Strainer

A Y strainer is a pipeline filter whose screen sits in a branch angled off the main bore, giving the body its Y shape. Flow passes through the perforated or mesh screen, which traps scale, weld slag, rust and debris before they reach a pump, control valve, meter or nozzle downstream. The angled leg collects the debris and can be blown down or unbolted for cleaning.

The Y Strainer in metal-bodied construction. For corrosive service, lined alternatives are available as the PTFE Lined Y Strainer and the PTFE Lined Basket Strainer Filter.

A Y strainer is compact, cheap and works in any orientation, but its screen area is limited, so it suits light and occasional dirt loading. A basket strainer sits vertically with a much larger screen area and a removable basket, so it holds far more debris and can be cleaned without breaking the line — the right choice for heavy or continuous dirt loading, and for large flows where a Y strainer would block quickly.

The Y strainer is supplied from 1″ to 12″ (DN 25–DN 300) at ANSI 150# and ANSI 300#, with threaded, socket-weld or flanged ends. Larger sizes and higher classes are available on request — send us the line size, flow rate, flange standard and expected debris loading and we will confirm the build.

Bodies and covers in Carbon Steel (WCB), 304 and 316 stainless, bronze, CF8M, Hastelloy C-276 and duplex. Screens in stainless steel perforated sheet or wire mesh, with the mesh grade selected for the duty. Lined versions are available where the media would attack a metal body.

Work back from what you are protecting. Pumps and general service usually need coarse perforation; control valves, flow meters and nozzles need finer mesh matched to their smallest clearance. Finer is not automatically better — a mesh that is too fine blinds quickly, raises pressure drop and can collapse under differential. State what is downstream and the expected debris and we will recommend the grade.

Fit it with the body arrow matching flow, and orient the screen leg so debris collects in it and can drain — pointing downward in a horizontal line, and to the side where headroom for removing the screen is limited. Leave clearance to withdraw the screen. On a vertical line, flow must be downward for the leg to collect rather than shed its debris back into the line.

Watch the differential pressure across it — a rising drop is the only reliable indicator, which is why permanent installations usually carry gauges either side. Cleaning is either a blowdown valve on the screen leg, or unbolting the cover and withdrawing the screen. A strainer left until it blocks does not just restrict flow; a collapsed screen sends the debris and the screen itself downstream.

Yes. The PTFE lined Y strainer and lined basket strainer use the same lined construction as our lined valve range, with the screen in a compatible material, so acid and solvent lines get the same debris protection without exposing metal to the media.

MVS is a manufacturer — building at its own works since 1978, ISO 9001:2015 certified — and exports across several continents. The minimum order quantity is 20 pieces. Special mesh grades, lined bodies and non-standard sizes are built to order.