Most often many people, and even design engineers, use the terms strainer and filter interchangeably. But strictly speaking, these two devices are not really one and the same. Filters remove smaller particles from the process media than strainers. Their similarity lies in the fact that they share the same ultimate goal - that is to separate or remove any harmful material. One of the most important considerations to make is ensuring that you have chosen the right strainer to get rid of the unwanted particles from your application. In this case, custom strainers are highly required.
They are commonly used in commercial and industrial applications including food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, hydraulic, and many others. They can be manufactured from different metal materials such as wire mesh, perforated or expanded metal. Each has its own flow rate and unique characteristics for certain engineering requirements. Perforated metal, for example, can be made with round or square holes, or any other shape needed depending on the size and shape of the particles to be strained. More considerably, custom strainers are placed in-line with process piping to separate or screen off larger particulates and contaminants which may damage the pumps, valves and other process elements. They can be configured in different styles depending on their intended use. It can be a basket (simplex or duplex basket), in-line, t-type and y-strainers.
Custom strainers have design qualities which make them a better alternative than the regularly made ones. When properly designed, they can tolerate high temperatures of more than 500°F, very high pressure differentials and corrosive environments. In some cases, strainer design requires a combination of materials to develop either an outer structure or protective underlying of perforated metal or a coarse mesh to guard delicate interior components. Being custom made to fit a specific application, a strainer can be formed using various techniques. The factors that affect the construction type and strainer end formation include the particles size, flow rate, liquid contact, and the physical space where the strainer will be placed.
At Islip Flow Control, all your strainer specifications are taken into account. We are the industry’s leader in designing and manufacturing high quality products that meet our client’s unique applications. We respond to the ever changing demands of the industry to provide custom strainers, valves and accessories that go through our strict quality control standards. Simply get in touch with us to learn how we can offer the best pipeline solution for you.