The Benefits of Using Thread Y Type Strainer

Today&#;s industries use various devices to make daily operations smoother and more convenient. It is essential to understand them when deciding which one to use. Understanding the specific purpose and differences of a particular type of strainer helps the workers decide if they are employing the appropriate tools.

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Y strainers are no exception to this requirement. Industries should consider using this tool if they look for a more flexible option. Since a ball valve with strainer offers more flexibility than basket strainers, they are typically used in pipelines. But the sad part is that they have a limited installation.

Since its purpose is specific, it is ideal for certain applications. So, let&#;s understand the purpose, uses, and how do y strainers work to get the ideal results out of using it.

Purpose of a Y-type Strainer in Industrial Pipelines:

Like a filter, a Y strainer is also used to separate one substance from the other. But unlike a filter, it removes unwanted particles from steam, gas, and liquid using a straining element. It is typically made of wire mesh.

This mechanical process is employed in industrial pipelines to protect pumps, regulators, control butterfly valves, steam traps, meters, and other process equipment from degradation. Sometimes, these devices are designed with blow-off valves to simplify the cleaning process.

In applications where the amount of debris to be cleaned from the medium is negligible, causing extended periods between screen cleanings, the strainer screen is manually cleaned. This process is carried out by shutting off the line and removing the strainer cap.

But in applications involving heavier dirt loading, Y strainers are fitted with a blow-off connection, permitting to clean the screen without separating it from the strainer body. To turn a strainer into a self-cleaning one, a user may install a valve on the connection on the cap. It makes it convenient to clean a screen by simply opening and closing the valve without shutting down the flow or disassembling the device.

A Y strainer is ideal for various industries and applications. That&#;s why it is available in various materials and customization, carried out on a case-by-case basis. For instance, carbon steel does not perform well at extremely high temperatures or pressure. So, investing in a strainer made of chrome-moly steel is suggested for steam and natural gas applications.

Advantages of Using a Y-type Strainer in Pipelines:

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Here are some of the most common benefits of installing a Y-type strainer in industrial pipelines:

Provides Significant Rate of Flexibility

The primary benefit of using a Y strainer in pipelines is its flexibility. Unlike a basket strainer, it can be installed either horizontally or vertically, depending on the users&#; preference, and also makes the cleaning process convenient.

But in both cases, the screening element must be on the downside of the body to collect the entrapped material. It also permits easy installation of the device.

Cost-effective & Environment Friendly

A y-type strainer is a cost-effective option as users are free to reduce its size to save even more money. Before installing it, ensure it is big enough to handle the flow as a cost-effective Y strainer shows an undersized unit.

It also helps in reducing wastage by preventing the use of unnecessary materials. So, if an industry aspires to &#;go green&#; or align with various government regulations, it should use these devices in its pipelines.

Manufactured Using Various Materials

Y strainers are manufactured using a variety of materials, thus allowing users plenty of options to choose from. When selecting a particular strainer for the pipelines, the user must consider the industry and the application. Whatever type of end they need is available, no questions asked.

Users can find these devices in various end connections, including welded, flanged, and threaded.

Permits Multiple Customization Options

It might surprise that users can customize a Y strainer suiting their preference. They have seemingly endless options compared to other devices used in industrial pipelines and cryogenic valves. However, one must ensure the design of a Y strainer is appropriate for use if one wants the system to succeed.

Protects Downstream Process Systems

Y strainers are extensively used in various liquid straining applications to shield the downstream process system component against debris. It is used in chemical processing, marine, petroleum, and power generation industries.

Working of a Y-type Strainer in Industrial Pipelines:

Y strainers are ideal for installing in various systems, mainly in the liquid and steam chambers. However, when purchasing it for steam service, always notify the supplier about the application so that they supply the type that works the best. In most cases, the users are given special housing for steam works.

