Filson Pipeline Basket Strainer

  • Large strainer basket areas
  • ANSI classes up to 2500
  • Numerous connection size: 3/4"- 72"
  • Differential pressure indicator/magnet options

Your Professional Pipeline Strainer Manufacturer

1
Materials: Carbon, Stainless Steel, Duplex Stainless Steel
Carbon or stainless steel strainers offer maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
3
End Connection: Threaded, Flanged, Butt Weld,Socket Weld
Our strainer baskets come in a variety of end connection types.
2
Filtration Accuracy: From 10 to 10000 micron
Welded standard versions are available with filtration rating up to 10000 micron.
4
Inlet/outlet can be positioned in the same/opposite side
For fabricated strainer, inlet and outlet can be positioned not in parallel.

Filson offers a wide variety of standard pipeline basket strainers as well as the custom-made strainer to effectively remove debris from industrial pipeline systems.

Our pipeline basket strainer improves system performance through protecting the Pump/Meter/Compressor and the additional components downstream.

Filson pipeline basket strainers are designed to separate particle impurities with a simple cost-effective way.

When basket cleaning, temporary interruption should be permitted.

Filson pipeline basket strainers are used in where the continuous and uninterrupted flow is required.

All these threaded or flanged basket strainers are individually air-tight and leak tested.

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Filson Pipeline Basket Strainers

Filson Pipeline Basket Strainers are available with large flow capacity and pressure capacity up to 320 bar.

Covers are easily removed without special tools, and the basket is easily cleaned or replaced.

fabricated pipeline basket strainer

Filson pipeline basket strainer permits modifying to fit particular requirements.

Designed for limited space or fixed dimensions is our superiority.

Filson Pipeline Basket Strainers could be offered additional design and material variants.

We offer the worlds widest selection of industrial applications, including general water, power generation, marine industry, process equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals…

Need a custom solution?

Send us your inquiry on Pipeline Basket Strainers.

 

Pipeline Basket Strainer: The Ultimate Guide

Do you want to remove and retain foreign particles in your pipeline?

You can go for a pipeline basket strainer.

But before you buy a pipeline basket strainer, I want to take you through everything you should consider.

I will walk you through the basic definition, classification, parts/components, technical specifications, end connection and applications, amongst other critical aspects.

By the end of this guide, you will comfortably choose a pipeline basket strainer for your unique application.

Keep reading to learn more…

What is Pipeline Basket Strainer?

A pipeline basket strainer is a closed vessel that filters or strains larger solid particles and separate them from the media flow in a pipeline system.
The pipeline basket strainer contains the filtering element. It is responsible for screening, trapping and removing target coarser particles of the media stream in pipeline circulation.

Pipeline basket strainer can collect particles with smaller diameter of 0.001 inches.

Also, designs of pipeline basket strainers can remove even more than unwanted materials from the media stream.

As you will find with any other pipeline system, removing foreign material will save you from unnecessary problems downstream.

Therefore, you should be careful when choosing a pipeline basket strainer. Go for one with the right filtering rating and serves intended purpose.

Also, different pipeline basket strainers can serve more than a single purpose of straining out coarser contaminants.

Pipeline basket strainer

Pipeline basket strainer

Pipeline basket strainers also provide protection for the sensitive upstream parts and components.

For example, compressors, filters, pumps, traps and valves.

§ Differences between Strainers and Filters

In other markets, you may find it difficult to differentiate between strainers and filters.

Why?

Lots of people fail to understand the differences of both mentioned items.

For your information, there is a difference between strainers and filters, and pipeline basket strainer functionally differs from filters.

From physical inspection, strainers and filters are more or less the same things.

So, what is a filter?

A filter is a screening device that traps and removes particles from a fluid.

The screening material is disposable filter media that targets

 Water filter cartridge  Water filter cartridge

And what is a strainer?

A strainer is actually a filter; however, its screening material is made of perforated-plate or wire-mesh screen that targets coarser particles from the media line flow.

Strainer

Strainer

In addition, strainers have one advantage over filters as they are reusable over and over again as long as the perforation integrity is not compromised.

By the way, let me tell you the truth.

Pipeline basket strainer is in fact a vital component in a pipeline system.

This is because it does not only protect fragile and sensitive components, but other additional parts downstream such as motors.

Thus, it is advisable to rely on pipeline basket strainers with sturdy structural designs to improve substance production quality.

The sprouting of new industry niches has contributed to the development of newer pipeline basket strainers.

For a fact, modern pipeline basket strainers come in varying special design configuration to stop bypass due movement of the straining media.

