How to Choose Between a Wye and Tee Strainer

Wye ('Y') strainers and Pot (aka. Tee or 'T') strainers have many similarities, so how does one decide which style is the best fit for an application?

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Similarities

Y and T strainers are both simplex style pipeline strainers designed for batch applications with a light particle load; to clean the internal screen requires interrupting the process flow.

Y Strainers

Although commonly used for liquid applications, Y strainers were initially designed for steam, air, and other inert gases to protect downstream equipment from particle disturbances, such as protecting steam condensers from rogue pipe scale. Y strainers have a blow-down port for steam applications, a feature T strainers lack. While blow-down works for aqueous applications, its efficiency depends on whether the retained particles embed within the element.

While Y strainers can be fabricated for specific applications, most are cast items, making them non-customizable. They are commonly available in sizes ranging from 1/4" to 10" and often ship within days of order receipt due to their foundry-pour manufacturing process. They offer diverse pressure classes and materials, including iron, steel, bronze, and 316SS.

The open area ratio (OAR) for Y strainers is typically a bit better than T strainers; most Y strainers have a 3:1 OAR, whereas larger T strainers have an OAR of <= 2. Y strainers feature a screwed or bolted chamber cover for screen access and are installed to allow drainage when opened.

T Strainers

T strainers are mainly customized products, often manufactured from pipe. Their fabrication allows for adding customized features like a quick-opening cover, a vent port, or differential pressure taps. The inlet and outlet can also be off-set by 90 degrees, forming an elbow-shaped strainer ideal for constrained installation areas.

T strainers usually start at sizes from 2" and can be made for 24" or larger pipelines. Due to fabrication, lead times range from 8-12+ weeks, including approval drawings and manufacturing.

While a T strainer's OAR is typically less than a similarly sized Y strainer, its flow capacity is higher. This is thanks to the straight-through design and convoluted element shape. When installed horizontally, the T strainer's chamber cover can be opened without draining the process fluid, making it beneficial for valuable or hazardous fluids.

Summary

Y strainers usually offer the best value in terms of initial cost, lead time, and overall flexibility, including materials of construction, pressure class, and built-in blow-down port/drain capabilities.

T strainers are used for higher velocity fluid transfer, larger pipelines, applications requiring special features, and quicker access to the straining element.

Choosing the Right Strainer: A Guide to Inline vs. Y-Strainers

Filtration systems are crucial in various sectors, from municipal wastewater treatment plants to food processing and chemical manufacturing. These industrial filtration processes are designed to remove unwanted solid particles that can cause wear on pump equipment, leading to breakdowns and work stoppages. Industrial strainers are the primary defense to ensure product quality, prevent premature breakdowns, and maintain operational efficiency.

Y-line strainers and inline strainers are the two most commonly used types for industrial applications. Given their role in these systems, understanding their functionality within pumping systems is vital for pump operators and maintenance workers. While understanding the differences between a Y-strainer and an inline strainer is key, knowing which one suits a specific purpose is equally important.

Two Strainer Types & How They Differ

Strainers are used to filter solid contaminants from various fluids, protecting downstream equipment, including pumps. The most widely used types are Y-strainers and inline strainers. Unlike filters, which remove smaller solids, strainers remove larger particulate matter.

The primary purpose of a strainer is to protect equipment from damage. Y-strainers and basket-shaped inline strainers are used in water distribution systems, affecting drinking water quality. Both have advantages and disadvantages in certain applications but essentially remove larger particles within a flowing liquid.

Both types of strainers are named according to their positioning in the pumping system and shape. Basket-style inline strainers work only when installed horizontally, while Y-strainers offer greater flexibility in installation, including vertical positioning. Both types can be positioned inline, involving bolting, threading, or welding a strainer "with parts arranged in a line."

For more information, please visit Thread Y Type Strainer.

What is an Inline Strainer?