As the liquid flows through the Y strainer, its screen obstructs the flow and collects the debris in the liquid before continuing the process. This obstruction causes the pressure of the liquid to drop, commonly referred to as pressure drop. Now, the draining plug made of two metal plates forms a seal that prevents the liquid medium from flowing out of the chamber. It helps in keeping the filtered and unfiltered liquid from mixing.

Following this, the mesh on the strainer traps the impurities present in the liquid and prevents them from entering other parts of the system. It typically works in high-velocity systems where the pressure can go up to PSI.

We hope everyone understands how y strainers work in keeping the dirt particles from entering the main parts of the system and protecting the industrial pipelines. Compared to a basket strainer, a Y strainer is a better choice, especially the ones involving pressure up to PSI.

There are multiple ways of connecting a Y strainer to a 3 way ball valve. The users can access either thread it or bolt it to the flange. But its installation depends on the type of material used in the device, such as stainless steel, carbon, bronze, iron, and cast iron.

Different Applications of a Y-type Strainer in Pipes:

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Here are some of the most common and varied applications employing a Y strainer in the pipes:

Steam Applications

Y-type strainers are typically used in industries requiring constant protection of the pipelines from debris and other unwanted or harmful materials. But it is most commonly used in steam applications because of its shape. It allows for smooth and convenient handling of high pressure endured by the steam applications.

Applying psi or higher steam pressures, strainers made of carbon steel are unsuitable because the temperature may be degrees F or higher. In such circumstances, strainers made of chrome-moly steel are employed.

Liquid Applications

Sand and gravel are the two typical types of debris posing a significant threat to industrial pipes. Since these particles are usually found in a liquid medium flowing through a concentric butterfly valve, it is crucial to protect them using a Y strainer.

In industries, Y strainers are often used in liquid applications to protect the equipment from such debris, thus keeping them undamaged and unclogged for an extended period. In water handling applications, Y strainers protect the industrial equipment from damage and clogging because of unwanted sand, gravel, and other debris.

Gas & Air Application

A Y strainer is regarded as the standard for steam applications. It is also used in natural gas and air applications due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure levels, similar to steam applications. The cylindrical and compact design of these devices contributes to their sturdy build.

To get the most out of this strainer, the users must keep the specificities of different applications and industries in mind. By checking its design closely, one can make this device eligible for handling pressures up to psi. In natural gas and air applications, strainers made of carbon steel and sufficient wall thickness can suffice.

For critical applications, a Y strainer must be designed adequately. The device should have a heavy wall thickness and a blow-off connection.

Keeping this point in check is essential because condensate can collect in low points in improperly trapped steam lines and become a slug of water, traveling at high velocity down the line. A slight change in direction because of the strainer can produce a tremendous shock, thus damaging the device.

Due to this reason, manufacturers must not thin down the strainer lines to save weight and cost.

Types of Materials Used for Making a Y Strainer:

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Here are some of the most common types of materials used for manufacturing a Y-type strainer:

Carbon Steel

One may use a carbon steel Y strainer in the oil and petrochemical industry as they offer excellent mechanical and thermal shock resistance. The occurrence of a shock in an industry is a vital consideration during a fire. It is also because most oil refiners don&#;t permit using iron piping components.

Stainless Steel

A stainless steel Y strainer is ideal for high corrosion resistance applications and in situations where freedom from contamination is vital. These devices are extensively used in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, and a floating ball valve.

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Parting Words

We hope this blog helps everyone understand the working of a Y-type strainer in industrial pipelines to protect them from unwanted particles. It is one of the most common types found in piping systems. Although there are several types of strainers available in the market today, only a Y-type is easy to install, allowing the users to start up their systems right away.

Users can find a Y strainer in multiple customizations. But the most common one out of them all is made of stainless steel. Depending on the needs of their system, users can purchase a Y strainer accordingly. Everyone looking to purchase a quality and long-lasting Y strainer may contact us.