Plus, improve optimum process performance.

Many times people view a pipeline basket strainer as an inexpensive protection device for pipeline systems.

But after knowing the importance of pipeline basket strainer, you cannot ignore installing it in the pipeline.

Why You Need a Pipeline Basket Strainer

Now, this is the right moment to walk you through various reasons why you need a pipeline basket strainer.

And, I will make the discussion here simple and straight forward.

Let’s dive right in:

  1. By removing unwanted material in the pipeline, it protects the components downstream
  2. Helps to keep the fluid in the pipeline clean by forming a filtering unit in the pipeline network
  3. Keeps fluid cleanliness, condition at the required levels for smooth operations

Now, let me sum up all these three points here:

With pipeline strainer in between the piping channels, only the desired media goes through and continue for further processing downstream.

The straining element retains the solid debris from media flow circulation thus preventing contamination.

Installing the right pipeline basket strainers in pipeline production line will make sure that quality media line is maintained throughout the process.

This is simply because the pipeline basket strainers will remove undesired components from the fluid flow.

Another very important factor to consider is the choice of the straining element type.

It solely relies on what goes through the pipeline network (media line).

A pipeline basket strainer uses various basket screen types which are fixed inside the body of the basket strainer.

In a nutshell, you need a pipeline basket strainer to:

i. Control quantity or level of contaminants in a fluid system

ii. Protect components downstream

iii. Reduce possible downtime due to possible contamination

iv. Improve efficiency in the pipe system

Types of Pipeline Basket Strainers

There are a handful types of pipeline basket strainers available for different pipeline system applications according to industry specifications.

For instance, chemical, petroleum and paint industries may use pipeline basket strainers that differ from those recommended for beverage and food industries.

In addition, pipeline basket strainers are made using a variety of materials such as bronze, carbon steel, iron, stainless steel and other special alloys.

Other manufacturers may produce pipeline basket strainer body units made from fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP).

This is because it offers greater resistance to corrosion, light compared to metal body pipeline basket strainers and cheaper.

Pipeline strainers come in different end connections; butt welds, flanged and threaded ends and types.

These options in design are solely to make sure that the user can maximize the use of strainers in their applications.

I will take you through all that shortly – keep reading.

Cleaning pipeline basket strainers vary depending on basket strainer type.

There are 3 types of pipeline basket strainers with unique configurations and features for various industrial applications.

The following are the different types of pipeline basket strainers for a pipeline system implementation:

Wye-Pipeline Basket Strainer

This is one of the commonest type of pipeline basket strainer.

Its name is attributed to its Wye-shaped form.

Y-pipeline basket strainer is preferably used in pressurized gas, lines, liquid or steam, though it can also serve well in suction or vacuum application.

 Y basket strainer

Y basket strainer

It is designed to offer low resistance to media passage as it has a rather straight channel, thus low-pressure loss for such pipeline network.

That is why wye-pipeline basket strainers are suitable in pipeline systems that transport media with small concentration of solid particulates.

This allows Y-pipeline strainers to be working for a longer time because of low cleaning out frequency.

Duplex Basket-type Strainer

Duplex Basket-Type Strainer is in fact suitable for robust abrasive and chemical applications.

It is special configuration guarantees uninterrupted process throughout because while one chamber is online the other is on standby for use during cleaning and maintenance exercises.

This is possible by altering the media flow to the standby strainer in case the first basket strainer clogs.

This grants the operator an opportunity to get access to and remove the basket strainer for pressurized cleaning to get off the debris and dirt.

Afterwards, re-set the basket strainer to its original position without necessarily disrupting the process.

However, it is vitally essential to regularly clean and maintain the strainers more often to avoid being in a dilemma; when both strainers clog due to excessive contaminates and particulates.

In such an incidence, the process fluid loses its quality and may pose a great threat to downstream instruments, pumps, valves, heat exchange and a host of other fragile components.

Pipeline duplex strainers are essential in ensuring that there is no frequent disruption in industrial or domestic fluid pipeline systems.

The main advantage of pipeline basket strainers improves industrial production efficiency as there is no downtime and save on preservation expenses.

T-Shaped Basket Strainer

This type of pipeline basket strainer is the right in a pipeline network because its design increases efficiency, leakage tight as well as provide protection to the valves.

It is recommended precede the strainer to the control valves.

T basket strainer

T basket strainer

In this order, debris and dirt particles will be kept at bay from flowing through to the control valve and main shut-off valve.

