Strainers

Strainers protect downstream equipment from the particles, debris and sediment inevitably present in water distribution, irrigation and industrial process pipelines. Even on new mains, commissioning introduces construction debris, weld slag, joint compound and pipe lining particles that can damage valve seats, block pilot orifices, jam flow meters and wear pump impellers. On older networks, tuberculation, biofilm sloughing and encrustation can release particulate material during pressure transients or high-flow events. A correctly sized and positioned strainer is the most cost-effective way to protect expensive downstream equipment from premature wear and failure.

Y-type strainers are the standard choice for most pipeline applications. The strainer element is housed in a Y-shaped body with the screening basket at an angle to the flow axis. The Y-body design allows the basket to be removed and cleaned without disconnecting the valve or disturbing adjacent pipework. Y-type strainers are compact, pressure-rated to PN16 or PN25 and available in cast iron, ductile iron and stainless steel. They are suitable for installation in any orientation and are the default choice for protecting automatic control valves, pilot circuits and precision meters.

Basket strainers have a larger screen area than Y-type strainers and are preferred where high flow rates or high solids loading would cause Y-type strainers to block rapidly. The cylindrical basket provides a greater surface area for the same nominal diameter, reducing cleaning frequency and pressure drop across the strainer. Basket strainers are used upstream of pump inlets, filtration plant inlet pipework and industrial process connections where the pipeline carries elevated levels of suspended solids.

Screen mesh size is a key selection parameter. Standard mesh sizes range from 0.5mm for protection of precision pilot valves and meters to 3mm or 5mm for general protection of pumps and control valves. The mesh should be selected to capture particles large enough to damage the downstream equipment while allowing normal pipeline debris to pass without excessive blocking. AFC Valves Europe can advise on appropriate mesh selection based on the equipment being protected and the expected pipeline condition.

WRAS-approved strainers are available for drinking water applications in the UK and Ireland. All strainers in the range are supplied with pressure test certificates and full dimensional data. Replacement screening elements and seal kits are available as spare parts to support planned maintenance programmes.

We supply strainers to water utilities, irrigation network operators, pump manufacturers and mechanical contractors across Europe. Common applications include protection of PRV pilot circuits, pump station inlet pipework, flow meter installations and automatic control valve inlet connections. For large project schedules we can supply strainers pre-assembled and pressure tested with downstream valves to reduce site installation time.