Also known as T-strainers, T-line strainers, or simplex strainers, inline strainers - or basket strainers due to their shape - are placed before nozzles, pumps, or valves to trap debris that could damage sensitive equipment. Typically resistant to solvent solutions with salt and mineral-based acids, inline strainers are easy to clean and maintain with minimal monitoring.

Materials from which inline strainers are made often determine their application:

• Cast copper inline strainers: Durable and corrosion-resistant, used in instrument control systems, dental equipment, and beverage processing to protect pumps and control valves.
• Nylon inline strainers: Able to resist corrosion, humidity, and high temperatures, protecting pumps and valves in agricultural sprayers, pressure washers, and medical devices.
• Polyamide inline strainers: A thermoplastic reinforced with glass fibers, offering rigidity and strength, used in higher flow industrial processes to protect pumps and control valves.
• Polypropylene inline strainers: A lightweight thermoplastic polymer resistant to abrasions, corrosion, and impact, used in food processing, wastewater treatment, and similar industrial applications to protect control valves, pumps, and regulators.
• Stainless steel inline strainers: Able to withstand corrosion from harsh chemicals and fluids, used in chemical manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, water management, and other industrial applications to protect processing equipment under high temperatures and pressures.

Other materials can also be used for inline strainers, including steel, other ferrous alloys, and brass. The material's properties often determine the best application for an inline strainer.

What is a Y-Strainer?

Y-strainers mechanically filter out solids from pipelines carrying liquids or occasionally gases. Unlike basket-designed inline strainers, Y-strainers use a wire or perforated mesh component. They safeguard control valves, meters, pumps, regulators, steam traps, and other processing equipment in numerous scenarios. Y-strainers are often the most cost-effective choice, especially with smaller volumes of material to remove.

Y-strainers require less frequent cleaning than inline strainers due to lower material collection. While advantageous, cleaning involves shutting down the line and washing the screen manually after removing the strainer cap. Typically used for fluids or gases with fewer impurities, Y-strainers may also have a connector for screen cleaning without disassembly.

Industries that use Y-strainers include:

• chemical processing
• food and beverage
• marine
• natural gas
• petroleum
• pharmaceuticals
• pipelines
• power generation
• water treatment

Y-strainers play a crucial role in protecting downstream components across various sectors. They effectively filter out gravel, sand, and debris that could obstruct or harm equipment, especially in water systems. Thanks to their design, they excel in high-pressure settings like steam applications and manage pressurized air, natural gas, and elevated temperatures typical in such operations.

Materials for Y-strainers can vary considerably due to diverse applications and industries. For example, Y-strainers used in steam or natural gas applications might be made from chromoly steel, which withstands high pressures and temperatures better than carbon steel.

A Comparison: Y-Strainers vs. Inline Strainers

Besides their shape and positioning, other differences exist between Y-strainers and inline strainers. Generally, Y-strainers offer greater flexibility but handle less flow, making them suitable for applications involving fewer contaminants. Basket-style inline strainers work better for high-contaminant applications where downtime isn't an issue.

Advantages of Y-strainers include:

• Allow for more compact straining.
• Flexible positioning, allowing for horizontal or vertical installation.
• Generally made from stainless steel.
• Operate well under higher pressures and temperatures.

Advantages of inline strainers include:

• Can handle flow rates over 150 gallons per minute.
• Available in both simplex and duplex varieties.
• Enable servicing without interrupting flow.
• Made from a wide range of materials.
• Work well for pipelines handling constant flow.

Y-strainers and inline strainers are commonly used in pipelines. Y-strainers are versatile, suitable for filtering both liquids and gases, whereas inline strainers are more effective at filtering liquids.

Hayes Pump: Your Source for Pump Strainers

Hayes Pump offers a range of inline strainers, including duplex, metallic, plastic, simplex, and Y-strainers. Learn more about our inline strainers and other pump system components by contacting the pump experts at Hayes.

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