Simplex Basket-Type Strainer

This type of pipeline basket strainer is ideal in pipeline system where the media line requires frequent or regular cleaning.

Plus, pipeline network that can afford shutdown periods of change of basket element or cleaning.

Simplex pipeline basket type can hold substantial amount debris and dirt matter than the Wye Basket type as well as offer considerably lower pressure drop.

In a horizontal media line, it is installed upright and the basket screening element seat or removed from the top.

This aspect makes it suitable for sticky or gummy media or applications for large pipeline structures where the basket weight may be immense.

Fabricated-Type Strainers

This type of pipeline basket strainer offers an extra design and flexibility options for special applications.

Fabricated basket strainers can also come with motorized, special cleaning options and hand-operated.

Thus facilitate removal of solid materials.

For instance, some of these options are cover design, flow variation etc.

 Fabricated basket strainer

Fabricated basket strainer – Photo courtesy: Sure Flow Equipment

Most fabricated pipeline basket strainers not only meet application needs, but also are highly technically configured for quality processing operation.

Manufacturers have made it possible to order different sizes, styles and types of pipeline basket strainers according to the target removal particle size.

In fact, such feature is adjustable for various systems as the strainer element vary in micron ratings.

This adjustment makes the system meet a desirable fluid that is free from unwanted content by restricting flow of specified solid size.

To comb very small particles then you have to install a strainer with smaller holes to accommodate such filtering requirements

Parts of Pipeline Basket Strainer

Pipeline Basket Strainers are essential devices in a pipeline system for removal of unwanted debris from the media stream.

These strainers are commonly preferred in pipelines where there is a higher rate of debris loading and collection of coarse solids is a requirement.

Parts of a basket strainer

Parts of a basket strainer

The following are the parts that conveniently assembled to work as a single straining device in a pipeline system:

Straining Element

The filtering element forms the part of a pipeline basket strainer.

It is specially designed and configured to be durable as well as effective to guarantee a reliable service life.

The functionality and performance of the screen element design are determined by the factors considered to the strainer housing, mesh size or perforations.

Basket strainer options

Basket strainer options – Photo courtesy: Dharmi Engineers

The internal screen is designed with high surface area to cut pressure loss because of clogging.

Nonetheless, there are several types of basket filter element.

Why don’t we get to that?

a) Cylindrical

This is the standard basket element and comes with a bow-shaped handle that are pushed and held by the top cover to maintain a tight seal in the basket strainer body.

Mostly, available for simple and twin basket strainers with up to 8” size.

It also has standard type mesh or perforation basket made of Monel or stainless steel.

b) Convoluted (Pleated)

Convoluted, open type-basket elements provide very low pressure drop.

For a fact, pleated or convoluted structure offers a greater straining surface area as compared to other designs. They range from 10” to 18” in size.

c) Screens (Elements)

This type of basket element is preferable in self-cleaning pipeline basket strainers instead of the conventional baskets.

It also traps unwanted debris or dirt matter from the fluid stream.

The perforations on the screen are so designed to easily dislodge debris during back washing.

d) Elliptical Top (Slanted)

The elliptical open top design allows process fluid to easily enter, thus reduces pressure drop across the basket.

This offers ample for inline connections on other fabricated bodies, also allows for multi-basket strainers using smaller baskets.

Despite an elaborate strainer connection, it is still easier for a single person to manage them.

Today, the standard screen material used in most pipeline basket strainers is 304 Stainless Steel series, though 316 stainless steel is also opted for as due to its corrosion resistance property.

Pipeline Strainer Housing or Body

The pipeline strainer body houses the operations of the device and give protection against damage and ingress of environmental contamination.

Therefore, the strainer housing should be made from quite heavy material and thick enough to accommodate varying operating conditions such as extreme pressure and temperatures.

Duplex filter housing

Duplex filter housing

The body of pipeline strainers different from the type of strainer due to application requirements and overall functionality.

In fact, from the material and application function, the manufacturer is capable of appropriately sizing the pipeline basket strainer.

During the sizing, also the straining element space should be considered to have a correct body, strainer that properly houses the filter element part.

The process of making pipeline basket strainer body should conform to the quality control standards along with ISO certification tests.

These quality tests make sure that you secure excellent pipeline basket strainer housing that are effective, durable and reliable for specific applications.

How a Pipeline Basket Strainer Works

You see…

The working principle of pipeline basket strainer is simple and straightforward.

Basically, a contaminated fluid flows into the pipeline basket strainer.

The basket strainer traps all the particles.

