Pump Suction Strainer

Pump Suction Strainer

For pump protection, inlet line suction pump should be fitted with a strainer. The strainer can be either T or Y type, permanent or only for temporary. For clean fluid service, such as; demineralized water, boiler feed water, etc the temporary strainer can be used..

In this posting, we will discuss about the strainer installed in suction pump. My friends please talk back in the comment if I mistake and let me know your opinion.  If you have any other information regarding the strainer, please share in the comment section

1.Generally, for permanent application, Y type strainer is used for small size.

The following table can be used as a general rule of thumb ;

Suction Line Size            Type

3” and smaller                        Y 

4” and larger                           T 

(This rule depends on particular project requirement. Please Note: The piping specification shall be followed instead of this rule).

You can click here to see the picture of T and Y type.

2. Permanent strainer shall be provided in service where fouling or solids or foreign matter are normal part of the pumped fluid.

3. Temporary strainer can be applied for clean fluid service, for example; boiler feed water, demineralized water etc. Suction pump shall be provided with temporary strainer where permanent strainer is not provided

4. Strainer shall be located as close to the pump as feasible, and at downstream of suction block valve. 

5. Piping Engineer shall be design the system arrangement, so that the strainer element can be easily inserted and removed without effecting the pump alignment.

6. If the Y type strainer is located at a low point, a ¾” valve drain can be provided at the Y type strainer flange of 3” and larger 

7.  Strainer can be equipped with a pressure differential gauge to monitor pressure drop of the strainer.

8. If required, A pressure gauge shall be provided downstream of a permanent strainer and temperature gauge shall be located at upstream of strainer.

9. Temporary strainer is always used to prevent damage when commissioning

My friends, That's all I can share .. 

Actually, I can't explain WHY the TEE type strainer is applied for larger size ?.( why the Y strainer is generally applied for small size?) 

If you have the answer or any explanation, please share in comment section below.

I believe you  know much rather than me. So please add any other information about strainer in pump suction if you know..

Source: http://Process-eng.blogspot.com