Essential Guide to Temporary Strainer Installation

Your Essential Guide to Temporary Strainer Installation: Ensuring Optimal Pipeline Protection

Temporary strainers, also known as commissioning strainers or startup strainers, are vital components for protecting valuable downstream equipment like pumps, meters, and valves from debris during the initial startup or after maintenance of a pipeline system. Proper temporary strainer installation is crucial not only for effective filtration but also for the safety and efficiency of your entire operation.

As a leading manufacturer of high-quality temporary strainers for global markets, Hebei YUBO Filtration Equipment Co.,Ltd.（Hereinafter referred to as “YUBO”）understands the importance of a seamless installation process. This guide will walk you through the key steps and considerations for installing various types of temporary strainers, including cone strainers, basket strainers, and flat/plate strainers.

Why Proper Temporary Strainer Installation Matters

Incorrect installation of a temporary strainer can lead to:

• Reduced Filtration Efficiency: Debris bypassing the strainer.

• Equipment Damage: Unfiltered particles damaging expensive downstream components.

• Pressure Drop Issues: Incorrect orientation or sealing can cause excessive pressure drop.

• Leaks: Poor sealing at the flange connections.

• Safety Hazards: Potential for system failure or blowouts.

By following best practices for temporary strainer installation, you ensure your system is protected, operates efficiently, and maintains integrity.

Types of Temporary Strainers & Their Installation Nuances

While the general principles are similar, specific types have unique considerations:

   1.Cone Strainers (Witch Hat Strainers):

• Design: Conical shape, typically installed with the point of the cone facing upstream (against the flow) to catch debris.

• Installation: Inserted between two flanges. The handle or tab should extend outside the flanges for easy identification and removal.

   2.Basket Strainers (Truncated Cone Strainers):

• Design: Similar to cone strainers but with a flat bottom, offering a larger filtration area.

• Installation: Also installed between flanges, with the open end of the basket facing upstream. The handle facilitates positioning and removal.

   3.Flat Strainers / Plate Strainers:

• Design: A flat perforated plate or mesh screen.

• Installation: Sandwiched between two flanges. Suitable for applications where space is limited.

Pre-Installation Checklist for Your Temporary Strainer

Before you begin the temporary strainer installation process:

   1.Verify Strainer Specifications: Ensure the strainer material, perforation/mesh size, and pressure rating are correct for your application and fluid type.

   2.Inspect the Strainer: Check for any damage sustained during shipping or handling.

   3.Gather Tools & Materials: You'll typically need appropriate wrenches, new gaskets (compatible with the fluid and temperature), and any necessary lifting equipment for larger strainers.

   4.Ensure Pipeline is Depressurized & Isolated: This is a critical safety step. Follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.

   5.Clean Flange Faces: Ensure flange surfaces are clean, smooth, and free from old gasket material or debris for a proper seal.

   6.Check Pipeline Alignment: Ensure flanges are properly aligned to avoid stressing the strainer or pipeline.

Step-by-Step Guide: Temporary Strainer Installation

Follow these steps for a successful temporary strainer installation:

   1.Confirm Flow Direction: Identify the correct flow direction in your pipeline. This is crucial for orienting the strainer correctly. Most temporary strainers have an arrow or marking indicating flow, or their design dictates it (e.g., cone point upstream).

   2.Insert Gaskets: Place a new gasket on each flange face where the strainer will be seated. Using new, correct gaskets is vital for a leak-proof seal.

   3.Position the Temporary Strainer:

• For Cone/Basket Strainers: Carefully insert the strainer between the flanges. The cone point or open end of the basket should face upstream (into the incoming flow). The handle should protrude outwards for later identification and removal.

• For Flat Strainers: Place the flat strainer between the gaskets and flanges.

   4.Align Flanges & Strainer: Bring the flanges together, ensuring the strainer is centered and the bolt holes are aligned. Avoid forcing the alignment, as this can damage the strainer or pipeline.

   5.Insert and Tighten Bolts: Insert bolts and tighten them in a star or crisscross pattern, gradually and evenly, to ensure uniform pressure on the gaskets and prevent leaks. 

   6.Post-Installation Checks:

• Once installation is complete and the system is slowly and carefully brought back online, check for any leaks around the flanges.

• Monitor differential pressure across the strainer. A rapid increase indicates it's collecting debris and may soon need cleaning or removal.

Monitoring and Removal of Temporary Strainers

Temporary strainers are designed for short-term use.

• Monitoring: Regularly check the pressure drop across the strainer. A significant increase signals that the strainer is becoming clogged.

• Removal: Once the commissioning period is complete and the system is clean, the temporary strainer should be removed. This involves depressurizing and isolating the pipeline section again, unbolting the flanges, and carefully removing the strainer and gaskets. Often, a spacer ring of the same thickness as the strainer flange is installed in its place.

Partner with the Experts for Your Temporary Strainer Needs

Choosing the right temporary strainer and ensuring its correct installation are fundamental to the longevity and efficiency of your industrial processes. As experienced temporary strainers manufacturers, YUBO offers a comprehensive range of high-quality cone strainers, basket strainers, and flat strainers suitable for diverse applications worldwide.

Are you looking for reliable temporary strainers for your next project? Do you need guidance on selecting the perfect strainer or have questions about installation?

Our team of experts is ready to assist you. We provide:

• High-Quality Products: Manufactured to international standards.

• Customization: Temporary Strainers Solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

• Global Shipping: Efficient delivery to your location.

• Expert Support: Guidance from selection to installation.

QUICK CONTACT

For inquiries and quotes about temporary strainers, please reach out to our business department email

sales@oemubo.com

Please provide your detailed requirements. This will help us provide a valid quotation.