When handling critical flow applications, keeping service fluids clean is essential. Industrial pipelines contain several components that are sensitive to sediments, semi-solids and suspended particles. These impurities can clog downstream valves and affect the performances of process pumps, regulators and metering devices. Even small amounts of impurities can contaminate service fluids and damage pipes, reducing the reliability and longevity of piping systems.

The Y-strainer is a practical and affordable solution for preventing these impurities from damaging downstream fluid system parts.

Y-strainers are indispensable devices for removing dirt and debris from service fluids. They have a compact design to ensure suspended and solid particles are removed from fluids to protect downstream flow control devices.

In this article, we explore:

• How Y-strainers work
• Different types and designs of Y-strainers
• Choosing the right Y-strainer for various fluid applications
• Materials for fabricating and sealing Y-strainers
• Installing and maintaining Y-strainers

Working principles of a Y-strainer

Y-strainers are named for their Y-shaped design. They have a body that houses a specially designed mesh screen that filters service fluids. Other strainers use wedged wire elements or perforated metal to filter particulates. The screening element has small openings that allow clean fluids to pass through.

Physical appearance of a Y-strainer

Fluid enters the Y-strainer through the inlet port, flowing under pressure past the screening element. As the fluid flows past the perforated metal, the mesh traps any particles, debris, suspended solids, and other foreign matter that is larger than the screening openings. Clean fluid exits the Y-strainer through the outlet port, which is connected to adjacent pipelines.

The Y-strainer traps all debris and unwanted matter within its body. This debris can easily be removed by opening the strainer cap. This allows you to clean the Y-strainer and replace damaged or worn-out screens. Some Y-strainers have blowout kits for removing contaminants faster without disassembling the entire unit. The blowout kit is also called a blowdown connection.

Y-strainers are essential for any fluid application where fluid cleanliness is critical. The cleanliness of service fluids affects the reliability and durability of mechanical systems in a piping system. Y-strainers can protect sensitive elements like diaphragm and solenoid valves. Debris blocks ports of a solenoid valve and prevents diaphragm valves from full seating, causing minute leakages around them.

Y-strainers are common in:

• Steam service pipelines
• Industrial heat exchangers
• Air and natural gas applications
• Power plants (around condensers and turbines)

Y-strainers are preferable for their compact designs. The Y-shape provides seamless fluid flow without significantly changing flow direction.

Y-strainer End Connection Types

Y-strainers are available in a variety of sizes and designs to meet the performance requirements of different pipelines. Here is a detailed look at the different connection types.

Flanged end connections

Flanged-end Y-strainers are designed in accordance with various industry standards, including ANSI specifications. Y-strainers in this category can feature raised or flat faces to fit into different pipe sizes and designs. When installing flanged-end Y-strainers, it is important to align the end connections and use fasteners (bolts and nuts) to secure the Y-strainers in place.

Flanged connections have a gasket to create a strong seal that prevents leakage. Flanged-end Y-strainers are commonly used in pipelines that handle hazardous fluids. These pipelines require highly effective pipe joints. The temperature limit for most flanged-end Y-strainers is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature rises, the fasteners and gaskets in the pipeline may become loose, increasing the likelihood of media leakage.

Welded end connection

Welded end connections are common in high-pressure, high-temperature systems with permanent joints. These connections are either butt or socket welded. Butt welds provide strong connections between Y-strainers and adjacent pipes. Socket welds are more popular with small pipelines that prioritize strict leakage integrity.

Threaded end connections

Threaded end-type Y-strainers are common in domestic and commercial piping systems. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. NPT threaded end connections are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, bronze, cast iron, and carbon steel. These Y-strainers have varying pressure class ratings, making them suitable for multiple fluid applications.

Electric Solenoid Valves has a wide range of stainless steel, threaded end-type Y-strainers with NPT thread ports. These Y-strainers can withstand high pressure, up to 800 PSI. They also utilize Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seals to ensure they are leak-proof at varying process pressure and temperature ranges.

