waste drain.

In addition to the mechanical and backwashing type strainers, there are several types of uniquely designed
strainer screens. One of the more common types is the metallic disc, positive edge type strainer (see
Figure 12.4.8). The straining element is constructed from a pack of circular discs, separated by spacing
washers built on a main shaft with tie rods. The thickness of the washers or distance pieces gives the required
degree of filtration. The flow direction of the fluid being strained is from the outside of the element to the hollow
core, which is formed by the spaces between the main discs. This means that any debris is trapped on the
outside surface of the discs.

In order to clean the strainer, the entire strainer pack is rotated by the external handle against a set of
stationary cleaning knives interleaved with the main pack. During this rotation, accumulated debris builds up on
the leading edge of the cleaning knife, and it is deposited into a solid, vertical groove formed in the outside
surface of the strainer element by special packing pieces. As there is no flow through this part of the element
there is no force holding the accumulated dirt against the element, and it falls into the sump at the bottom of
the strainer.
Fig. 12.4.8 The metallic disc, positive edge type strainer
Temporary strainers
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. Standard construction is of perforated screen or single ply heavy wire mesh. Wire mesh liners can
be added inside or outside of the strainer for finer straining capabilities. If a wire mesh is used, care must be
taken to ensure that the direction of flow is against the wire mesh with the perforated metal as a back-up.
Fig. 12.4.9
Temporary cone (a) and basket (b) type strainers
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