Strainer Information Strainer Definition and Purpose Strainers are normally used for the protection of pipeline and process equipment installed downstream of the strainer to prevent debris from reaching the equipment and causing damage, disruption or failure. Typically this equipment is critical to the pipeline or operation so the costs involved in any disturbance are generally much more than the total installation and operation costs of a strainer. In short, a strainer is a safety net or insurance. Strainers use perforated and/or wire mesh media for straining purposes. These materials are “two dimensional”, meaning they do not have a “depth” or “debris holding” capacity. This means that when a debris particle is caught in the straining media the opening is blocked or plugged. This results in reduced available open area for flow. With this in mind, strainer sizing and selection are critical to ensure cleaning cycle time, particle size retention, desired pressure drop, and velocity requirements are achieved. (Maximum velocity recommended through a strainer is 15 fps.) Note: All information offered is a general observation based on Weamco’s many years of experience and may not be suitable for your specific application. Straining Media Selection for Basket The following is a general guideline of media we have typically seen used in the various applications shown, but is in no way intended to supersede your specific requirements. We always recommend checking with the manufacture of the equipment you are protecting for direction on the strainer media requirements or information on the size and type of debris that the equipment can handle without experiencing damage, disruption or failure. This also protects you from possibly voiding any equipment warranty. Please contact us for assistance when needed. Liquid Turbine Meters 1/8” dia. perforated support with 40 x 40 mesh liner 1/2” flattened expanded metal support with 10 x 10 mesh liner Positive Displacement and Coriolis Meters 1/8” to 1/4” dia. perforated Gas Turbine Meters and Regulators 1/8” dia. perforated support with 100 x 100 mesh liner Centrifugal Pumps Service: Crude Oil 1/4” dia. perforated Refined Products 1/8” dia. perforated Coke Fines 3/4” flattened expanded metal Water 1/8” to 3/8” dia. perforated Natural Gas Compressors Varies by manufacturer recommendations, Typically a 1/8” dia. perforated support with 100 x 100 mesh liner 2350 Industrial Road, Sapulpa, OK 74066 • Main: 918-445-1141 • sales@weamco.com Bulletin SI-112 Toll Free: 800-331-3790 • Fax: 918-445-4617 • www.weamco.com 5-19 Page 1 of 4