Temporary Strainers for Pipeline Commissioning

There are three versions of temporary strainers:

1. Temporary cone strainers (nicknamed witch hat strainer)

2. Temporary basket strainers

3. Temporary plate strainers

Cone style temporary strainers can be installed with the pointy end either facing down stream (with the flow) or upstream (against the flow). They are typically pointed upstream with particles tending to collect from the outer sections of the pipe inward; this orientation is better for higher velocity flow rates.  If facing downstream, particles begin to collect in the center section because the velocity is typically higher in the center portion of the pipeline.  Since this is the same direction a basket style would be oriented, a cone strainer might be used to maximize the open area ratio.

Basket style temporary strainers are oriented facing down stream (with the flow) and the particles begin to collect in the flat section.  Basket style strainers have less volume and surface area than the cone style temporary strainer and therefore a slightly higher pressure drop; their open area ratio is typically 100-150%.

Plate style temporary strainers are essentially a perforated plate sandwiched between two pipelines; this configuration provides the least amount of surface area (open area ratio <100%, so a higher differential pressure than a cone or basket style which has more surface area), however it is also the easiest to install and remove from pipelines because they do not need to be spread apart very far. All temporary strainers can be mesh lined, the mesh is always on the upstream side, meaning the force of the flow is pushing it against the underlying support perforation, so when ordering a mesh lined cone strainer you need to advise the intended orientation.

Temporary strainers are manufactured in carbon steel, 304SS, 316SS and Monel materials.