Strainers – find manufacturers and suppliers

Strainers are filter devices that are used in piping systems to remove solid particles, deposits or dirt particles from liquids or gases before they are passed through the system.

They are mainly used in valve technology to ensure that valves, pumps and other sensitive devices are protected from damage caused by contamination.

Below is an overview of the function, types and use of strainers, as well as their benefits and notes on their maintenance and cleaning:

How strainers work:

Types of strainers:

1. T-type strainers: The most common design. The filter insert is easily accessible and usually housed in a T-shaped housing.
2. Y strainer: This design is used when there is a lack of space or a direct flow path is preferred. The dirt is deposited in an angled container.
3. Steam strainer: Specially designed for steam and hot gas applications, often with particularly robust materials.

Areas of application for strainers:

Strainers are used in a variety of applications to improve the function and service life of systems:

1. Heating and cooling systems:
To protect pumps, heat exchangers and valves.

2. Water and waste water systems:
Prevent suspended solids and deposits from entering the system.

3. Steam and condensate systems:
Filtering deposits that occur during steam generation.

4. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems:
To remove dirt particles that could otherwise impair the functionality of components.

Advantages of using strainers:

• They prevent dirt and contaminants from damaging valves, pumps, heat exchangers and other vital parts.
• By preventing deposits and particle build-up in sensitive areas, the service life of the system is increased.
• By preventing faults caused by dirt deposits, the system remains in operation more efficiently.
• Reduced maintenance costs, as frequent repairs to valves and other system components can be avoided by using strainers.

Maintenance and cleaning of strainers:

Regular maintenance of strainers is crucial to ensure their functionality:

• Regular visual inspections of the strainer and piping.
• The strainer or filter must be cleaned when necessary, either manually or by backwashing.
• A regular check of the pressure loss helps to monitor the degree of contamination.

In summary, strainers are essential components in many technical systems that provide protection against contamination, extend the service life of the systems and increase their efficiency.

Here is an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when buying strainers:

• The material of the strainer should match the respective application and the media to be transported.
• Stainless steel: Suitable for corrosive media, aggressive chemicals or high temperatures (e.g. in steam or chemical plants).
• Brass: Often used in water and heating systems as it is durable and corrosion-resistant.
• Cast iron or steel: Used in larger industrial applications, especially where high pressure loads occur.
• The mesh size or degree of filtration determines which particle size can be filtered out. The following should be noted here:
• Smaller mesh sizes filter finer particles, but cause a greater pressure loss. Larger mesh sizes allow larger particles to pass through, but reduce the pressure loss.
• For water or gas systems, mesh sizes between 100 µm and 500 µm are often used. Finer filtration may be required for steam and other highly critical media.
• There are various designs that can be selected depending on space and requirements:
• T strainers: Common in larger piping systems as they are easier to access.
• Y strainers: More compact and space-saving, therefore often used in confined installations.
• Strainers must be able to withstand the operating pressure of the system, so the nominal pressure should be checked.
• Strainers are classified in different pressure ratings (e.g. PN 16, PN 25). The nominal pressure should always be at least as high as the maximum operating pressure of the system.
• Strainers cause a certain pressure loss. Make sure that the pressure loss remains minimal so as not to impair the energy consumption and efficiency of the system.
• The maximum operating temperature of the strainer must correspond to the conditions in the system:
• Low temperatures: almost any material can be used in cold water or cooling systems.
• High temperatures: For high-temperature applications such as steam or thermal oils, materials such as stainless steel or special alloys should be used.
• There are different ways to clean the strainer, which should be taken into account when purchasing:
• Manual cleaning: The filter insert is removed and cleaned. This requires the system to be shut down.
• Backwashable strainers: Particularly useful in large systems, as they can be cleaned during operation without interrupting the system.
• The strainer must correspond to the pipe sizes of the system (e.g. DN 25, DN 50).
• There are strainers with different connection types such as flange connections, threaded connections or welded connections. The choice depends on the type of pipe.
• It is important to ensure that the connections are compatible with the existing piping infrastructure.
• Pay attention to how easy the strainer is to maintain:
• Easy accessibility to the strainer is important to facilitate cleaning and replacement.
• It should be easy to get replacement filters or gaskets to minimize downtime.
• A strainer must not only be inexpensive to purchase, but also cost-efficient to operate.
• High-quality materials and robust construction ensure a longer service life and reduce maintenance costs in long-term operation.
• It often makes sense to invest a little more in a high-quality strainer to save on maintenance costs in the long term.
• Make sure that the strainer complies with the relevant standards and certifications, e.g:
• Strainers should be manufactured to the relevant DIN or EN standards. Quality certificates such as ISO 9001 guarantee consistently high manufacturing quality.

By taking these factors into account, you ensure that the strainers provide the best possible performance and the necessary protection for your system.

Strainers can be purchased from various suppliers. You will find comprehensive information on manufacturers and suppliers of Strainers around the world on Exportpages.