Pipe strainers are a necessary component for any pipeline system to maintain its efficiency and reduce the chances of clogs and damage. They clean the media, separate the larger pieces from the smaller ones, and filter out the liquid to remove acceptable debris from the flow medium. Not only do strainers reduce the need for repairs and maintenance, but they also collect trash particles that could clog pipes, making the entire network safer from harmful components. With the correct strainer installed and used correctly, you can ensure that your valves and other piping apparatus remain safe from damage.
Applications of Strainers in Industry
Industrial strainers are indispensable components of any piping system, pivotal in maintaining its robustness and productivity. Installed after valves, condensers, and pumps, these strainers act as filters for thick or contaminated liquids, removing any unwanted particles and ensuring a smooth flow.
Industrial strainers are used in various sectors to guarantee efficient production, from the production of chemicals to the food industry, from water treatment to the oil industry. With them, the quality of the product and the service provided would be protected.
For these reasons, investing in quality industrial strainers is a wise choice for any business looking to ensure its long-term success.
Terminology You Should Know
Piping parts, such as strainers, come in various sizes and configurations. Therefore, the strainer’s performance and efficiency are dependent on these factors. Unfortunately, fouling can occur in strainers with tiny holes. This is when unwanted sediment and other materials build up on the inside walls of the tubes – leading to more frequent pipe-cleaning sessions. If left unchecked, this can cause tremendous damage to the plumbing system. To prevent such problems, it’s essential to understand which factors should be considered when choosing a suitable strainer. Doing so will ensure a smoother and more efficient piping process.
What Is The Flow Velocity?
Flow velocity is an essential factor when selecting a strainer for filtering liquids. The faster the flow rate, the lower the pressure, and vice versa. This is especially important for industrial-grade strainers, as the maximum allowable pressure drop must be established. While this has no direct correlation with the pipes’ diameter, pressure drop charts are available online to help calculate the expected pressure drop of a given strainer.
A basket strainer is often the most efficient solution for liquids flowing at rates more than 150 GPM, as it has a lower pressure drop than other types. A conventional strainer should have an initial pressure drop of no less than 2 PSIG and a maximum flow velocity of 8 feet per second.
What is the Open Space Specific Ratio?
A strainer’s open area ratio (also known as Capacity ratio) is crucial in determining how long it can function before being cleaned or replaced. The higher the open area ratio, the less likely the strainer is to become clogged and suffer from a dramatic decrease in pressure.
When a strainer mesh becomes dirty or blocked, its open area ratio drops significantly. This indicates that the medium is full of particles or is particularly sticky. To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial to monitor the open area ratio of strainers and clean or replace them when necessary.
How Big Mesh Should You Select?
When selecting a strainer, it’s essential to consider its mesh size to determine the filtering efficiency. Generally, a finer mesh will provide greater force and more effective filtration. Note the plus (+) or minus (-) sign when selecting the size.
You can determine the mesh size by counting the openings in one linear inch. If a plus sign follows the number, any molecule with a diameter more than that size will be unable to travel through the gaps. Conversely, only particles less than that size will be let through if a minus sign follows.
How Do Various Strainer Types Influence Pipe Straightness?
Pipes are seldom installed at a horizontal angle. The ideal strainers for vertical pipes, however, are Y-type or t-type basket strainers. The Y strainer’s screen, on the other hand, must be pointed down. This makes particle trapping simple and prevents trash from returning upstream.
Basket strainers, on the other hand, function well with horizontal or gradually sloping pipes. On the other hand, the strainer should be positioned as low as possible to facilitate the flushing of debris.
How to Choose A Pipeline Strainer?
Choosing the fitting pipeline strainer is vital for the longevity and quality of your pipeline. While many types of strainers are available, it’s crucial to select one that best meets your needs. Consider these factors when choosing a pipeline strainer: the pipeline material, flow rate, size, pressure rating, solids size and concentration, and filtration requirements. Additionally, check the strainer’s construction, including the style of the basket, material, and cleanability, to ensure it meets your needs. With these guidelines in mind, you can select the proper pipeline strainer for your pipeline and ensure its long-term success.
The Design Criteria
The design criteria for our custom-fabricated strainers are engineered to meet specific requirements for multiple ports and connections. Our strainers are made with exotic alloys and feature custom coatings for improved durability. Additionally, we consider the velocity of the flow, differential pressure, and the capacity of the particle holding, ensuring that the strainers are designed to meet your specific needs.
The Size of Particle Retention
Pipeline strainers are essential to any process or equipment used to protect the downstream processes or equipment from particulate. The strainer should be smaller than the allowed particle size to provide the most effective removal of contaminants. Furthermore, it is critical to establish performance tolerance to guarantee the desired results.
Although pipeline strainers are not designed for microfiltration applications that require specific efficiencies, the element holding capacity can be estimated by the ratio of the open area to the cross-sectional area of the inlet pipe.
To ensure the strainer is of the proper size, the fluid flowing through it should be tested to determine the particle size range and concentration it will be exposed to in the critical application.
Pressure Limit and Temperature
It is essential to understand strainers’ pressure and temperature limits when using them as industrial equipment. Knowing the correct specifications for each strainer is imperative, as it can be used for various applications requiring various requirements. Please meet these requirements to ensure adequate performance and potential damage. Therefore, it is essential to accurately identify each strainer’s pressure and temperature limits to ensure optimal and safe performance.
Dimensions
Choosing the right size strainer for your pipeline is critical for optimal performance. If the strainer is too large, particles can pass through and negatively affect the gear. But if the strainer is too small, it can cause a reduction in pressure, leading to an inefficient pipeline. Therefore, select the right size for your pipeline to ensure optimal performance.
Role of Strainer In The Pipeline
A strainer in the pipeline is the ideal solution for screening the flowing media and separating dirt, particles, and other contaminants. This helps maintain the system’s efficiency and prevent costly repairs due to clogging and damage. With the strainer in place, the harmful particles are kept out of the rest of the system, saving time and money. Furthermore, this equipment helps to guarantee that the remainder of the system’s components are secure and free of possible blockage and damage.
Conclusion
BCST manufactures strainers designed to fit all types of pipelines and provide superior filtration performance. Our robust materials ensure that all particles, dirt, and dust are trapped and removed, ensuring your medium passes through the pipeline free of debris. With no significant differences between the available designs, you can select the one that best fits your needs.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at www.bcstvalve.com if you want to learn more about strainers or purchase industrial valves at affordable prices. Our team of experts would be delighted to assist you in finding the perfect solution for your project.
