Selecting Filters and Strainer

Filters and strainer are devices that are primarily manufactured to remove or isolate various size particles from the end product, which are commonly liquid or gas. Filters are expected to remove fine particles of smaller micron sizes usually not visible to the naked eye. Strainers, on the other hand, remove larger particles from the process stream. A filter or a strainer can be made from different materials but the most common models are made of stainless steel because of its dependability, strength, and proper filtering capacity.

Strainers utilize perforated and or wire mesh to fulfill their function. The dimensions of a strainer’s mesh depend on the size of the particles that needs to be removed. The size and design of the strainer determines the cleaning cycle, particle size retention and pressure drop capabilities. Strainers are also manufactured following a wide range of designs. Designs that are on high demand in industrial facilities include basket, T style, cartridge and conical.

Just like what they do with straining devices, manufacturers create filters of various forms and types to meet flow and application requirements of their clients. Filtration products can have different forms such as filter cartridges, bag filters, bypass filters, duplex filters and suction filters. Efficient filters are often used in hydraulic fluid and lubricant systems because the solid and liquid contamination will most likely cause corrosion, wear, and abrasion on the system. In addition, it will also compromise the physical and chemical properties of such types of fluids.

Filters and strainer provide protection to the pipeline and the equipment of the product flow system from being damaged by presence rough and coarse particles. Filtration and straining devices are installed upstream of the system prior to the mechanical units like nozzles, pumps and meters. These mechanical units are critical to the process operation and are often more expensive than the filtration media. Filters and strainers are often used in manufacture and supply filtration systems for several processing industries that involve food and beverage, chemistry, water management, plant and machinery, and pulp and paper.

When selecting filters and strainer, there are aspects to consider in terms of performance level. The first one is the line pressure that such devices must deal with. When the pressure drop through a filter device increases to 2 to 5 psi over the normal rate, the device should be changed. The second consideration is the actual size and amount of particles present in the product. When there are too many large sized particles, they can easily clog up the filter and strainer and eventually reduces product flow.

Choose filters and strainer products that are proven to have long service lives, because such choice can replacement and maintenance costs. Filtration and straining products must also posses low flow resistance but at the same time has the maximum ability for contamination retention. Effectively designed straining and filtration units can maintain their efficiency even under increasing pressure. They are ones that are easy to assemble and disassemble so that they can be cleaned quickly and easily. More advanced straining devices come with automatic self cleaning features. Although such high quality filters and strainer models may cost more, they offer less maintenance and worry-free operation.