These leak-proof, stainless steel Y-strainers are compatible with a variety of chemical media, making them ideal for food processing systems, potable water pipelines, chemical processing facilities, and steam pipelines.

Y-Strainer Filter Sizing

Y-strainers can only perform their intended task if the screen is properly sized. Process engineers must evaluate various fluid characteristics to select the correct mesh size. Y-strainer sizing is defined using mesh size or microns.

• A micron is a unit of measurement (one-thousandth of a millimeter). Small micron dimensions mean the Y-strainer has very minute screen openings.
• Mesh size indicates the number of screen openings for every linear unit (usually inches). For example, a Y-strainer with a mesh size of 18 has 18 screen openings for each inch.

You can easily convert between microns and mesh sizes using a standard conversion chart.

Why is Proper Y-Strainer Sizing Critical?

• A filter with too many openings induces higher pressure drops as fluid moves from the inlet to the outlet of the Y-strainer.
• Screen filters with bigger openings permit debris to pass through the strainer. This affects the durability and effectiveness of downstream equipment.

Y-Strainer Sizing Factors

When sizing Y-strainers, process engineers must evaluate the following factors:

• Type of fluid application (what level of fluid cleanliness is required, and which chemical and physical properties do service fluids possess?)
• Desired flow rates across the system
• Pipe sizes
• Size and shape of debris
• Strainer cleaning and maintenance frequency

Y-Strainer Sizing Steps

Engage a piping design expert when selecting Y-strainers for different applications. However, you can adopt the following steps to independently size a Y-strainer and get an idea of what product you should purchase and install in your fluid applications.

1. Determine the desired flow rate. Flow rates across piping systems are defined in gallons or liters per minute. Understanding the desired flow rates makes it easier to choose the correct Y-strainer size capable of sustaining flow rates without losing its filtration efficiency.
2. Identify adjacent pipe sizes. Y-strainer sizes should match those of adjacent pipes. The connection methods should also be compatible. You cannot install a threaded Y-strainer in pipelines having flanged ends.
3. Choose the appropriate mesh size. Mesh size depends on the anticipated type, size, and shape of solids, dirt, and debris in the service fluids. Solids like silt (10-75 microns) will require Y-strainers with a bigger mesh size compared to cement dust (3-4 microns). The screen filters can feature circular, square, or rectangular shapes to trap debris in service fluids.
4. Determine allowable pressure drop across the Y-strainer. Define acceptable pressure drops across the Y-strainer to avoid choosing a filtration system that could increase system pressure drops or restrict fluid flow.
5. Verify the fluid type. Each service media has specific chemical and physical properties. Ensure the screening material and strainer body fabrication materials are compatible with the service media. Some materials experience rapid wear and tear when they come into contact with service media. (Try our free chemical compatibility chart to quickly look up our chemical and materials)

Y-strainer Fabrication Materials

Various materials are used to fabricate Y-strainers to accommodate the operating conditions of different processes. Some common materials include:

Y-strainer body and screen

• Cast iron: A low-cost material with good corrosion resistance. Suitable for low to medium-pressure water, oil, and gas applications.
• Stainless steel: Provides excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for high-temperature and pressure applications. Useful for corrosive fluids, chemical media, and steam.
• Carbon steel: A strong and durable material that provides good resistance to media corrosion and erosion. Suitable for a wide range of high-pressure and temperature fluid applications.
• Bronze: A corrosion-resistant material with good surface strength and durability. Vital for alkaline fluid applications, where fluids like saltwater can expedite Y-strainer corrosion.
• PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride. A lightweight, corrosion-resistant material suitable for manufacturing Y-strainers for low-pressure applications. Also beneficial for maintaining the cleanliness of mild chemicals.

