Carotek Filtration Strainers Selection Guide 06042020
Carotek Filtration Strainers Selection Guide 06042020
Carotek Filtration Strainers Selection Guide 06042020
• Bag filtration systems consist of a filter housing and filter bags made of felt or fabric
mesh, which are either sewed or welded. A bag filtration system is generally inexpensive
and works well in a range of process conditions. Some bag housings are available with
steam jackets.
• Cartridge filtration systems use modular filters in a housing, so this style generally offers
a longer service life.
• Automatic Self-cleaning filters offer tubular backwashing and mechanically cleaned
technology for continuous flow, simplified maintenance and worry-free operation,
saving labor and production down-time.
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Types of Strainers
Strainers are mechanical devices placed in-line with process piping to remove solids from a
flowing liquid. Strainers can be cleaned and reused, and they are available in a variety of styles:
• Basket strainers are a type of strainer used with horizontal piping, featuring a debris
collection chamber and drain connection that must be in the lowest possible position.
Basket strainers can be either simplex strainers, designed with a single in-line strainer
basket, or duplex strainers, designed with two strainer baskets so the flow can be
switched to allow for one basket to be cleaned while not stopping the process flow.
They come in a variety of metallurgies and can be coated.
• Y strainers are a type of strainer used with horizontal or vertical piping. They have a
higher operating pressure range than basket strainers.
• Temporary strainer, which are often cone shaped, are inserted with a flanged pipe
spool. Temporary strainers are generally used for process startup.
• Additional types of strainers include back flushing, automatic self-cleaning, and special
application strainers.
• Pipe size. The strainer or filter should be sized to match the existing pipe. In addition,
pipe configuration (horizontal or vertical piping, or right angle) affects which type of
industrial filtration would be a best fit.
• Flow rate. Maximum flow must be accommodated. Minimum flow is important for
backwashing filters.
• Temperature and pressure range. Filters are always rated for maximum pressure.
Minimum pressure comes into play primarily for automatic, self-cleaning filters.
Generally, a Y strainer rather than basket strainer for high pressure over 6000 psi.
• Particle size and characteristics. Filter mesh is described with a mesh number (number
of openings per inch), mesh size, and strand diameter that affect the size of particles
collected.
• Maintenance. If the line cannot be shut down, a duplex strainer may be needed so the
flow can be switched when a basket becomes full. For some applications, a self-cleaning
filter may be suitable to reduce the need to stop flow or disassemble piping.
• Batch or continuous process. If the process operates for long periods without stopping,
continuous filtration might be needed.
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• Material requirements. Often the filter or strainer material is specified as the same as
the pipeline requirements, to ensure that it can handle the materials as well as ensure
the same coefficient of expansion. If the filtration material is hazardous reactive, it may
require specialized media.
Filtration sizing and selection depends on the properties of the material and the contaminants
(or byproducts) that are being removed, as well as process needs. The ideal filtration solution
also depends on whether automatic cleaning is necessary, and whether the process can be
interrupted to change or clean filters. Knowing how to size and select commercial filters and
strainers is crucial to protect downstream equipment from damage due to contamination.
Carotek is a recognized leading supplier, service center, and maintenance facility for industrial
filtration and strainers. Carotek offers extensive local product inventory, expertise, and support
for a range of commercial filters and strainers. Contact Carotek for expert selection assistance
or browse our selection of filters and strainers to find the right fit for your application.
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