Custom Fabricated Simplex Strainers

Features Not Available with Cast Basket Strainers

Custom fabricated strainers are used when an application requires features not offered by standard cast simplex designs. ASME code stamps, flanged vent or drain ports, special coatings, custom inlet/outlet nozzle positions, corrosion allowance, multi-basket configurations, and virtually any other customization can be accommodated.

The photo shows a multi-basket design for a large pipeline. Using several smaller baskets improves ergonomics by reducing the weight of each clogged element, making removal safer and easier than handling one very large basket.

Eaton, Titan, and Keckley all manufacture custom fabricated simplex basket strainers in carbon steel, 316SS, and other alloys. Only Eaton and Titan have facilities authorized to issue ASME code stamps; Keckley uses a third-party for code requirements. Fluidtrol can also customize their standard FRP designs for certain dimensions and nozzle orientations.

Because every unit is built to specification, the decision between manufacturers is usually based on pricing, lead time, and preference for U.S. versus Mexico manufacturing (Eaton’s North American plant is in Reynosa; Titan’s is in the USA). Quality is excellent from both.

Eaton and Keckley offer standard “base” configurations for 150# and 300# pressure classes. Use the calculator to estimate clean differential pressure for the Eaton Model 90. Select connection size, enter flow rate (GPM), adjust specific gravity and viscosity if needed, then update.

Target a clean differential pressure of ≤ 2 PSIG and plan to clean the basket when differential pressure rises by about 5 PSIG. Differential pressure increases exponentially as the basket loads, so early cleaning keeps the unit well below the 15–20 PSIG structural limit.

For very low differential pressure requirements, a larger body size can be used with reduced flanges to match the pipeline. Custom fabrication makes higher open-area ratios and lower clean ΔP possible.

Lead times for custom fabricated strainers are typically 6 to 12+ weeks, depending on design complexity and current shop backlog.