Y-Strainers

26 Aug.,2024

 

Y-Strainers

Y-Strainers are devices for mechanically removing unwanted solids from liquid, gas or steam lines by means of a perforated or wire mesh straining element. They are used in pipelines to protect pumps, meters, control valves, steam traps, regulators and other process equipment.

Y-Strainers are very cost effective straining solutions in many applications. Where the amount of material to be removed from the flow is relatively small, resulting in long intervals between screen cleanings, the strainer screen is manually cleaned by shutting down the line and removing the strainer cap. For applications with heavier dirt loading, Y-Strainers can be fitted with a "blow-off" connection that permits the screen to be cleaned without removing it from the strainer body.

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Y-Strainers are used in a wide variety of liquid straining applications to protect downstream process system components in many industries, including: chemical processing, petroleum, power generation and marine. Water handling applications, where Y-Strainers are used to protect equipment that could be damaged or clogged by unwanted sand, gravel or other debris, are very common

While often used in many different types of liquid applications, a Y-Strainer is considered the standard for steam applications and is almost universally used for these applications. Its compact, cylindrical shape is very strong and can handle high pressures. It is, literally, a pressure vessel. Y-Strainers which handle pressures up to psi are not uncommon. Of course, in these cases, the design of the strainer is critical so that it can stand up to these high pressures without fear of failure. When high pressure steam is being handled, another complicating factor arises, temperature. With steam pressures of psi or higher, standard carbon steel is sometimes not suitable because the steam temperature may be ° F or higher. In these cases, the Y-Strainer body is generally made of chrome-moly steel.

Besides steam, Y-Strainers are often used in air and natural gas applications. Here again, high pressures are not uncommon. However, unlike steam high air pressure does not automatically mean high temperature and so, ordinary carbon steel bodies of sufficient wall thickness will generally suffice.

Unlike other types of strainers, a Y-Strainer has the advantage of being able to be installed in either a horizontal or vertical position. Obviously, in both cases, the screening element must be on the "down side" of the strainer body so that the entrapped material can properly collect in it.

Some manufactures reduce the size of the Y -Strainer body to save material and cut cost. Before installing a Y-Strainer, be sure it is large enough to properly handle the flow. A low-priced strainer may be an indication of an undersized unit.


Carbon steel Y-Strainers are used mainly in the oil and petrochemical industry. They have excellent resistance to mechanical or thermal shock and these are important consideration in the event of a fire. Most oil refineries will not permit iron piping components for this reason. Carbon steel Y-Strainers are also used for higher pressure applications because of their great strength.

Stainless steel Y-Strainers are used where high corrosion resistance or where freedom from contamination is required. They are popular in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.

It cannot be stressed too highly that Y-Strainers for critical applications must be adequately designed. This means sufficiently heavy wall thickness and blow-off connections. As an example, in improperly trapped steam lines, condensate can collect in low points and become a slug of water traveling at very high velocity down the line. Even the slight change in direction caused by a Y-Strainer can produce a tremendous shock which can damage the strainer. Manufacturers who thin down walls to save weight and cost are asking for trouble in these cases.

A Y-Strainer, if fitted with a blow-off connections, can be a self-cleaning strainer. A valve is installed on the connection located on the strainer cap. The screen can thus be cleaned by simply opening and then closing the valve without shutting off the flow or disassembling the strainer. When the valve is opened the material trapped inside the screen drains out. The illustration above show a Y-Strainer with a blow-off connection.

Another critical thing to check for in Y-Strainers is the point where the screen or straining element seals to the body. This seat should be carefully machined so no particle can bypass it. The same thing applies to the cleanout end. The screen should fit tightly. Beware of strainers with un-machined seats. The improperly seated screen will permit bypass of the fluid allowing dirt or debris downstream.

Y-Strainers are available with a wide variety of end connections including threaded, flanged and welded. Flanges are designed to ANSI specifications.

Special flanges such as ring joints are often available as well. Y-Strainers can be constructed to US Navy flange dimensions, which are different from commercial standards. For extremely high pressure applications, Y-Strainers with socket or butt weld end connections are often specified.

