GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION OF STRAINERS

Introduction
This document has been constructed to provide an introduction and general guidelines
towards the specification and selection of strainer equipment. It is not intended to be a
definitive work and does not cover specialist strainers. Instead it is focussed on the most
common strainers used in today’s process applications in the oil & gas industry.

Strainers differ from filters in that a strainer provides typically a single barrier to the
process stream and has a fixed opening (eg. Ø5mm perforated holes). Filters are normally
constructed from a relatively thick fibrous material, which creates paths for the process
stream to flow through of varying, random apertures. The debris is retained at various
points in the material and the filter element eventually becomes loaded and has to be
replaced. This article is aimed specifically at strainers.

It is always recommended to seek expert advice from the respective filter and strainer
specialist for each application.

Specification Requirements
The following information is fundamental to ensure the correct specification of strainer
equipment for it’s intended purpose.

Filtration Size
The common purpose of a strainer is to remove debris from a process
stream. Strainer elements are available with a range of filtration sizes from
as large as Ø10mm perforations down to 25 micron (0.025mm) fine woven
wire mesh. Correct selection of the filtration size is very important and
should relate to the maximum particle size that downstream equipment (eg.
pumps) is capable of handling.

If the filtration size is too large then escaping debris could seriously effect the performance
of downstream equipment. A filtration size that is too small could result in increased
maintenance to clean the strainer and/or increased pressure drop, which can be
detrimental to the downstream process.

STRAINER MESH COMPARISON GUIDE

Mesh Size Micron Rating Gap Size mm Gap Size inch
20 Mesh 740 microns 0.74 mm 0.030 in
30 Mesh 500 microns 0.50 mm 0.020 in
40 Mesh 400 microns 0.40 mm 0.015 in
60 Mesh 250 microns 0.25 mm 0.010 in
80 Mesh 200 microns 0.20 mm 0.008 in
100 Mesh 150 microns 0.15 mm 0.006 in
120 Mesh 125 microns 0.125 mm 0.005 in
150 Mesh 100 microns 0.10 mm 0.0039 in
200 Mesh 76 microns 0.076 mm 0.0030 in.
300 Mesh 50 microns 0.05 mm 0.0020 in.
Note: Gap size is subject to mesh wire thickness. Therefore data is indicative only.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION OF STRAINERS

Strainer Unit Sizing/Free Open Area

It is not always the case that the strainer size should be equal to the line size. The strainer
size should be determined from the potential dirt volume that the unit expects to retain and
the maximum allowable pressure drop for the strainer. An undersized strainer will result in
increased maintenance required to continually clean the elements. In worse instances it can
create pressure drop problems in a process stream.

The Free Open Area Ratio for strainers refers to the amount of free open area of the
strainer and basket/element. It is the ratio of the open area through the strainer
basket/element to the cross sectional area of the pipeline. A well-designed strainer should
have an open ratio of at least 4:1. Anything less can result in excessive pressure drop. The
ratio is calculated with a clean basket/element and as the basket/element begins to clog,
the ratio will drop. Unless there is a wide safety margin, the area through the
basket/element can rapidly become smaller than the pipe area. This will lead to a rapid
increase in pressure drop (and loss of flow) through the strainer resulting in very frequent
cleaning. A small free open area ratio results in reduced holding capacity of the
basket/elements which is an important consideration if the amount of solids to be removed
is large.

Solids Content
Although it is very difficult to receive realistic information on the potential solids content of
a stream it is invaluable information required when considering the sizing of the strainer
body. The element should be sized to adequately cater for the potential solids loading
expected from the process stream. Where the solids loading is expected to be particularly
high duplex (2x100%) strainers, Hellan type or automatic backwash strainers should be
used to make the process of element cleaning quicker and easier. An undersized strainer
will ultimately lead to process and maintenance problems.

Strainer Clean Pressure Drop – Guideline

Selecting the proper size strainer for a particular application is crucial. The best strainers
companies will have pressure drop information covering their range of equipment. A general
guide for process engineers is that the pressure drop through the strainer should not be
greater than 0.1 bar in the clean condition. If it is, the strainer selected is too small.
Factors, such as viscosity, specific gravity and mesh lining size, all influence pressure drop
through the unit, and they must be taken into account.