It then leaves the fluid without particle/contaminants to flow through the opposite side of the outlet.

It is a fast and efficient process.

Look at this:

Anyway, let’s go past that and look at the nitty-gritty of this process.

Different types of pipeline basket strainers have unique “working principles”.

Take for example, duplex basket strainers and simplex basket strainers.

Of course, the only difference here is that:

With the duplex basket strainers, you don’t have to shut the pipeline completely.

Simply switch the basket strainer as you clean the clogged one.

I have a complete guide on this here: Complete Guide to Duplex Basket Strainer.

On the other hand, with the simplex basket strainer, you have to shut down the pipeline for routine maintenance. You can also learn about it here: A Complete Guide to Simplex Basket Strainer.

Obviously, this leads us to another important aspect – the two have different applications.

That is, duplex basket strainers are suitable for pipeline systems that require continuous or not interrupted flow of fluid.

Continuous use of the pipeline basket strainer eventually clogs the filter element with debris and dirt, and a periodical cleaning is highly advisable.

To safely carry out cleaning basket strainer body, interior, you have to turn off the fluid supply or divert the flow where possible.

For an effective straining of unwanted larger particles, you should install a string of the pipeline basket strainers in the series.

The removal of such undesirable fluid content is accomplished via a mesh lined or perforated basket that seats inside the pipeline basket strainer body.

By design, the size of the perforations should be slightly smaller than the smallest targeted debris particle.

In case the perforations are oversized, they may let the unwanted debris flow along the medium.

This could pose a potential danger on the fragile components downstream.

On the other hand, if the perforations are undersized, even wanted fluid content may be removed, thus affecting the quality of the flow substance.

The correct perforation size should however be determined by its application functions and not the extent of the pipeline system.

Technical Specification of Pipeline Basket Strainer

In this section, you are going to learn the technical aspect of pipeline basket strainers alongside features that enhances its efficiency.

A comprehensive discussion on pipeline basket strainer technical information should help you make informed decision when designing the pipeline system.

Let’s first begin by expounding on the basket and screen design:

Basket and Screen Design

The basket and screen design should be made durable and effective since the basket filter element forms the ‘heart’ of pipeline basket strainer.

You should go for pipeline basket strainer types that come with robust design and meet standard tests.

Standard design pipeline basket strainers meet requirements for most applications.

Pipeline basket strainer

Pipeline basket strainer

It is important and sensible to choose a heavy-duty design for applications in severe environment or fluids with extreme chemical properties.

There is also a wide array of mesh and perforations that offer variety of filtering solutions for various pipeline systems.

For instance, the screen can remove solid particles from ½” to as low as 40 µm.

However, for unique pipeline applications, there are options of custom pipeline fabricate strainers from the desired materials and specification.

Basket Construction

Each basket style comes with a perforated sheet welded on to inflexible top ring together with a solid bottom cover.

The welds along the perforated-sheet-seam must be given special attention.

This is to prevent possible solids bypass when online as well as to maintain the basket integrity.

Basket construction

Basket construction

A handle should be welded to the top ring of the basket or screen for ease of removal.

On the other hand, heavy-duty basket must have reinforcement also welded along the screen’s perforation seam, but on the circumference of the outer mid-section of the screen.

The perforated screen should lie in between the bottom cover and inside the top cover.

Perforated Sheet Specification

Most pipeline basket strainers utilize mesh or perforated sheets because they offer resistance to stress-cracking and inherent strength.

You should note that the internal pressure drop experienced across the screen is determined by the amount of open area on the screen.

 Screen size

Screen size

The crucial stage during screen perforation is striking the best balance of hole arrangement, sheet thickness and open area of the basket filter element.

What follows is a perforated sheet specification dimension, thickness in U.S.S. gauge, hole pattern and possible open area:

Open Area

Perforated screen sheets can have a range of open area from 15%—75%.

As long as the open area of the perforated screen sheet is larger, the sheet thickness must be thinner.

Also, closely punched holes increase the open area of the sheet as the solid portions become weak and distort.

But how do you control the sheet thickness with respect to holes?

This can be achieved by considering the diameter of the holes; for thinner sheet then the smaller the diameter.

Standard pipeline screen sheets should have an open area that ranges from 28%—63% along with gauge thickness between 18 (0.048 mm) — 25 (0.021 mm).

The dimension, however, depends on the size and model of the strainer and perforation size.

