Strainers vs. Filters: How They Differ

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Industrial strainers and filters are designed to remove unwanted particulates from a liquid or gas. The key difference between strainers and filters are the size of the particles they remove. Strainers typically remove larger particles that are visible in a liquid or gas, while filters remove contaminants that are often so small, they cannot be seen with the naked eye.

How Strainers and Filters are Similar

Several commonalities exist between filters (such as bag and cartridge) and strainers (such as these), and it&#;s understandable that the two may be confused. For instance, both are designed to remove suspended particles from a gas or liquid. By doing so, both filters and strainers protect downstream equipment from contaminants that could cause damage or diminish the quality of the final product. In addition, both strainers and filters can be configured in a duplex design, allowing for one filter or strainer to be cleaned while the other is still operational. While there are many similarities between the two, however, filters and strainers are not interchangeable.

How Strainers are Different from Filters

The purpose of a strainer is to remove larger, unwanted suspended particles from a liquid, primarily to protect downstream equipment, like pumps, from damage. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the application, but one feature is essential &#; strainers are designed for easy removal and cleaning. Quick cleaning requires less downtime for the equipment to ensure optimal functionality.

While strainers are used to remove larger particles, filters are used to remove smaller unwanted particles from both liquids and gasses. Filters are typically used when the liquid or gas passing through the system must be free of most contaminants, even those as small as a grain of sand. Many filters are reusable, while others must be replaced periodically.

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A general rule of thumb is that filters remove particles smaller than 40 microns, which are typically too small to see. Strainers, on the other hand, remove particles larger than 40 microns. Something this size would usually be visible with the naked eye. In some applications, it may be possible to use either a strainer or a filter, if the particles you wish to remove are between 38 and 177 microns.

Another key difference between filters and strainers is the pressure of the gas or liquid as it passes through the medium. Liquid passing through a strainer will likely not see a drop in pressure as it passes through. If there is a drop in pressure, however, it might indicate that the strainer needs to be cleaned or removed. On the contrary, liquid or gas passing through a filter will likely experience a noticeable drop in pressure.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Strainer or Filter

When choosing whether to utilize a filter or a strainer, consider the following essential points:

     &#;  The type of liquid or gas

     &#;  Size and shape of particulates to be removed

     &#;  Whether the system can be shut down for cleaning and maintenance

     &#;  Flow rate and pressure

     &#;  Pipeline size and configuration

Size of Contaminants Determines Size of Mesh

When considering the size and shape of the particulates that you&#;ll need to remove, choose a mesh that is slightly smaller than what you&#;ll need. This will help to remove broken down contaminants as well as those that could have the ability to deform to slip through the mesh. It may seem like it would make sense to choose a strainer or filter with a much finer mesh than needed, but the finer the strainer or filter, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned.

Frequency of Maintenance Determines Configuration

If your system cannot manage frequent shut downs for cleaning and maintenance, you may want to consider a duplex housing. This configuration will allow you to remove and clean, or replace one filter or strainer while the other can continue to function. In a single configuration, the entire system will need to be turned off and depressurized before maintenance can be done.

Check out our selection of Multi-Cartridge Filter Housings here.

For Multi-Bag Filter Housings, go here.

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Finally, if you&#;re interested in Duplex Strainers, go to this page here.

Flow Rate and Pressure Affect Choice of Strainer or Filter

Flow rate and pressure is another key factor when choosing a strainer or filter. Because filters do impact both flow rate and pressure at higher rates than strainers, those using high flow systems may face more setbacks with filters. However, high flow liquid filtration systems exist and may be an option for your system. To learn more, read our post on the advantages to high flow liquid filtration.

Additionally, the size and configuration of your pipeline is important also. Some strainers and filters can only be installed horizontally, while others function best in a vertical housing.

The Differences between Strainers and Filters

Both filters and strainers work to remove unwanted particles from liquids and gasses. The primary difference between the two is the size of the particles you need to remove. Strainers are commonly used to remove larger particles, those visible to the naked eye, so that equipment downstream can work at optimal functionality. Filters, on the other hand, are more typically used to remove smaller particles, those that can&#;t be seen with the naked eye. Contact Commercial Filtration Supply to learn more about which of these useful products would be best for your specific application.

The Y Strainer &#; Purpose and Application

When deciding which type of strainer to use, it is important to understand the specific purposes and differences that make a strainer unique. Wye strainers are no exception. While this strainer option is more flexible when compared with basket strainers, the y strainers have a very limited installation. The y type strainer purpose is a specific one and that is exactly what makes them ideal for the applications where they can be used. This means that understanding the y strainer purpose and the applications that benefit from it are the best ways to get the results that you are looking for out of this strainer!

The Y Strainer Purpose

The y strainer purpose is to remove unwanted particles from steam, gas, or liquid using a straining element typically made of wire mesh. Using this mechanical process in pipelines helps to protect everything from pumps to steam traps. Y strainers are sometimes designed with &#;blow-off valves&#; to make the cleaning process easier.

Perhaps the largest benefit that comes from the y type strainer is its flexibility. It can be installed in a vertical or horizontal position, depending on the users&#; preference. While this strainer type is already a cost-effective option, the size of y strainers can be reduced to save even more money. This also prevents using excess materials. Y strainers can be made of a variety of materials. The type of material you choose depends on the industry and application that is used. Any type of end that you might need is available as well. From socket to flanged, there is a y strainer out there with the end you need!

The ways in which y strainers can be customized are seemingly endless when compared with other types of strainers. However, the design of a y strainer must be appropriate for the application for this system to be successful. In order to get the right results, always be sure to know the application you are working with before buying a y strainer.

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Y Strainer Applications

The industries where y strainers are best used are those that need constant protection from debris. The most universally common use for a y strainer is in steam applications. Due to its shape, a y strainer has no trouble handling the high pressure that steam applications endure.  

Y strainers are often used in liquid applications. Sand and gravel are two very common types of debris that pose a big threat to liquid applications. When combined with water handling applications, y strainers aid in the protection of equipment that would be otherwise damaged or clogged by various unwanted particles.

Natural gas and air applications also benefit from being used with y strainers. Much like steam applications, natural gas and air environments have high pressure levels. These applications are also expected to put up with high temperatures, something that y strainers can easily endure.

Because of the variety of industries and applications where a y strainer can be used, the materials and customization of these strainers must be done on a case-by-case basis. For example, carbon steel does not do well in extremely high temperatures or pressures, so it would be best to find a y strainer made of chrome-moly steel for steam or natural gas applications. Keeping in mind specificities when it comes to applications and industries will help ensure that you get the most from a y strainer.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding y strainer applications or uses, feel free to contact us anytime at (855) 236-!

Need information on installation & maintenance? Read our y strainer installation & maintenance resource

Contact us to discuss your requirements of strainer function. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.