Maximum Allowable Pressure Drop

Downstream equipment such as pumps that require protection by strainers are normally
also dependent upon a minimum head pressure in order that they shall function
satisfactorily. It is therefore important that the maximum allowable pressure drop for the
strainer is determined to ensure that the design of the strainer will not present problems to
downstream process equipment. Failure to do this can lead to problems such as pump
cavitation as a result of insufficient pump head.

To prevent damage to downstream equipment continuous monitoring of the pressure drop

across the strainer is necessary. Where pressure drop limits are critical a DP transmitter
can provide first and second alarms to ensure that strainers are attended to as solids build
up.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION OF STRAINERS

Maximum Design Pressure/Temperature Range

As with all piping equipment it is important to specify the design pressure and temperature
range. Although design temperatures and pressures are covered in piping classes, these
details are general covering a range of potential applications and do not necessarily address
the specific requirements of each individual process line. It important for each strainer that
the specific design conditions are provided.

Design Pressure Drop across the Strainer Basket/Element

While strainer housings are designed to withstand design pressures sometimes far in
excess of their rated maximum operating pressures, this is not true of baskets which are
not specifically designed for high pressure drops. As a result very few strainer baskets will
withstand high pressure differentials through them.

Example: A strainer running at a maximum operating pressure of 10 barg and the

basket/element is allowed to become fully blocked then the basket/element can in the
worst case be exposed to 10 bar pressure differential. Under these conditions the basket
will more than likely collapse.

Generally, the amount of pressure differential that baskets/elements can withstand when
they become completely blocked is considerably less than the maximum strainer rated
operating pressure. As a guide Tech-Trade AS recommends that the customers contact us if
they know that the basket/element can be exposed to greater than 0.5 bar pressure drop
for any reason. The larger the basket, the less differential pressure it can withstand.

Where excessive pressure differentials are expected reinforced baskets/elements can be

designed and manufactured. However, greater differential pressure requirements will lead
to excessive reinforcement of the strainer elements which will in turn reduce the “effective
free open area” and increase the clean pressure drop thus compounding the problem. The
best solution is good monitoring and maintenance of a strainer suitably designed with
sufficient “free open area” for the application – and keep the velocities down.

Materials
Strainer materials should reflect the materials specified for the pipeline. This information is
provided in the relevant piping class which normally also provides details on the relevant
MDS. It is standard practice for the MDS requirements to cover pressure retaining parts
such as the strainer body and cover but not items such as the strainer element. The
element material should be of similar or better material standard as the body unless they
are for temporary service only (eg: bathtub strainer elements).

Directives and CE Marking

Strainers fall into the category of equipment that is covered by the “Pressure Equipment
Directive” (PED). Equipment may be subject to CE Marking requirements in line with the
guidelines presented by the PED. The fluid and size/volume of the strainer will determine
as to whether CE Marking is required or not.

Automatic backwash strainers must also comply with other directives including the
“Machinery Directive” (522), FEA-M and sometimes ATEX 94/9/EC Directive. CE Marking
requirements must be covered as necessary in accordance with the applicable directives.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 CONICAL OR TOP HAT STRAINER

Advantages Disadvantages
; Low cost : High pressure drop
; Compact : Low effective filtration area
; Low weight : All debris collects directly in the path of the process stream
; Temporary : Process must be isolated or bypassed prior to cleaning the element
: Pipework needs to be broken via pipe spool to allow the strainer to
be removed from the line
Typical Size Range 1” up to 48”
Typical Pressure Class Range 150# up to 600#

The conical strainer is designed

specifically for commissioning purposes
where a low-cost temporary strainer is
required. The strainer does not have a
pressure retaining housing as with
other strainers designs. Instead it is
normally installed between two flanges
in a pipe spool to facilitate removal
after it has served it’s purpose.

The strainer is typically of cone shape

constructed of perforated plate with
additional welded mesh as required to
achieve the necessary filtration. A ring supports the strainer between two flanges and a tag
is used to identify to the operation when the strainer is installed.

As the conical strainer is not strictly a pressure retaining device, it is not designed to a
piping or vessel standard and normally does not require to comply to any MDS
requirements. NORSOK defines specific requirements for a conical strainer in the document
PD-080.

