Choosing an Effective Strainer System is Imperative to Performance

There are several different types of strainers that can be utilized in different process streams and their main function is similar to a filter, and that is to remove particles from a liquid or gas. A filter is normally disposable and the advantage is the ability to go to a lower micron level than a strainer and also provide less operational servicing from a solids containment perspective. Strainers are a form of filtration except they use a perforated plate or mesh screen to remove larger particles from a process stream and the major advantage is they are cleanable and reusable. Strainers would also be considered in three categories of coarse, medium and fine with the finest level of separation in the .001 inch or 37 micron range.

Strainers may be temporary (Start-Up) or permanent pieces of equipment but all are important components of a piping system to protect downstream equipment from potential damage caused by dirt and other contaminant particles that may be in the process stream. It is imperative to size the strainer based on anticipated dirt load, flow rate, removal requirements, pressure drop constraints and other operational servicing parameters.

Typically for higher flow rates, Basket Strainers are the most common choice and they may be a simplex design for intermittent bypass or shut down during servicing or a duplex configuration for continuous flow. Strainers do not only remove contaminants in a process stream but can also be utilized to recover a valuable product that needs to be saved.

MOC (Material of Construction) of the strainer is also an important consideration to ensure optimum compatibility with various process streams. Some standard housing materials are carbon steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel or other exotic alloys that may be required.

PS Filter® can provide standard designed strainers or they can be custom designed and manufactured to fit client specific process and code requirements.

Whether your application is temporary for a system start-up and flushing to protect pumps from debris in a pipeline or for permanent installation to protect valves, meters or other instrumentation, PS Filter® has the experience and capability to effectively meet client requirements and specifications for any size strainer to meet the process conditions.

Typical Strainer Opening and Mesh Sizes are shown in the Table Below and the opening size varies with the application requirement to protect the downstream equipment and the available pressure differential can impact the minimum opening of the screen.

Mesh to Micron Conversion Chart

NEIL RICHARDS, BSc, MPS

GENERAL MANAGER

As an Energy Industry Professional Neil has a well-rounded knowledge of what it takes to effectively produce oil and gas to maximize the benefit. For the past 34 years working in the Oil-Patch, Safety and Environmental Protection has always been important to Neil and his associates. Neil feels Energy Companies and the Industry have come a long way to do things better and safer while continuing to contribute to a Global Economy and continues to look at the future with a positive attitude.