Pipe Strainers

Pipe strainers are filtration devices in piping systems that remove impurities to protect downstream equipment and maintain system efficiency. Available in various types and configurations, they ensure operational reliability and equipment longevity.
Various Heavy-Duty RedLineIPS Pipe Strainers
Various Heavy-Duty RedLineIPS Pipe Strainers

What is a Pipe Strainer?

A pipe strainer is a crucial filtration device used in piping systems to remove impurities and particulates from flowing fluids. Designed to ensure the purity of the medium and protect downstream equipment from contamination, pipe strainers are commonly installed in industrial piping systems. These devices come in various forms, including basket, Y, and T types, each tailored to different flow rates and cleanliness requirements. Pipe strainers are essential for maintaining system efficiency, prolonging equipment life, and ensuring operational reliability.
In the petrochemical and gas industries, strainers serve as indispensable guardians of pipeline integrity. Positioned at various locations within the piping system, including upstream of pumps and valves, and downstream of heat exchangers, their primary function is to remove solid particles from fluids before they enter the pipeline.
Solid particles, including rust, sand, impurities, and debris, among others, pose a significant threat to downstream equipment. Damage caused by these particles can lead to costly repairs and downtime. RedLineIPS Strainers work by forcing the fluid through a screen or mesh, trapping solid particles while allowing the fluid to pass through. Periodic removal and cleaning or replacement of the strainer prevent the buildup of solids, ensuring proper flow.
Various Cogbill RedLineIPS Strainers
Various Cogbill RedLineIPS Strainers

Types of RedLineIPS Piping Strainers

RedLineIPS Basket Strainers

In the intricate world of fluid management, basket-type strainers stand out as robust sentinels, uniquely crafted to tackle larger-sized particles and unlock operational efficiency. Unlike their Y-type counterparts, basket strainers excel in scenarios demanding intermittent cleaning, finding their stride in pipelines operating under pressures of up to 1,500 PSI. Their design, tailored for parallel pipe installation, boasts a substantial structure that, while robust, requires additional reinforcement for enduring performance.
RedLineIPS Stainless Steel Basket Strainer
RedLineIPS Stainless Steel Basket Strainer
One of the key strengths of basket strainers lies in their capacity to retain a significant volume of particles, leading to a diminished need for frequent maintenance. This attribute, stemming from an expansive straining area, allows these strainers to capture a larger number of particles effectively. This quality proves invaluable in environments where optimal efficiency and reliability are non-negotiable. It’s imperative, however, to acknowledge that basket strainers operate within a comparatively lower pressure reduction capacity compared to their Y-type counterparts. The removable cover atop the basket strainer facilitates easy access for operators, empowering them to perform cleaning or replace the filter element, ensuring seamless functionality in the face of accumulating debris.
RedLineIPS Stainless Steel Paddle Strainer
RedLineIPS Stainless Steel Paddle Strainer

RedLineIPS Cone Strainers (Witch’s Hat)

Purposefully designed for applications demanding a pinnacle of filtration excellence, cone strainers redefine the standards of particle interception. Positioned in a vertical embrace, cone strainers feature a distinctive conical screen, an architectural marvel dedicated to entrapping solid particles and debris.
The conical configuration, which resembles a witch’s hat, hence the common name used in the field, serves a dual purpose, seamlessly blending form and function. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the conical screen significantly amplifies the filtration area, translating into a reduction in cleaning frequency. This innovation addresses a common challenge in fluid systems, offering an elegant solution to maintain unimpeded flow while ensuring the integrity of the transported fluid. Embracing cone strainers in a vertical orientation aligns with their optimal performance, showcasing their efficiency in scenarios where stringent filtration is non-negotiable.
Cogbill RedLineIPS Witch's Hat Strainer
Cogbill RedLineIPS Witch's Hat Strainer

RedLineIPS Tee Strainers

Designed for applications where the flow rate is modest and debris removal is minimal, tee strainers find their forte in low-pressure environments. Versatility is their virtue, as they seamlessly handle a spectrum of fluids, including gases, liquids, and steam. The compact size of tee strainers makes them an ideal choice for installations in confined spaces, offering a pragmatic solution where real estate is at a premium.
The anatomy of tee strainers comprises a body with flanged inlet and outlet, housing a removable screen or filter element. As fluid enters through the inlet, it traverses the screen, entrapping any debris or particles present. The filtered fluid then emerges through the outlet, purified and ready to continue its journey through the piping system.
Cogbill Pipe Tee with Basket Strainer
Cogbill Pipe Tee with Basket Strainer
However, the efficiency of tee strainers comes with a caveat. Their compact design, while advantageous for tight spaces, may necessitate more frequent maintenance. The screen or filter element, diligently capturing particles, can quickly become clogged, especially in environments with elevated debris levels.