As all debris collects in the path of the process stream, any build up can creat problems
with blockage resulting in increasing pressure drop as the effective filtration area reduces.
To minimise this effect the strainer can be installed with the flow travelling outside into the
conical strainer. The conical strainer is not a good solution for streams with high dirt load
but instead better suited as a guard filter to protect against accidental debris in the process
stream.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 BATHTUB OR T-TYPE STRAINER

Advantages Disadvantages
; Low cost : High pressure drop
; Compact : Very low effective filtration area
; Low weight : All debris collects directly in the path of the process stream
: Process must be isolated or bypassed prior to cleaning the
element
Typical Size Range 2” up to 24”
Typical Pressure Class Range 150# up to 2500#

The bathtub strainer is best suited as a temporary

strainer for commissioning or as a guard strainer
protecting equipment against accidental debris in
the process stream. The strainer is constructed
from standard flanges and fittings, typically an
equal tee and a weld neck flange/blind flange
combination (dimensions in compliance with
international piping standards). The strainer
element sits inside the tee and is designed to
provide optimum free area.

Elements are constructed from perforated plate with wire mesh as required to provide even
greater filtration. Bathtub strainers can provide filtration from 10mm with perforated plate
down to 50 microns with mesh inserts.

NORSOK defines requirements for a bathtub strainer in the document PD-081.

As with a conical strainer, all debris collects in the process stream and any build up will
block the flow increasing the pressure drop dramatically as the effective filtration area
reduces. It is therefore not a good solution for streams with high dirt load but instead better
suited as a guard filter to protect against accidental debris in the process stream.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 Y-TYPE STRAINER

Advantages Disadvantages
; Good effective filtration area : Process must be isolated or
; Low cost bypassed prior to cleaning the
; Compact element
; Low weight : Limited dirt holding capacity
; Debris collects away from the process stream
; Possible to purge a quantity of the debris whilst
in operation by blow-down through the drain
connection.
Typical Size Range ¾” up to 24”
Typical Pressure Class Range 150# up to 2500#

Y-type strainers are compact strainer solutions and can

be manufactured either as cast, forged or fabricated units
typically to standards such as ASME B31.3 with either
butt weld, NPT or a choice of different flanged
connections.

The element is typical cylindrical and sits in the strainer

such that any debris enters the element and is collected
away from the process stream. This allows the strainer to
collect a considerable amount of debris without effecting
the pressure drop. Y-type strainers are well suited to
protecting pumps and compressors.

Elements are constructed from perforated plate with wire mesh welded in as required to
provide greater filtration. Y-type strainers can provide filtration from 10mm with perforated
plate down to 50 microns with mesh inserts.

There is no current NORSOK standard for Y-type strainers.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 SIMPLEX OR BASKET STRAINER

Advantages
; Superior filtration area
; Excellent volume holding
capacity
; Custom design possible
; Debris collects away from the
process stream
Typical Size Range
Typical Pressure Class Range
Disadvantages
: Process must be isolated or bypassed prior to
cleaning the element
: Higher cost
: Significant size
: Weight
1” up to 48”
150# up to 300# for cast units
150# up to 2500# for fabricated unit

Basket Strainers are relatively larger than Y-type Strainers

and are manufactured either as cast, forged or fabricated
units typically to piping or pressure vessel standards with
a choice of different screwed or flanged connections.

The strainer element comes in the form of a removal basket

which collects all the debris away from the process stream.
The basket strainer offers the best effective filtration area
and is suited to applications where relatively high dirt
loads are anticipated in processes.

Baskets are constructed from perforated plate with wire

mesh provided as required to achieve even greater
filtration. Basket strainers can provide filtration from
10mm with perforated plate down to 50 microns with mesh inserts.

Proprietary design cast units are normally proven and tested to ASME B31.3. Fabricated
units are normally design, manufactured and tested in accordance with a pressure vessel
standard such as PD 5500 or ASME VIII. There is no current NORSOK standard for basket
strainers.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 DUPLEX (2x100%) STRAINER

Advantages Disadvantages
; Superior filtration area : Higher cost
; Continuous filtration during basket change-out : Significant size
; Custom design possible : Weight
; Debris collects away from the process stream
Typical Size Range 1” up to 48”
Typical Pressure Class Range 150# up to 300# for cast units
150# up to 2500# for fabricated units

The Duplex Strainer combines two basket

strainers with a valve arrangement to provide a
solution where the strainer basket can be
removed and cleaned without the need of
shutting down the process. However, the process
of switching from one strainer to the other as well
as basket cleaning is still a manual operation.

