Y-Strainers

Generally speaking, clean fluids help maximize the reliability and longevity of any mechanical system, it is particularly important for solenoid valves. The reason may be due to the solenoid valves being very sensitive to dirt and only functioning well with clean liquid or air. If any solid enters the stream, it can destroy or even damage the entire system. Thus, the Y-strainer is a good supplementary component. In order to maintain the performance of the solenoid valve, it also helps protect other types of mechanical equipment, such as:

• Pumps
• Turbines
• Spray nozzles
• Heat exchangers
• Condensers
• Steam traps
• Meters

A Y-strainer can protect these components (as mentioned above), and some of the most valuable and costly parts in the pipeline, from pipeline scale, rust, sediment or any other type of foreign debris. Y-Strainers have a variety of designs and connection types, which can be adapted to any industry or application.

If there is no mesh filter of the correct size, the Y-Strainer will not perform its function. In order to choose the most suitable strainer for a task, it is necessary to understand the basics of screen and mesh sizes. Mesh screen and microns are two reading terms used to describe the size of the holes in the filter to identify which fragments of different sizes pass through the filter and flow through the system.

The Y-Strainer mesh size is the amount of openings per linear inch of mesh. For instance, a 10 mesh screen has 14 apertures per inch, whereas a 120 mesh screen has 120 openings per inch and has a much smaller opening hole. The smaller the particle size allowed to pass through the filter, the lower the mesh number.

The micron is the unit of measurement for tiny fragments, and the micron is calculated as one thousandth of a millimeter or approximately one thousandth of an inch.

Moreover, you can refer to the following table as an example of mesh sizes according to certain particles.

Y-Strainer can be flexibly installed in a vertical or horizontal position, and the screen filter element and cap are adjusted downward. The fluid must enter the inlet downwards so that the filter screen can collect the solid matter in the filter at the lowest point for vertical installation. Y-Strainer is utilized in liquid applications, as the sand and gravel are two general contaminants that pose a risk to the application.

The strainer is connected to the main pipe of the system in a diagonal Y-shape. It is generally used in pressurized pipelines, liquid or gas, steam and vacuum or suction systems. Since the strainer has a lower dirt holding capacity than a basket strainer, it needs to be cleaned frequently. Simply open and close the valve to complete the screen cleaning without shutting off the water flow or removing the strainer.

Threaded End SS316 Y-Strainer

Before the installation, there are several steps you need to be aware of:

(a) Before installing the strainer, make sure that the system is fully depressurized and all treatment fluid has been drained from the system. No machining fluids are allowed to go in the system during installation.

(b) Inspect the outside and inside of the strainer to make sure it is not defective or damaged.

(c) Kindly ensure the connection points are clean and no other particles.

The following steps are the appropriate instruction for installation:

• Align the strainer with the pipe according to the flow direction indicated by the arrow label on the filter body.
• Intend the other end of the male connector for tightening and connecting the strainer.
• The pipe where the filter is installed must be guided and assembled in a system without bending, stretching, and vibration.
• Before starting operating the system, make sure the installation is fully in place and the cap is facing down.
• Make sure that the bottom cover is closed and with no leakage before injecting liquid through the system. Start the system gradually to avoid the sudden impact on the strainer and piping system.

Y-Strainer acts as an important role in the environments which require continuous protection from debris and contamination. The following table shows the most common applications that require the use of a Y-Strainer.