RedLineIPS Sump Suction Strainers

The primary function of sump suction strainers is rooted in their ability to shield pumps from potential damage caused by solid particles and debris. As fluid is drawn from reservoirs or sumps, these strainers act as guardians, intercepting unwanted particles that could compromise the efficiency and longevity of downstream equipment. The strategic placement of sump suction strainers in the suction line ensures that the fluid entering the pump is free from contaminants, contributing to the seamless operation of the entire system.
However, like any engineering solution, sump suction strainers come with their set of considerations. While they excel in capturing larger particles and protecting pumps, their design necessitates periodic maintenance. Accumulated debris can impede the strainer’s effectiveness over time, requiring regular inspection and cleaning to guarantee sustained performance.
Cogbill Stainless Steel Suction Strainer
Cogbill Stainless Steel Suction Strainer

RedLineIPS Duplex Strainers

In the world of industrial piping systems, duplex strainers emerge as dual-armored defenders against unwanted debris and particles. The nomenclature derives from their duplex, or dual, nature, offering a continuous operation even during maintenance—a distinctive feature setting them apart in the world of fluid filtration.
Unlike their T-shaped counterparts, duplex strainers handle scenarios where the flow rate may be higher, and the volume of debris requiring extraction is more substantial. Operating efficiently in applications with pressures of up to 1,500 PSI, these strainers boast robust structures suitable for pipelines demanding regular cleaning.
The anatomy of duplex strainers encompasses two separate strainer baskets within a single body. This ingenious design allows for uninterrupted filtration: while one basket is in operation, the other can be cleaned or replaced, ensuring a seamless flow of fluids through the system. This dual arrangement significantly reduces downtime, a critical factor in industries where uninterrupted processes are paramount.
Duplex strainers, crafted for installation in parallel pipes, provide a larger straining area compared to their T-shaped counterparts. This expanded surface area enables them to capture a greater volume of particles before requiring attention. The cover atop the strainer, easily removable, facilitates swift cleaning or replacement of the filter element as needed.
Duplex-Configuration Pipe Strainer
Duplex-Configuration Pipe Strainer
However, similar to T-strainers, the efficiency of duplex strainers relies on regular maintenance. Despite their dual-basket advantage, neglecting upkeep can lead to clogging, impeding the flow and compromising their efficacy.

RedLineIPS Y-Type Strainers

Y-type strainers find their place in high-pressure pipelines, where the risk of damage from unwanted particles surpasses 6000 PSI. The choice between horizontal and vertical installation adds a layer of adaptability, aligning with the specific needs of diverse applications. While excelling in the filtration of small granules, regular maintenance becomes paramount, underscoring the importance of a cleaning regimen to prevent blockages and uphold peak performance. In essence, the Y-type strainer emerges not just as a component in a piping system but as a vital guardian, contributing to sustained efficiency and longevity of downstream equipment.

RedLineIPS Y-Strainer
RedLineIPS Y-Strainer

Materials for Diverse Requirements

The effectiveness of RedLineIPS pipe strainers in petrochemical and gas applications relies on carefully selected materials, each tailored to specific needs:
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Bronze
Plastics (FRP)

Properties: Resistant to corrosion, ideal for corrosive fluid applications.

Application: Commonly used in chemical and offshore applications.

Properties: Robust and cost-effective, suitable for general-purpose applications.

Application: Versatile, finding applications in various industrial processes.

Properties: Corrosion-resistant, often used in marine and offshore settings.

Application: Employed in marine and offshore applications due to resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments.

Properties: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, cost-effective for various applications.

Application: Used where weight is a consideration, and resistance to corrosion is essential.

Cogbill RedLineIPS Heavy-Duty Tee Strainer
Cogbill RedLineIPS Heavy-Duty Tee Strainer
Strainer Type Design Application Pressure Range Filtration Area Maintenance Pros Cons
Y-Type Y-shaped High-pressure systems (>6000 PSI) >6000 PSI Moderate Regular cleaning required Efficient removal of small particles, Suitable for liquid filtration Not ideal for significant dirt or particle loads, Frequent cleaning needed
Basket Basket-shaped Larger-sized particle removal Up to 1500 PSI Larger straining area Frequent cleaning, parallel pipe installation Efficient for larger particles, Less frequent cleaning Lower pressure capacity
Cone Conical-shaped High-level filtration Varies Large filtration area Moderate Effective for high-level filtration, Reduced cleaning frequency Limited to specific applications
Sump Suction Specialized for industrial piping systems Industrial Varies Varies Moderate Specifically designed for industrial systems Limited versatility outside industrial settings
Tee T-shaped Low-flow applications Low pressure Moderate Frequent cleaning needed Compact size, Suitable for basic filtration in tight spaces Not ideal for high debris applications, Requires frequent maintenance
Duplex Dual-baskets Higher-flow applications Up to 1500 PSI Larger straining area Continuous operation during maintenance Continuous operation, Suitable for higher flow rates Regular maintenance crucial, Potential for clogging if neglected

Why Choose RedLineIPS Pipe Strainers?

RedLineIPS pipe strainers are designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial applications, ensuring your systems remain efficient and protected. Proudly made in the U.S.A., our strainers are custom-built to your specifications and shipped nationwide. For more information about our durable and reliable pipe strainers, contact us today.