Duplex Strainers can be either manufactured as

a cast unit (see right) with proprietary design,
integral valve arrangements for low pressure
applications or fabricated with independent
valves as a packaged arrangement for all
pressure classes (see below).

Baskets are normally constructed from perforated

plate with wire mesh provided if necessary to
provide even greater filtration much the same as
for standard simplex strainers.

Duplex strainers are used where it is not

practical to shutdown process stream and where
continuous filtration is absolutely necessary.

Proprietary design cast units are normally proven

and tested to ASME B31.3. Fabricated units are
normally design, manufactured and tested in
accordance with a pressure vessel standard such
as PD 5500 or ASME VIII. There is no present
NORSOK standard for duplex strainers.

Typical Fabricated Duplex Strainer Solution

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 MECHANICAL SELF-CLEANING STRAINER - HELLAN

Advantages Disadvantages
; Compact vertical or horizontal inline solution : Higher cost
; Good effective filtration area : Limited Pressure Class
; Cleaning without access to fluids. HMS friendly. to 300#
; Continuous filtration during element cleaning
; Removal of debris via backwash valve
; Very rapid element cleaning within seconds
; Complete automation is possible with motor drives and
activated valves
Typical Size Range 2” up to 20”
Typical Pressure Class Range 150# up to 300#

The Hellan strainer is a unique compact design

manufactured in USA by Cleveland Gear. They are
constructed from cast pressure retaining bodies
which contain up to six individual elements of
either perforated plate or wedge wire construction
depending upon filtration requirements. Each
element is linked to an external handwheel and
can be rotated against a cleaning device (either a
brush or scraper).

Whereas most strainers collect debris within the

filter element, the Hellan strainer allows debris to
collect on the outside as flow travels into the
element. Any debris is collected in a small
chamber which forms part of the body. As the filter
element becomes clogged each handwheel can be
turn and the cleaning device will remove the debris
from the element surface and allow it to collect in the chamber. The chamber leads to a
backwash outlet connection which facilitates removal via a drain valve.

The Hellan strainer facilitates rapid element

cleaning during normal operation and simple
disposal of debris without having to
depressurise/open a vessel or come in contact
with the waste product.

The Hellan strainer is very well suited to protect

low pressure firewater mains, process cooling
circuits and processes where it is not desirable
to come in contact with the fluid.

Hellan strainers are tested in accordance with

the American pressure vessel standard ASME
VIII and can be supplied CE-marked to PED
97/23/EC. There is no current NORSOK SLEIPNER HEATING MEDIUM FILTRATION
standard for Hellan strainers.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no
 AUTOMATIC BACKWASH STRAINER

Advantages Disadvantages
; Superior effective filtration area : Higher cost
; Complete automation with motor drives and : Size
activated valves
; Continuous filtration during element cleaning
; Removal of debris via backwash valve
Typical Size Range 2” up to 48”
Typical Pressure Class Range 150# up to 2500#

Automatic backwash strainers offer the best

effective filtration area together with the
convenience of completely automated online
cleaning. Strainers are available either with cast
bodies or as fabricated units design and
manufactured in accordance with a pressure
vessel standard. The elements are normally
constructed from wedge wire which is well suited
for backwash applications and provides for
filtration down to 80 micron.

Automatic backwash strainers are normally used

to continuously filter high flowrate processes.
They have been traditionally used as part of a
seawater treatment package.

Various manufacturers have subtly different

designs of automatic backwash strainers with
one or more fixed elements. There are several
subtly different approaches to the method of
element cleaning but normally it is achieved by
using a small percentage of the process stream
flow and redirecting it to remove the debris from
the filter surface into a backwash flowline.

The backwash is activated as a cycle which

starts-up when a set pressure drop limit is
reached or after a decided period of time has past. In addition it is also possible to activate
backwash manually.

Automatic Backwash Strainers are normally designed, manufactured and tested in

accordance with a pressure vessel code for example: PD 5500, ASME VIII. There is no
current NORSOK standard for Automatic Backwash Strainers.

SPECIALISTS IN FILTERS AND STRAINERS

Plattformveien 1, P.O. Box 116, N-4098 Tananger
Tel.: (+47) 51648787 Fax.: (+47) 51648788¬
www.tech-trade.no