Diverting Cartridge Valve Duplex Strainers

The Eaton 53BTX style duplex strainer uses a special ball valve-like diverting cartridge to divert flow from one chamber to another and it is available in cast iron, steel, 316SS and bronze with ¾" to 4" connections.  The Eaton 53BTX has a compact, low profile design to fit into spaces other duplex strainers cannot, yet it still uses full-size strainer baskets and provides a low pressure drop performance.  When comparing different brand duplex strainers, always compare the clean differential pressure for your intended flow rate and particle retention size.

Prior to this innovation, most duplex strainers in this size range had a tapered plug vavle design similar to Eaton's model 50 duplex strainers (5" through 8" sizes).  A tapered plug vavle design relies ona metal-to-metal sealbetween the valve and vavle seat.  First the valve is lifted off the seat and next the valve can be actuated to divert the flow to the clean chamber.  The metal-to-metal seal is prone to leakage and once the valve seat wears the entire strainer needs replacement.  The Eaton 53BTX duplex strainer has replaceable ball valve style seals which provide better sealing and extend the life of the strainer body.

The diverting cartridge valve design contributes to both easier and safer strainer basket servicing by almost eliminating seepage during basket chamber access. This increases the time available to clean or replace the strainer basket without having to worry about leakage and overflow. Thus it also reduces fugitive emmissions and clean up after servicing the strainer basket.

When a strainer basket needs to be cleaned, the lever handle is turned to take it out of service and to divert flow through the other chamber. The position of the handle clearly indicates at all times which chamber is in service. No special tools are needed to access the strainer basket for cleaning. First you vent the chamber, next you drain it  and finally the cover is lifted and swung clear of the chamber opening enabling you to grab the stainer basket by its handle and remove it from the strainer.

The flow diverting cartridge does not require manual internal or external ball support adjustments and the low operating torque means the strainer can be operated with an easily without the use of tools. A double sealing system on both the upper and lower stems guards against leakage. Special reinforced polymer seats are used for extended service life. Should cartridge service become necessary, it’s easy to accomplish by removing four bolts.  The cartridge comes right out through the top of the strainer. There is no need to take the strainer completely apart or to remove it from the pipeline.

Eaton model 53BTX Catalog Pages and Outline Drawings

The suggested maximum flow range for each size duplex strainer are based upon maintaining a minimum fluid velocity of 4 feet per second and a maximum of 2 PSI clean pressure drop with the standard perforated basket for that size.  Using the "2 PSI guideline", the maximum resulting fluid velocity is approximately 6 feet per second.  It is okay to increase the flow rate a little as long as the clean differential pressure drop is within ≤2 PSI.

Use the navigation menu above and select the desired material of construction, this will bring you to a chart of all the sizes and designs available in that material along with links to customizable datasheets and outline drawings.