Perforation size InchesSheet thickness uss gauge #Hole pattern% Open Area
0.02026 (0.018 mm)Straight16.0
1/3226 (0.018 mm)Straight28.0
3/6426 (0.018 mm)Straight30.2
0.04526 (0.018 mm)Staggered36.0
1/1626 (0.018 mm)Straight31.0
1/826 (0.018 mm)Staggered47.9
5/3226 (0.018 mm)Staggered63.0
¼26 (0.018 mm)Staggered42.0
3/826 (0.018 mm)Staggered52.0
1/226 (0.018 mm)Staggered47.9

Hole Arrangement

The holes on the screen sheet can be punched either in a staggered or straight-line pattern, though the staggered patterns are the best.

This is because they offer an extra-strength, increase open area and offer low pressure drop.

Perforation

Pipeline screens and baskets are available in a range of perforations as observed in the below table.

Pipeline basket strainers for general service have a uniform perforation for the specific type and size of the strainer.

The following is a table of screen porosity:

Hole Diameter (mm)—Number of Hole (holes/cm2)Porosity
ɸ 1.2 ──── 23.826.98
ɸ 1.3 ──── 16.221.59
ɸ 1.5 ──── 11.219.96
ɸ 2.5 ──── 7.2135.42
ɸ 6 ──── 1.4240.30
ɸ 6 ──── 1.8050.63
ɸ 8 ──── 0.95447.96
ɸ 10 ──── 0.73958.04

 

Wire Mesh Specifications

Pipeline basket strainers are available in woven wire-mesh screen sheets.

Wire-mesh screen sheets provides smaller openings as compared to perforation screen sheets.

Hence, suitable for finer straining applications as low as 40 µm.

Monofilament mesh is usually used to produce a square-openings on the screen surface with equal wire count and size.

In addition, there are other types of mesh like the Dutch weave with fewer number of wires in larger diameter in one direction and greater number of wires on the other side.

Just like with a perforated screen sheet, also the best wire mesh choice must have a good balance of wire diameter, weave type and open area.

Standard pipeline basket strainer mesh liners on the screens and baskets begin from 20—400 mesh.

For various mesh sizes, there is a variety of open-area selections determined by the diameter of the used wire.

400 mesh means 400 wires per inch both directions (horizontal and vertical), and as a result, as the wire size decreases, the hole size increases.

Open Area

Both the wire diameter and weave dictate the open area of the wire-mesh screen or basket.

Most pipeline basket strainers use plain weave because it offers a straight-through media path while creates lower pressure drop.

A perforated metal backing provides reinforcement to the mesh sheet and have greater than 60% open area.

This structural combination gives the wire-mesh outstanding strength, and the least pressure drop than other type of wire-mesh strainer.

For example, for steam application, professionals strongly recommend use of baskets or screens of weave specification of 30 x 160 size.

This is because it can take considerably higher differential pressure without collapsing.

Most wire-mesh pipeline strainers have 14%—46% open area.

Plain Square Weave

This type of weave is woven using wire with the same diameter, and the weave forms square opening.

It has excellent and exquisite flow characteristics than Palin Dutch weave.

Also, offers low pressure drop across the filtering element.

Plain Dutch Weave

The plain Dutch weave is woven using wire with varying diameter.

Its horizontal wires have a larger diameter than the vertical wires and are crimped, then driven close at each pattern.

This weave produces a greater structural integrity, but has poor flow characteristics than plain square weave.

 

Mesh sizeWire diameter inchesMesh opening inchesMesh opening micros% Open area
200.0160.034086446.2
400.0100.015038136.0
600.00750.009223430.5
800.00600.006516527.0
1000.00450.005514030.3
2000.00210.00297433.6
3250.00140.00174330.0
4000.00150.03813836.0

 

The following tables are for correction factors for mesh-line baskets and opening equivalent for the pipeline basket strainers courtesy of Eaton Strainer:

Viscosity (SSU)Unlined perforated basket40 Mesh lined basket60 Mesh lined basket80 Mesh lined basket100 Mesh lined basket200 Mesh lined basket325 Mesh lined basket
30 (water)11.21.41.61.72.02.5
5001.61.92.12.42.63.13.6
10001.72.22.42.62.83.33.8
20001.92.42.72.93.23.84.0
30002.02.62.93.23.54.14.3
50002.23.03.54.04.55.36.3
100002.53.54.25.06.07.18.5

Strainer Basket Opening Equivalents

 

MeshInchesMillimetersMicron
4000.00150.038138
3000.00180.045745
2500.00240.060960
2000.00270.068668
1500.00410.1041104
1000.00650.1651165
800.0070.1778177
600.0090.2286228
400.0150.8636380
200.0340.8636862

 

 

PerforationInchesMillimetersMicrons
1/320.0330.838838
3/640.0451.1431143
1/160.0701.7781776
3/320.0942.3872387
1/80.1253.1753175
5/320.1503.8103810
3/160.18754.7624762
¼0.2506.3506350
3/80.3759.5259525
½0.50012.70012700

 

End Connections

Pipeline basket strainers are also made with different types of end connections,

However, the most common end connection types are threaded, flanged, weld end and special end.

