1 Selection and Sizing of Basket Strainers W hen installing basket strainers, it is sometimes a good idea to use two of them in tandem. This is especially true when there is a great deal of material to be taken out of the line and the particles vary in size. If a single strainer with a fine mesh lining were used alone, it would fill quickly and necessitate very frequent cleaning. By using two strainers in series, the first with larger opening to trap the large particles and the second with a fine mesh lining, the load is spread out and time between cleanings is also spread out. A Good Rule of Thumb S electing the proper size basket strainer for a particular application is most important.
Most reliable manufacturers have pressure drop information for all sizes.
A general rule of thumb is that pressure drop through the strainer should not be greater than 2 psi. If it is, the strainer selected is too small. Factors such as viscosity, specific gravity, and mesh lining size all influence pressure drop through the unit and they must be taken into account. It may be larger. In the case of highly viscous liquids, for instance, where pressure drop through a mesh lined basket can reduce flow considerably it is sometimes necessary to use a strainer several sizes larger than the pipeline in order to insure adequate flow.