When specifying or buying a Y-Strainer, price, which is often the prime consideration, should be the least important consideration. A well made and properly designed Y-Strainer will last almost indefinitely. Its first cost is, therefore, not important compared to other features when spread out over a service life of many years.

T-Strainer vs. Y-Strainer: A Comparative Guide

T-Strainer vs. Y-Strainer: A Comparative Guide

Although Y-type and T-type strainers perform similar functions in pipeline applications, they each have distinctive qualities that make them uniquely different. While both are effective industrial strainers for removing dirt from fluid systems and protecting valuable downstream equipment, it&#;s useful to know the differences between Y-type strainers vs. T-type strainers when selecting your strainer filter.

In this article, BM Engineering Supplies discusses the differences between T-strainers vs. Y-strainers. We will also offer our guidance on which strainer type you should choose for your pipeline application. As Scotland&#;s premier distributor of pipeline strainers and ancillary equipment, we can share our years of industry expertise to help you understand everything you need to know about Y-type strainers vs. T-type strainers.

What is a Y-type strainer?

Y-type strainers are used predominantly in liquid applications for protecting downstream equipment from particles, such as dirt, which might otherwise affect performance if left untreated. Most Y-type industrial strainers can also work effectively in steam applications, as well as those that deal with inert gases or air.

While Y-type strainers can be fabricated to accommodate specific application requirements, the vast majority of Y-strainers are non-customisable as standard. Y-type strainers are available in sizes from 1/4&#; to 10&#; and can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including cast iron and steel, bronze and AISI 316L stainless steel. They also feature either a screwed or bolted cover for screen access and to ensure that, when opened, process fluid is drained effectively.

Y-type strainer benefits

  • Superior flushing capabilities thanks to inherent built-in blow-down ports. 

  • Better value for initial costs.

  • Faster shipment times due to their status as

    set items

    .

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  • Offers more overall flexibility.

  • Wider selection of materials for construction.

  • Broader range of pressure classes.

  • Larger open ratio areas than T-type strainers.

What is a T-type strainer?

T-type strainers are mostly custom-fabricated industrial strainers that are usually manufactured from pipe materials. This allows them to offer unique features, such as quick-opening style covers or the addition of a ventilation port and differential pressure taps.

T-type strainers can also offset the inlet and outlet by 90 degrees, which forms an elbow-shaped strainer. This can benefit applications with space constraints. Typically, they are supplied in larger sizes, beginning at 2&#;. However, because they are fabricated industrial strainers, this generally results in extended lead times when ordering directly from manufacturers, as opposed to regional distributors such as BM Engineering Supplies.

T-type strainer benefits

  • Quick opening style covers.

  • Additional vent ports and differential pressure taps.

  • Higher flow capacity despite smaller open ratio areas, thanks to a straighter flow path. 

  • Chamber covers can be opened without process fluid draining out whilst installed horizontally&#;- which is beneficial in

    more hazardous processes.

  • Better suited to

    t

    ransferring fluids at higher velocities.

  • Ideal for larger pipeline applications which need quick access to the strain.

Y-type strainers vs. T-type -strainers: Which is better?

To answer the question of which is better &#; T-strainers vs. Y-strainers depends entirely on the needs of your business.

For example, if you are looking for a cost-effective straining solution from an industrial strainer that can offer more flexibility, then purchasing a Y-type strainer might be the way to go. 

Alternatively, T-type strainers would be the preference if your pipeline application deals with more viscous fluids that need transferring at higher velocities or a strainer that has a higher flow capacity.

Buy industrial strainers in Scotland

Here at BM Engineering Supplies, we stock and supply both Y-strainers and T-strainers from renowned pipeline ancillaries manufacturer, Valsteam ADCA. As the UK&#;s premier distributor of Valsteam ADCA products, we can provide businesses throughout Scotland and the wider UK with the full range of ADCA strainers. This includes their IS16F series cast iron Y-strainer, which is particularly useful for dealing with non-dangerous fluids in the Group 2 category. 

To purchase Valsteam ADCA industrial strainers, contact BM Engineering Supplies today on 762 , or complete our contact form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

For more information, please visit Y Strainer.