For instance, bronze, steel and stainless-steel pipeline strainers usually are available either with flanged or threaded end. While iron pipeline basket strainer come in any of the end connections.

§ Threaded

It is normally a tapered-female pipe thread even though male connections are also made.

Threaded connection

 Threaded connection

The strainer is connected in a pipeline network by driving pipe with same thread dimension in a female-male or male female combination.

§  Flanged

Flanged ends are based on American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Manufacturer’s Standardization Society (MSS) standard ratings.

The Classes are from 25, 125, 150, 250, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500.

Flanged connection

Flanged connection

Tongue and groove joints and ring type joints are also available under flanged end connection.

It is better to stick to the commercial standard flange ratings due to availability and ease of maintenance.

§ Weld Ends

Pipeline basket strainers with butt weld end are available in different sizes.

The ASME B16.25 categorically elaborates the available ranges of weld joint preparations.

Welded connection

Welded connection

When placing your order, it is essential to specify pipe bore needed for the manufacturer to supply a matching bore in the pipeline basket strainer.

For butt weld pipeline strainers hydro-static test are carried out once installed and welded in the system.

Pipeline strainers with socket weld-end are available as from 3” size.

Before ordering pipeline strainers with weld ends, check whether you wish such welded connection or not.

§ Special Ends

Many pipeline basket strainers, supply the market with grooved ends strainers, but you have to supply end connection details to get a correct end connection pipeline strainer.

Other special configuration end connections like union and O-ring ends are available only on order, once end details are furnished.

Wye-Strainer type and other smaller strainer types designed with standard fittings for extreme pressure application.

They can withstand lower temperatures while working in high pressure environment.

See the below Gaskets and fasteners chart courtesy of Sure Flow Equipment:

Gaskets

Red Rubber                                                     Compressed Nomabestos Fiber

Teflon                                                              Buna-N O-ring

Neoprene                                                        Stainless Steel —Jacked

Graphite                                                          Stainless Steel—Spiral Wound

Viton

Fasteners

Carbon Steel                                                   Alloy Steel

Silicon Bronze                                                 304 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel                                          Monel

You should understand better the type pipeline strainers to avoid using them under extreme working conditions to avoid bursting.

Also, remember that flange rating is not the same as the pressure rating of the pipeline vessel.

Selection of Materials (Corrosion Resistance)

Any type of pipeline basket strainer is subject to a considerable degree of erosion or corrosion.

This is why erosion and corrosion allowance have to be considered during the design stage of the vessel.

This directly affects the selection of materials and coating that should be used by the manufacturers.

Nonetheless, the choice of coating and material depends on the economic considerations for the project.

This decision must be well thought-out by the customer in consultation with certified engineers and the manufacturer.

The following factors:

  • Fluid type
  • Adjacent piping network
  • Desired component service life
  • Pressure
  • Temperature and customer’s encounters with similar media line

This should help you to determine a suitable material and basket filtering element.

Also, corrosion resistance statistical data can assist in the selection of coating or materials.

Below are some of the coating that most pipeline strainers have to retard corrosion:

  • Asphalt
  • Baked phenolic
  • Epoxy, Kel-F
  • Neoprene
  • Penton (plating: cadmium, galvanizing, nickel, zinc etc.)
  • Teflon
  • Rubber
  • Vinyl

 

Pipeline Basket Strainers Body and Basket Materials

You can choose pipeline basket strainer made from different materials depending on your unique applications.

Take for example:

Stainless steel is most common materials used to make screen and comes highly recommended for steam applications.

This is because stainless steel offers greater resistance to corrosion, contamination and ease of cleaning.

The following are some of the materials used to manufacture pipeline basket strainers for an array of application:

i) Bronze

It is usually preferred in water application environment.

It is an excellent material for saline, seawater and brackish services because it is resistant to rusting.

Bronze pipeline strainers are also very expensive than other forms of materials.

ii) Cast Iron

This material is popular and common pipeline strainer housing material because is readily available and affordable.

