Self-cleaning strainers automate the screen cleaning process, when differential pressure across the screen reaches a set point, the cleaning mechanism activates automatically. Flow continues during cleaning, eliminating the need for manual basket removal or system shutdown.
AQ Process Systems sources and exports backwash strainers (reverse-flow cleaning), brush strainers (rotating brush sweeps debris from the screen), and scraper strainers (spring-loaded scrapers wipe the screen surface). Available in sizes from 2" to 36" for water, cooling, and process applications.
Self-cleaning strainers are ideal for remote or unmanned installations, high-debris-load applications, and continuous processes where any manual intervention is impractical or costly.
| Product | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Backwash Strainers | ||
| Automatic Backwash Strainers | 2", 36" | DP-triggered | Motorised cleaning | Backwash strainers using reverse flow through a scanning suction nozzle to clean the screen, DP-triggered, motorised operation. |
| Brush & Scraper | ||
| Brush-Type Self-Cleaning Strainers | 2", 24" | Rotating brush | Electric or pneumatic | Self-cleaning strainers with rotating brush continuously or periodically sweeping the screen surface, captured debris flushed to drain. |
| Scraper-Type Self-Cleaning Strainers | 2", 16" | Spring-loaded scrapers | Mechanically scraped strainers with spring-loaded blades maintaining screen cleanliness, for sticky or fibrous debris. |
| Specialty | ||
| Self-Cleaning Strainers for Seawater | Marine grade alloy | Anti-biofouling | Self-cleaning strainers in marine-grade materials (CuNi, super duplex, titanium) for seawater cooling and ballast water applications. |
A differential pressure sensor monitors the pressure drop across the screen. When DP reaches the set threshold (indicating the screen is dirty), the cleaning mechanism activates, backwash (reverse flow through a suction scanner), rotating brush (sweeps the screen), or scraper (wipes the surface). Debris is flushed to drain. Flow continues uninterrupted throughout the cleaning cycle.
Self-cleaning strainers are justified when: manual cleaning is impractical (remote locations, unmanned installations), the debris load is high (frequent manual cleaning required), system shutdown for strainer cleaning is unacceptable, or labour costs for manual cleaning are significant. The higher upfront cost is offset by reduced maintenance labour.
Self-cleaning strainers are available for flow rates from 5 m³/hr to over 10,000 m³/hr depending on the pipe size and model. Large cooling water intakes and process water systems commonly use self-cleaning strainers to avoid the logistics of manually cleaning large basket strainers.
Backwash strainers use a small percentage of the main flow (typically 1-3%) for cleaning, discharged to drain along with the captured debris. The water loss is minimal compared to the alternative of shutting down the system. Brush and scraper types use even less flush water as the debris is mechanically removed from the screen.
Self-cleaning strainers typically handle screen openings from 25 microns (0.025mm) to 6mm. Finer filtration requires filter elements rather than strainer screens. For most industrial water applications, 50-500 micron (0.05-0.5mm) screen openings provide effective protection. The achievable fineness depends on the cleaning mechanism type.
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