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Strainers PDF
Strainers PDF
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SC-GCM-97 CM Issue 3 Copyright 2005 Spirax-Sarco Limited
Module 12.4
Strainers
Strainers
As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, more emphasis has been placed on reducing
plant downtime and maintenance. In steam and condensate systems, damage to plant is frequently
caused by pipeline debris such as scale, rust, jointing compound, weld metal and other solids,
which may find their way into the pipeline system. Strainers are devices which arrest these solids
in flowing liquids or gases, and protect equipment from their harmful effects, thus reducing
downtime and maintenance. A strainer should be fitted upstream of every steam trap, flowmeter
and control valve.
Strainers can be classified into two main types according to their body configuration; namely
the Y-type and the basket type. Typical examples of these types of strainers can be seen in
Figure 12.4.1.
Screen
Y-type Strainers
For steam, a Y-type strainer is the usual standard and is almost universally used. Its body has a
compact cylindrical shape that is very strong and can handle high pressures. It is literally a
pressure vessel, and it is not uncommon for Y-type strainers to be able to handle pressures of
up to 400 bar g. The use of strainers at these pressures is however complicated by the high
temperatures associated with steam at this pressure; and subsequently exotic materials such as
chrome molybdenum steel have to be used.
Although there are exceptions, size for size, Y-type strainers have a lower dirt holding capacity
than basket strainers, which means that they require more frequent cleaning. On steam systems,
this is generally not a problem, except where high levels of rust are present, or immediately after
commissioning when large amounts of debris can be introduced. On applications where significant
amounts of debris are expected, a blowdown valve can usually be fitted in the strainer cap,
which enables the strainer to use the pressure of the steam to be cleaned, and without having to
shut down the plant.
Y-type strainers in horizontal steam or gas lines should be installed so that the pocket is in the
horizontal plane (Figure 12.4.2(a)). This stops water collecting in the pocket, helping to prevent
water droplets being carried over, which can cause erosion and affect heat transfer processes.
On liquid systems however, the pocket should point vertically downwards (Figure 12.4.2(b)), this
ensures that the removed debris is not drawn back into the upstream pipework during low flow
conditions.
Although it is advisable to install strainers in horizontal lines, this is not always possible, and they
can be installed in vertical pipelines if the flow is downwards, in which case the debris is naturally
directed into the pocket (Figure 12.4.2(c)). Installation is not possible with upward flow, as the
strainer would have to be installed with the opening of the pocket pointing downwards and the
debris would fall back down the pipe.
(a) Steam or gas applications
(c)
Flow
vertically
downwards
Filters
Whilst strainers remove all visible particles in the steam, it is sometimes necessary to remove
smaller particles, for example, in the following applications:
o When there is direct injection of steam into a process, which may cause contamination of the
product.
Example: In the food industry, and for the sterilisation of process equipment in the
pharmaceutical industry.
o Where dirty steam may cause rejection of a product or process batch due to staining or visible
particle retention.
Example: Sterilizers and paper / board machines.
o Where minimal particle emission is required from steam humidifiers.
Example: Humidifiers used in a clean environment.
o For the reduction of the steam water content, ensuring a dry, saturated supply.
In such clean steam applications, strainers are not suitable and filters must be used. A filter used
in a steam system typically consists of a sintered stainless steel filter element. The sintering process
produces a fine porous structure in the stainless steel, which removes any particles from fluid
passing through it. Filters capable of removing particles as small as 1 m are available, conforming
to the good practice needs of culinary steam.
The fine, porous nature of the filter element will create a larger pressure drop across the filter
than that associated with the same size strainer; this must be given careful consideration when
sizing such filters. In addition, filters are easily damaged by excessive flowrates, and the
manufacturers specified limits should not be exceeded.