It is ideal for pipeline systems that run under considerably moderate temperatures and pressure since it is relatively weak and can burst from high thermal or mechanical shock.

iii) Carbon Steel

This the strongest form of doped iron material.

Contrary to cast iron property, carbon steel, reliably operates in severe pressure and temperature environment.

This is because it has higher resistance to thermal mechanical shocks.

iv) Chrome-Moly Steel

This a special material that have outstanding physical characteristics.

It enables such a pipeline strainer to work under higher pressure and temperature conditions.

Precision machining is required for the bottom of this strainer to prevent media flow bypass in the pipeline system.

The table below shows the metal materials as recommended by ASME:

Capacity

The open area ratio is also called capacity ration dictates pipeline basket strainer operating characteristics.

That is, an operation period without cleaning or maintenance and possible pressure loss across the basket or screen.

The open area ratio is derived from the relationship between the flow area (internal cross-sectional area) of the adjacent end connection pipes; and the open flow area of the straining material (basket filter element).

OAR for threaded pipeline strainers is found using just normal pipe size.

However, manufacturers and other specifying agencies adhere to standard acceptable methods to analysis OAR of basket filter or straining elements.

Industry Testing and Specifications

When you want to order a pipeline basket strainer, it is prudent for the customer to supply more information about the strainer to the manufacturer.

This will better the chances of design a pipeline basket strainer for your application.

That is why you should give the manufacturer ample time to carefully prepare pipeline strainers that match one’s specification.

When consulting a manufacturer for a new strainer, you should state the following:

  • Allowable pressure drop
  • Flow data
  • Solids to be extracted

Let me expound on these:

  • Allowable Pressure Drop

The operating pressure drop forms the function of fluid characteristics, strainer geometry and operating conditions.

The relationship between operating pressure drop, strainer geometry and fluid conditions enable the manufacturer to set up factors that may be compromised during the design process.

  • Flow Data

Basically, the customer has to give fluid information that will flow through the pipeline system.

You should remember that fluid includes all liquids, steam and gas.

a) Gas

Comprehensive description of the gas

  • Specific gravity
  • Molecular weight
  • Pressure and temperature
  • Flow rate in standard units

b) Liquid

Key specifications include

  • Rate of flow in standard units
  • Viscosity (SSU)
  • Density and specific gravity
  • Concentration and temperature

c) Steam

Key specifications include the following:

  • Flow rate
  • Pressure
  • Temperature
  • State of flow and density
  • Target Solids to be Strained

The specification on the target contaminant should specify the relative size and nature of the debris or sediment. This must also be in standard industry units.

Physical Characteristics of the Pipeline Strainer and System

Theses may include:

  • Type of strainer
  • End connections
  • Strainer and Basket filter element material
  • Pipe size and schedule
  • Capacity
  • Special requirements, i.e., jacketed, hinged cover, vent tapping etc.
  • The required open area of the straining element
  • Pressure and temperature ratings
  • Environmental conditions
  • Motor type, desired controls frequency
  • Voltage power supply for automatic pipeline basket strainers.

A complete set of pipeline basket strainers should pass the following manufacturers’ tests:

  • Air test
  • Dye penetrant Examination
  • Hydro static Burst and Hydro static tests
  • Vibration test
  • Helium Leak test
  • Ferroxyl Test
  • Magnetic Particle Examination
  • Radiographic Examination
  • Shock test
  • Surge Test

Strainer Selection

Pipeline basket strainers must be appropriately sized to avoid bursting under operation due to exceeding the set maximum permissible pressure drop across the chosen basket strainer while clean.

It is of technical importance to specify:

  • Working temperature and pressure
  • Design temperature and pressure
  • Required flange-rating
  • Corrosion allowance

And any other necessary operating factors, which may affect the vessel operation.

The above discussed data should help find various technical parameters such as pressure drop, viscosity and a host of other physical and chemical property.

Simplex basket strainer

Simplex basket strainer

This should make sure you design a sturdy and reliable basket or screen together with strainer body with long service life.

Applications of Pipeline Basket Strainers

It is clear that pipeline basket strainers are majorly used to separate contaminates and particulates from process fluid in a pipeline network.

In this last section, however, we shall look into various applications of pipeline basket strainer in both domestic and industrial environments.

The following are some of the industries where pipeline basket strainers become critical to the industrial process:

  • Chemicals

In a chemical processing setting, the presence of pipeline basket strainers implies:

  • Cleaner and good quality process fluid
  • Equipment protection
  • Effective separation of solid debris from fluid

Well prescribed pipeline basket strainer in such an industrial environment guarantees longer equipment service life and some noticeable improvements in the production operations.

