A useful industrial strainer enquiry must describe the process duty, not only the line size. Filtration level, pressure drop, contaminant load, maintenance access and material compatibility can all change the suitable strainer configuration.
This practical checklist is for engineering, procurement and maintenance teams preparing strainer enquiries for process plants in India. It covers the information a manufacturer needs to evaluate Y strainers, basket strainers, TEE strainers and related industrial filtration products. Final selection must follow the project specification and an engineering review of the actual service conditions.
IPS Automation’s India product and enquiry overview is available on the process instrumentation and industrial automation solutions in India page.
Define the service before selecting a strainer
Begin the RFQ with the process information that controls the selection:
- Fluid name, composition and concentration
- Minimum, normal and maximum flow rate
- Normal and design pressure
- Normal and design temperature
- Line size, pipe schedule and flow direction
- Required body, cover, screen and trim materials
- End connection and pressure rating
- Required filtration level or opening size
- Allowable pressure drop
- Corrosion, erosion and solids-loading concerns
Do not select a screen opening from a general table without checking the equipment being protected and the expected contaminant. A finer screen can improve particle capture but may increase pressure drop and cleaning frequency.
When to consider a Y strainer
A Y strainer is commonly considered where the line arrangement, compact installation and expected solids load suit this body style. The RFQ should state the intended installation orientation, blowdown requirement and the space available for screen removal.
For steam, gas or liquid service, the installation and screen orientation must be reviewed for the specific duty. The purchaser should also identify whether a drain or blowdown connection is required.
When to consider a basket strainer
A basket strainer provides a removable basket with a relatively large collection area. It may be considered where the process and maintenance plan call for easier access to accumulated solids.
Include the expected contaminant quantity, preferred cover arrangement, lifting clearance, drain and vent requirements, and the acceptable interval between cleaning operations. If continuous flow is required during cleaning, the plant may need a duplex arrangement or another approved bypass strategy.
When to consider a TEE strainer
A TEE strainer can suit services where the pipeline layout and screen access favour a T-pattern body. The enquiry should show the installation orientation and the direction in which the screen must be removed.
Connection type, pressure class, body material, screen construction and pressure-drop limits must be specified in the same way as for other permanent strainers.
Screen and perforation information
The RFQ should distinguish between perforated plate, mesh and a combined screen construction. State the required opening or mesh and identify whether it comes from a process requirement, an equipment manufacturer’s limit or a project standard.
Also confirm the screen material, reinforcement requirement and any allowable differential pressure across the screen. If the purchaser expects unusual solids, describe their approximate size, shape, hardness and quantity.
Maintenance and monitoring requirements
Good filtration depends on a practical cleaning plan. Provide the following details where relevant:
- Available space for cover and screen removal
- Preferred bolted, hinged or quick-opening cover arrangement
- Drain, vent and flushing connections
- Differential-pressure tapping or monitoring requirement
- Spare screen or basket quantity
- Insulation or heat-tracing requirement
- External coating and environmental conditions
The safe opening procedure must follow the plant’s isolation, depressurisation and maintenance requirements.
Documents, inspection and testing
Identify the required documentation during the RFQ stage. Depending on the project, this may include drawings, data sheets, material certificates, inspection and test plans, pressure-test records, welding records, NDE reports, coating records and installation or maintenance instructions.
If the project requires purchaser review, witness or hold points, state them clearly. Required standards and acceptance criteria should be included rather than assumed.
Industrial strainer RFQ checklist
- Strainer type and quantity
- Fluid and complete operating conditions
- Minimum, normal and maximum flow
- Line size, schedule, connection and rating
- Body, cover, screen and trim materials
- Opening size, mesh or perforation
- Clean and dirty pressure-drop limits
- Drain, vent, blowdown and monitoring connections
- Installation orientation and maintenance clearance
- Inspection, testing and document requirements
- Tag numbers, delivery location and requested date
Request a technical quotation
A complete RFQ allows the supplier to review the application with fewer assumptions and helps the purchaser compare technically equivalent offers. Send the available process data, project specification and document requirements through the official IPS Automation enquiry route.
Contact IPS Automation to discuss an industrial strainer requirement for a project in India.