When the filter is used in steam or gas applications, a separator should be fitted upstream of the
filter to remove any droplets of condensate held in suspension. In addition to improving the
quality of the steam, this will prolong the life of the filter. A Y-type strainer should also be fitted
upstream of the filter to remove all larger particles which would otherwise rapidly block the filter,
increase the amount of cleaning required and reduce the life of the filter element. By installing
pressure gauges either side of the filter, the pressure drop across the filter can be measured,
which can then be used to identify when the filter requires cleaning. An alternative to this is to
install a pressure switch on the downstream side of the filter. When the downstream pressure
decreases below a set level, an alarm light can be switched on in a control room alerting an
operator, who can then clean the filter.
Strainer screens
There are two types of screens used in strainers:
o Perforated screens - These are formed by punching a large number of holes in a flat sheet of
the required material using a multiple punch. The perforated sheet is then rolled into a tube
and spot welded together.
These are relatively coarse screens and hole sizes typically range from 0.8 mm to 3.2 mm.
Consequently, perforated screens are only suitable for removing general pipe debris.
o Mesh screens - Fine wire is formed into a grid or mesh arrangement. This is then commonly
layered over a perforated screen, which acts as a support cage for the mesh.
By using a mesh screen, it is possible to produce much smaller hole sizes than with perforated
screens. Hole sizes as small as 0.07 mm are achievable. Subsequently, they are used to remove
smaller particles which would otherwise pass through a perforated screen. Mesh screens are
usually specified in terms of mesh; which represents the number of openings per linear inch
of screen, measured from the centre line of the wire. Figure 12.4.6 shows a 3 mesh screen.
2 1
1 2 3
Fig. 12.4.6 Example of a 3 mesh screen
The corresponding hole size in the mesh screen is determined from knowledge of the wire diameter
and the mesh size; it is usually specified by the manufacturer. The maximum particle size that will
be allowed to pass through the screen can be determined using geometry. If, for example, a 200
mesh screen is specified and the manufacturers specifications stated that the hole size is 0.076
mm, then the maximum particle size that will pass through the screen can be found using
Pythagoras theorem:
F = D + E Equation 12.4.1
Where:
a = 0.076 mm
Mesh
b = 0.076 mm screen
c = Particle size
c
F = D + E a = 0.076 mm
F = +
The problem with this dimension is that the screens are two-dimensional and the particle must
reach the hole in a certain orientation. Therefore, if a long thin particle reached the strainer face
on, it may be allowed to pass through the screen. However, if it hit the hole side on it would be
stopped. If this is likely to be a problem, a finer mesh should be used.
The screening area is the area available for removing debris. A larger screening area means that
the frequency of blowdown for cleaning the screen is considerably reduced.
The free area is the proportion of the total area of the holes to the total screening area, usually
expressed as a percentage. This directly affects the flow capacity of the strainer. The greater the free
area (and the coarser the screen), the higher the flow capacity and ultimately the lower the pressure
drop across the strainer. As most strainer screens have very large straining and free areas, the pressure
drop across the strainer is very low when used on steam or gas systems (see Example 12.4.1).
However, in pumped water or viscous fluid systems, the pressure drop can be significant. Strainers
should have flow capacities quoted in terms of a capacity index or Kvs value.
Example 12.4.1
A DN40 strainer with a Kvs value of 29, is installed on a 40 mm diameter steam pipe system,
which passes 500 kg / h of saturated steam at 8 bar g. What is the pressure drop across the
strainer?
Using the empirical formula in Equation 3.21.2:
V
'3 3 Equation 12.4.2
. Y 3
Where: ms = 500 kg / h
Kv = 29
P1 = 9 bar a
'3 [
[[
Strainer options
In addition to standard strainers, there are several other options available.
Magnetic inserts
A magnetic insert may be placed in a basket type strainer in order to remove small iron or steel debris.
Small particles of iron or steel may be present in a fluid where there is wear of iron or steel parts. These
particles will pass through even the finest mesh screens, and it is necessary to use a magnetic insert.
