The Fundamentals of an Industrial Strainer
Strainers can be seen everywhere even at residential homes. These devices help take away the impurities of certain substances as well as some solid materials in a process flow. An industrial strainer is a special type of strainer manufactured for various industrial applications. Just like other straining devices, industrial strainers are used for coarse filtration of fluid mediums in large pipelines. It comes with a wire mesh of various sizes, usually supported by a perforated sheet. As a general rule, the wire mesh opening must be smaller than the size of the particles to hold them in place while letting the fluid to go through the pipeline.
By filtering unwanted particles and separating them from the fluid, industrial strainers protect other process system components like burners, valves, pumps, bearings, condensers and nozzles in the flow systems. In most cases, industrial strainers are partnered with special filters that are used to isolate finer particles. Together with a filter, industrial strainers make up an efficient and cost effective filtration system.
An industrial strainer has special features that differentiate them from ordinary strainers and other common filtration devices. Special strainers used for industrial purposes are compact in size but features robust design. They can endure low-pressure drop and are easy and affordable to maintain. They are meant to have a tremendous particle holding capacity. The size of Industrial strainers is measured in NB, which specifically refers to device’s diameter. The size of strainer models depends on the demands of the application, but they are usually designed to filter materials measuring larger than 5 micron.
In terms of styles, there are different types of industrial strainer units. Y and conical types of industrial strainers are designed with flanged and socket weld end connection. They are made of forged iron or case steel of different grades. A conical strainer is also referred to as a suction strainer because it is usually utilized on suction side. The tee type industrial strainers most of the time have a structural skeleton composed of a round bar and flats that support the wire mesh.
The basket industrial strainer is another common classification of industrial strainers. It can be constructed into two forms, simplex and duplex type, with suitable material. A simplex basket strainer is also called bucket strainer. It is available in cast iron or fabricated form. A duplex basket strainer is made up of two basket strainers. The operator can switch the filtering function from one strainer to another. This convenient shifting allows ease of cleaning the elements from one strainer while the other continuous to function. Duplex strainers are then ideal for continuous uninterrupted flow operations.
The body or housing of strainer directly affects its durability and efficiency. Some of the usual materials that strainers are made out of include cast steel, cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel. In some cases, they can be composed of materials like brass, bronze and gun metal. Aside from its actual body material, an industrial strainer can also come with a protective coating or linings made typically of rubber or PTFE. Strainers can also be fabricated to address flow rate and operating pressure expectations. Some high quality models possess self-cleaning systems, which lessens maintenance and downtime.