  • Water Processing Plants and Industrial Water Sewer

Pipeline basket strainers are also important devices in water collection sources such as lakes, dams, rivers, seas and ocean.

The strainers help remove solid debris that can clog or even damage other processing equipment.

During the separation process, other materials like feathers, insects and leaves are removed.

Most water treatment plants have their cooling tower open to the atmosphere and that allows a number of unwanted matter into the water.

For instance, desalinization equipment removes the unwanted solid dirt before removal of the dissolved salt.

Waste water from industrial processes end up being discharged to the environment through streams and rivers.

But sewerage management prohibits direct discharge of industrial fluid waste to avoid further pollution of the environment.

This is why pipeline basket strainer is installed to take out solid waste material that is unwanted in water bodies.

  • Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

Lotions, ointment and other similar products during product processing, they may contain clumps of undissolved or undispersed matter.

Pipeline basket strainers are set up between various processes and networks to remove the unwanted clumps from the process fluid before packaging.

This is also applied in processing of pharmaceutical syrups to remove the undesirable clumps for better product presentation on the market.

Such clumps of undispersed matter can really cost the industry a fortunate if neglected.

  • Petroleum

Pipeline basket strainers remove unwanted solid materials from petroleum products such as gasoline, crude oil etc.

For example, fuel oil has tars, gums and other dirt that can plug or damage nozzle of the fuel burner.

Hence, industrial fuel burners are equipped with pipeline basket strainers to screen such dirt out.

In addition, refineries use countless pipeline basket strainers in the network to handle oil operations to keep solid debris away from damaging instruments, meters and pumps.

  • Paper and Pulp

In paper processing factory, smooth paper finishes the pulps must be free of pigment clumps.

Pipeline basket strainers are installed in between the media line to trap and remove lumps from the pulp.

They also help clean traces of paper or pulp from white-water effluent before discharging to the sewer system.

  • Process Equipment

Pipeline basket strainers forms the buffer zone between dirt or solid debris and process equipment.

This provides protection to instruments and other fragile components downstream and cut-down unnecessarily expensive downtime.

Condensers, heat exchange and pumps are pre-installed with a pipeline basket strainer at their inlet end to avoid clogging of the spray nozzles and flow rate meter.

  • Ink, Latex and Paint

Clumps of pigment or undissolved lumps of skins, resin can a cost product coating process.

In essence, it is difficult to detect, but through using a pipeline basket strainer you can avoid such costly processes.

  • Marine Industry

Pipeline basket strainers are instrumental when it comes in handling ocean or sea water.

This is because it has a colossal amount of undesirable matter.

From fire control lines, cooling lines, general cleaning lines and sanitary lines they all use pipeline basket strainers.

Pipeline strainers are also used to clean hydraulic, lubrication and fuel systems of ships or ferries.

  • Schools, Hospitals and Commercial Buildings

Boilers and cooling towers use pipeline basket strainers to give protection over scaling that may cause damage.

  • Food Industry

Pipeline basket strainers are used in the food industry to remove skins, pulp and other unwanted content from fruit processing operations.

They are also used to remove wax from honey and lumps from chocolate syrup.

On the other hand, baking industry use pipeline basket strainers to strain gristle and bone from molten lard, and uses them later to remove seeds, bits of dough and many more.

Straining water makes it possible to recycle and used for other processes.

  • Power Generation

Electric power industries use pipeline basket strainers to clean cooling water while protecting the other generation equipment.

Pipeline strainers are also deployed in the oil cooling system to filter dirt from the circulation lines.

  • Refrigeration

Salt action along the brine line can lead to corrosion or catch dirt.

Pipeline basket strainer forms a very critical part in the refrigeration piping system to make sure that the brine stays clean.

  • Ceramics

Lump free coating is not only preferred in paper industry so does the ceramic processing operations.

Glazes that have lumps or other solid particles makes the product undesirable and can mean the poor product quality; mean rejection.

A pipeline basket strainer precedes the glaze spray machine to prevent lump coating on the products.

Conclusion

Up to this point, you can see that a pipeline basket strainer plays an integral role in fluid systems.

However, to enjoy all its benefits, you should consider every aspect mentioned in this guide.

That way, you will not have to worry about any possible contamination problems.

The good news?

Here at FilSon Filters, we offer a range of filtration systems.

We strive to make your fluid systems remain contamination free at all the time.

For inquiries or free consultations on pipeline basket strainers – contact us today.

 

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