The insert is designed so that all the fluid passes over the magnet at relatively low velocity and the
magnetic element is powerful enough to catch and hold all the metal particles present. The magnetic
material is usually encased in an inert material such as stainless steel to prevent corrosion.
Self-cleaning strainers
There are number of different types of self-cleaning strainer, which enable the build up of debris on
the screen to be removed without shutting down the plant. The cleaning process can be initiated
either manually or automatically; furthermore, strainers that are automatically cleaned can usually
be set to clean either on a periodic basis, or when the pressure drop across the strainer increases.
Mechanical type self-cleaning strainers use some form of mechanical scraper or brush, which
is raked over the screen surface. It dislodges any debris that is trapped in the screen, causing it to
fall down into a collection area at the bottom of the strainer.
Backwashing type strainers reverse the direction of flow through the screen. A set of valves is
changed over so that water is directed across the screen in the reverse direction and out through
a flush valve. The fluid dislodges any debris entrained in the screen and carries it out in the
backwash fluid to a waste drain.
In addition to the mechanical and backwashing type strainers, there are several types of uniquely
designed strainer screens. One of the more common types is the metallic disc, positive edge type
strainer (see Figure 12.4.8). The straining element is constructed from a pack of circular discs,
separated by spacing washers built on a main shaft with tie rods. The thickness of the washers or
distance pieces gives the required degree of filtration. The flow direction of the fluid being strained
is from the outside of the element to the hollow core, which is formed by the spaces between the
main discs. This means that any debris is trapped on the outside surface of the discs.
In order to clean the strainer, the entire strainer pack is rotated by the external handle against a
set of stationary cleaning knives interleaved with the main pack. During this rotation, accumulated
debris builds up on the leading edge of the cleaning knife, and it is deposited into a solid, vertical
groove formed in the outside surface of the strainer element by special packing pieces. As there
is no flow through this part of the element there is no force holding the accumulated dirt against
the element, and it falls into the sump at the bottom of the strainer.
Cleaning knives
Strainer cover Outlet
Strainer nut Zone of
no flow
Inlet
Strainer
pack
Cleaning door
Dirt entrained on pack Dirt depositied in slot
Sump
being removed (zone of no flow)
Drain plug
Temporary strainers
Temporary strainers are designed for protection of equipment and instrumentation during start-up
periods. The strainer is usually installed between a set of flanges for an initial period after a new
plant has been installed. Installation of a spool piece equal or more than the length of the strainer
is recommended for ease of installation or removal.
There are three basic configurations of temporary strainers, namely the conical type, the basket
type and the plate type. Standard construction is of perforated screen or single ply heavy wire
mesh. Wire mesh liners can be added inside or outside of the strainer for finer straining capabilities.
If a wire mesh is used, care must be taken to ensure that the direction of flow is against the wire
mesh with the perforated metal as a back-up.
(a) (b)
Fig. 12.4.9 Temporary cone (a) and basket (b) type strainers
Questions
1. Why are Y-type stainers commonly used in steam systems?
a| They have a higher dirt holding capacity than basket type strainers
b| The pressure drop across the strainer is neglible
c| The body can withstand high pressures
d| They are available in a duplex arrangement, which reduces downtime
2. What type of strainer would be most suitable to protect a large pressure reducing
valve fitted in an old pipeline susceptible to rust?
a| A Y-type strainer
b| A filter
c| A basket type strainer
d| A metallic disc, positive edge type strainer
3. For which of the following steam applications is a clean steam filter not suitable?
a| Where steam is directly injected into a vat of baby food for sterilisation
b| In a pressure reducing station prior to a heater battery
c| In the steam system used to clean new socks prior to final inspection
d| For use in humidifiers in the tobacco industry
5. A strainer uses a screen with 3.2 mm diameter perforations. If the total screening
area of 73 cm contains 360 perforations, what is the percentage free area?
Answers
1: c, 2: c, 3: b, 4: d, 5: b, 6: a