Basket Vs. Wye Strainer

[mechengr24]

I know where strainers are placed on piping diagrams, but when do you specify a basket strainer rather than a wye strainer? Is it based on pipe diameter, aplication, or other?

thanks!

 

[btrueblood]

Wye- and T-pattern strainers can be cleaned in-line, basket strainers require pulling apart a pipe flange to clean/remove/replace the strainer. If you expect the strainers to need cleaning/service on a regular basis, use the Y or T strainers. Oh, and plumb isolation valves on one or both sides.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

If you have to use a basket strainer and down time is to be minimized, think about installing two in parallel (if room is available).

 

[btrueblood]

What PED said. With isolation valves on each leg of the strainer.

 

[rmw]

I don't know if there is a definition or not, but here is what I would do:

If I was putting a strainer for the occasional trash, and maybe there would never be any trash, I'd use a wye strainer. It would be one that I would plan to very seldom if ever have to clean.

If I knew that there would be specific trash that would need cleaning on a regular basis, and variable sized trash such as pipe scale that comes in all sizes, I'd use a basket strainer.

As noted, if the process is not interruptible, I'd use 2 in parallel or more likely a duplex basket strainer.

I'd use a basket only if I had to plan to have to open and clean this one on a regular basis.

But that's just the way I see it.

rmw

 

[cry22]

It is typical to use dual basket strainers on fuel oil systems for example. For large systems such as suction of condenser water from rivers, etc, you would use motor operated basket strainers (always duplex of course). I have seen an instance where the strainers were catching fish form river water and required regular cleaning while keeping the system in operation.

regular HVAC, use Y-type.

PS: in addition to the isolation valves that everyone thinks about, add UNIONS on both sides of strainers, controls valves, etc, of anything that needs removal.