Sealing materials

Y-strainers have seals to prevent media leakages. Seals extend the service lives of Y-strainers and complement their performance. Seal materials should provide:

• Adequate chemical resistance to reduce media corrosion
• Sufficient protection against media corrosion
• Durable service
• Reliable performance across a wide pressure and temperature range

Some common seal manufacturing materials include:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
• Ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM)
• Fluoro rubber

Y-strainer Installation and Maintenance

Achieving the desired performance characteristics of a Y-strainer does not conclude at the selection phase. The Y-strainer requires proper care during transportation, installation, and operation. Every Y-strainer, regardless of size, needs regular maintenance and cleaning to improve its performance throughout its useful lifespan.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when handling, installing, and maintaining Y-strainers:

• Handle Y-strainers with care. When transporting Y-strainers, be careful not to drop them or expose them to excessive force or pressure. Handle Y-strainers with clean hands or gloves to avoid contaminating the outlet ports. Do not hit strainer ends with blunt objects, as this can distort connection points and affect the tightness of pipe and Y-strainer joints.
• Store Y-strainers and their replacement parts in a clean and dry place. This will help protect them from environmental damage before use.
• When installing Y-strainers in horizontal pipelines, ensure the screen element faces downwards. It may also be necessary to install a bypass line or appropriate control valve, such as a manual ball valve, for isolating the filtration system for routine cleaning or maintenance. When installing Y-strainers in vertical pipelines, ensure fluids flow downwards. This will help ensure debris flows into the screen trap naturally. Improper installations when dealing with vertical piping systems can lead to service fluid contamination by debris.
• Ensure Y-strainers are properly aligned with pipes and adjacent equipment before installation. Pay attention to recommended tolerances between strainers and pipes or other equipment. Minor misalignment can cause the Y-strainer to operate ineffectively.
• Y-strainers require regular maintenance to keep them operational. Maintenance frequency depends on the number of contaminants in the service fluid and the type of service fluid. One way to maintain strainers is to clean the screen filters. You should remove accumulated dirt on time to minimize clogging, which may increase the demand forpumping. Adhere to the manufacturer&#;s recommendations for cleaning and replacing Y-strainer screens.
• Isolate the Y-strainer before maintenance or cleaning. Closing valves on the sides of the Y-strainer will help relieve system pressure, allowing you to clean and work on the Y-strainer. After relieving the system pressure, open the plug on the Y-strainer. Removing the cap will provide access to the screen. From there, you can remove accumulated debris, inspect the screen material, and replace damaged or deteriorating ones.
• Consider flushing Y-strainers to remove stuck debris from the y-strainer. Ensure the flushing fluid is clean and compatible with the strainer material. It is an effective method to clean filtration screens and rid the Y-strainer of accumulated debris.
• Replace damaged or aging Y-strainer screens with a suitable alternative. Ensure the mesh sizes are equal to avoid fluid contamination. Consult your supplier or original manufacturer to ensure you purchase the correct replacement alternative.

Companies can enhance the performance monitoring of Y-strainers in critical piping systems using advanced systems. Regular performance monitoring ensures Y-strainers operate as intended. They can install pressure sensors or flow meters before and after the Y-strainer to check differential pressure or flow rates across the system. Deviations can indicate clogging or increased accumulation of debris.

Conclusion

Y-strainers are essential components of any fluid application where fluid cleanliness is paramount. These devices remove dirt and debris from service fluids and are designed for easy installation, cleaning, and replacement.

When choosing a Y-strainer, it is important to select one that can effectively remove dirt from fluids. The Y-strainer should also match the adjacent pipe sizes and be compatible with the service fluids to prevent accelerated wear and tear.

To maximize Y-strainer performance, it is important to stock, transport, and install them according to recommended standards. Additionally, it is important to develop effective maintenance programs to inspect, clean, and replace Y-strainer screens. This will improve the durability and effectiveness of Y-strainers in fluid applications.

If you are unsure of which Y-strainer is right for your specific fluid application, our team of experts is available to assist you with any questions. You can reach them during normal business hours by or website chat, or by or voicemail during off-hours.

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