Basket Strainer vs Y-Strainer

Arguably the most popular simplex strainer types on the market, basket and Y-strainers have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Both have an edge over other inline filter strainers for various application types. However, each has certain qualities to keep in mind when choosing between these pipeline ancillaries.

In this blog, BM Engineering Supplies discusses the similarities and differences between basket strainers and Y-strainers, as well as providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision if you’re in the market for inline filter strainers.

What are basket strainers?

Basket strainers are synonymous with the term “simplex strainer,” despite other strainer types belonging to this family. Much like Y-strainers, their name derives from their shape. Because of how the basket element seals within the chamber as well as the location of the drain port itself, these inline filter strainers favour a horizontal installation.

When high flow capacities are required, basket strainers are serviced by removing the cover. Doing this will provide access to the basket, which can then be removed, cleaned, and replaced as required.

What are y-strainers

How do Y-strainers work? Y-strainers are filtration devices that are used in pipelines to remove solid particles from fluids. They have a Y-shaped design with a straining element that captures debris and prevents it from entering downstream equipment. It is due to this that Y-strainers come in various sizes, materials, and end connections, and they are used in many industries to protect equipment and maintain fluid integrity.

Consider a duplex basket strainer

Basket strainers are also available in duplex styles as well as the standard singlex variants. Duplex basket strainers do not require shut-off when they become clogged or need to be cleaned. This means that they can be serviced without interrupting the flow of process fluids. As such, a duplex basket strainer would be preferred for continuous flow applications wherever businesses require systems to run without any downtime.

All of the simplex and duplex basket strainers available from BM Engineering Supplies are expertly crafted from cast iron by respected manufacturers, Leengate Valves.

What are the benefits of a cast iron basket strainer?

There are many benefits to discuss, but some of the key benefits of using cast iron basket strainers from Leengate Valves are:

• Both simplex and duplex basket strainers are flanged as standard.
• Maximum operating temperature of 220 ºC.
• Pressure classification of PN16 with appropriate fittings.
• 60 mesh and 100 mesh spare baskets are also available.
• The screen is manufactured from 304 stainless steel.

Differences between basket strainers and y-strainers

There are some notable factors that might lead your business to purchase a stainless steel Y-strainer instead of a basket type. For example, while basket strainers can only be installed horizontally, Y-strainers offer more flexible installation options, with the ability to be installed either horizontally or vertically, making them much more versatile.

Even when manufactured from stainless steel, Y-strainers are a much more cost-effective inline filter strainer option than basket strainers. They also offer a more compact straining solution, which makes them ideal for applications limited by space. Most Y-strainers can also provide higher operating pressure ranges than basket-style strainers, despite their higher flow capacities.

BM Engineering Supplies can provide your business with stainless steel Y-strainers from hygienic specialist manufacturers, INOXPA.

The benefits of choosing a stainless steel y-strainer

INOXPA stainless steel Y-strainers are ideally suited for pipeline systems or process industry applications with strict sanitary requirements, such as those found in the food and beverage or pharmaceutical industries.

Here are some of the key benefits of using these stainless steel Y-strainers:

• Retains debris and particles equal to or larger than the screen opening.
• Low-pressure drops.
• DIN 11860 standard connections.
• The filter body is manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel.
• Includes EPDM gasket.
• Ra < 0,8µm internal finish and mirror polish surface finish.

Basket strainer vs Y-strainer

As with most pipeline ancillary equipment, the question of which is better will ultimately depend on your application and its characteristics. For example, any pipeline system with flow rates over 150 GPM would stand to benefit from basket strainers due to pressure drop considerations.

If your process media is easily contaminated, you may also be better off with a basket strainer, as these will last longer between cleanings due to their capacity to hold more dirt before they require servicing. On the other hand, if your process media is environmentally safe, meaning your application will only need cleaning infrequently, then a Y-strainer may be less expensive.

For any applications that will operate continuously and are unable to be shut down, duplex basket strainers are the only viable option. Installations will also play a factor in deciding which strainer is best for you, as basket strainers can only be installed horizontally, unlike Y-strainers which can be installed in both directions.

Open area ratios should also be a consideration, as basket strainers have significantly higher ratings than Y-strainers, thus making them better-suited for applications with continuous particle loads.

In summary, the higher open ratio areas and improved holding capacities of basket strainers make them the go-to choice for most liquid filtration applications. Especially those with batch processes or those that require occasional interruptions to the flow. Y-strainers, on the other hand, are better equipped for inert gases or liquid applications that require very low particle loading.

There is no clear answer as to which strainer is better, as they each serve important purposes in their own way. But we hope you have learned all about the differences between basket strainers and Y-strainers.

Contact BM Engineering Supplies

BM Engineering Supplies is the leading Scottish distributor of both simplex and duplex inline filter strainers, including cast iron basket strainers and stainless steel Y-strainers.

To purchase inline filter strainers, contact BM Engineering Supplies today at 0141 762 0657, email sales@bmengineering.co.uk, or complete our contact form, and a member of our sales team will get back to you.