How to Select a Strainer

Basket strainers and Y-Strainers each have design parameters that will affect th
eir success in specific applications. Taking a little time to identify applicati
on specifics will ensure that you select a strainer that will perform as expecte
d in your piping system.
The first thing to determine is the flow rate. Any flow rate over 150 GPM will m
ost likely require a basket strainer because of pressure drop considerations. St
rainers are usually sized so that their start up pressure drop is no greater tha
n 2 PSI, with a line velocity not to exceed 8 FPS. On a per size basis, basket s
trainers exhibit less pressure loss than Y-Strainers. On this website, under Pro
duct Downloads, there is a Pressure Loss Calculator.
The next application parameter is difficult to determine, but is important. You
need to know just how dirty the process media gets. Y-Strainer screens are small
er in dirt holding capacity than the strainer baskets used in basket strainers.
So, in a given application, a basket strainer will go longer between cleanings t
han a Y-Strainer will.
This is also important because cleaning the screen of a Y-Strainer can be a mess
y affair compared to a basket strainer. Remember: the strainer leg of the Y-Stra
iner must be below the pipeline, pointing down, to trap the debris. This means t
hat when the cap is removed to clean the screen of the Y-Strainer, be prepared f
or any fluid trapped in the strainer to drain out immediately. Depending on the
process media, and the location of the strainer, this can be a significant probl
em.
This problem doesn't exist with a basket strainer. The hand removable cover of a
Hayward basket strainer is on top. After making sure there is no line pressure,
just screw off the cover and lift out the basket to clean or replace it.
Metal Y-Strainers sometimes have a blow-down connection on the cap to permit cle
aning the screen without removing the cap. This is not recommended with a plasti
c Y-Strainer because the hole in the cap would weaken the strainer and affect it
s pressure rating.
So, if the application requires infrequent cleaning and the process media is env
ironmentally safe, a Y-Strainer should work. If the opposite is true and the str
ainer will be cleaned often and the fluid is less than friendly, a basket strain
er is the answer. If in doubt, select the basket strainer every time. It may cos
t a bit more but will stay in service longer between cleanouts, and it will be e
asier to clean.
If the application requires that the system has to run continuously and cannot b
e shut down, then the only real choice is a duplex basket strainer.
Size of the perforations in the screen or basket is another consideration. Haywa
rd plastic Y-Strainer screens are only available in 1/32" perforation. Hayward b
asket strainers, depending on size, come with 1/32", 1/16", 1/8" or 3/16" perfor
ation plastic baskets. Stainless steel baskets and screens are available with pe
rforations from 40 microns up to 1/2", for both basket and Y-Strainers.
Installation orientation of the strainer must also be considered. If a vertical
installation is planned, a Y-Strainer is the one that will work. Y-Strainers can
be installed either vertically or horizontally. A basket strainer must be insta
lled horizontally.
Whether you choose a wye or basket strainer, a spare basket or screen should alw
ays be purchased at the same time. A spare screen or basket makes clean-out easi
er. Just remove the dirty one and install the clean spare one. The line is back

in service quicker and the dirty screen can be cleaned or replaced later.
And remember, nothing is quite as useless as a strainer without a basket or scre
en. If the basket breaks or gets lost or damaged, the line is out of service unt
il a new one is located, purchased and installed. Having a spare on hand avoids
this downtime problem.
Y-Strainer or Basket Strainer? A quick look at your application parameters and y
ou'll be able to select the right one.
Hayward Flow Control Systems, Inc. 2010