Steam systems carry scale, rust, pipe debris, and boiler carryover that can damage and block downstream equipment, steam traps, control valves, pressure reducing valves, and instruments. Steam line strainers are rated for the temperatures, pressures, and thermal cycling of steam service.
AQ Process Systems sources and exports steam-rated Y-strainers and basket strainers in carbon steel and stainless steel for saturated and superheated steam to Class 2500. Screens are stainless steel mesh (typically 80-100 mesh for trap protection) with blow-off connections for online cleaning.
We recommend strainers upstream of every steam trap, PRV, and control valve. The cost of a strainer is a fraction of the cost of replacing a failed valve or trap, and the energy savings from properly functioning traps far outweigh the strainer pressure drop.
| Product | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Y-Strainers | ||
| Steam Y-Strainers (Forged) | 1/4", 2" | Class 800-2500 | SW/BW/threaded | Small-bore forged steel Y-strainers for steam trap stations, instrument connections, and high-pressure steam lines. |
| Steam Y-Strainers (Cast) | 2", 12" | Class 150-600 | Flanged | Cast steel Y-strainers for steam main headers, PRV stations, and process steam supply lines. |
| Steam Basket Strainers | ||
| Steam Basket Strainers | 2", 24" | Class 150-600 | Flanged | Basket strainers rated for steam service, larger screen area for high-flow steam lines and applications with heavy debris. |
| Accessories | ||
| Steam Strainer Screens | SS 304/316 | 40-100 mesh | Replacement screens | Replacement screen elements for steam strainers, stainless steel mesh in various grades to match the strainer body. |
| Blow-Off Valves for Strainers | 1/2", 1" | For online screen blowdown | Blow-off valves for strainer cleaning without opening the body, integral or add-on connections for live steam blowdown. |
Steam systems carry scale from boiler tubes, rust from carbon steel piping, weld slag from construction, and boiler carryover solids. This debris blocks steam trap orifices (causing waterlogging), damages control valve trim (causing leakage), erodes PRV seats (causing overpressure risk), and fouls instruments. A strainer upstream of each critical device prevents these costly failures.
For steam trap protection: 80-100 mesh (0.18-0.15mm). For control valve protection: 40-60 mesh (0.42-0.25mm). For PRV protection: 60-80 mesh (0.25-0.18mm). These mesh sizes capture particles that would block or damage the downstream equipment while allowing clean condensate and steam to pass with minimal pressure drop.
Yes, this is best practice. Every steam trap installation guide recommends an upstream strainer. Without a strainer, debris accumulates in the trap, blocking the orifice or valve, and causing either live steam loss (failed open) or waterlogging (failed closed). The strainer cost is negligible compared to the energy wasted by a failed trap.
Strainers with blow-off connections can be cleaned by opening the blow-off valve, steam pressure forces debris out of the screen and through the blow-off valve to a safe discharge point. This allows partial cleaning without removing the screen cap. For thorough cleaning, the upstream isolation valve must be closed and the screen cap removed.
Yes. Forged steel and cast steel strainers handle superheated steam to 550°C+ depending on the pressure class and body material. Stainless steel screens are standard, they resist oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures. Screen mesh should be slightly coarser for superheat service to avoid excessive pressure drop from the lower-density superheated steam.
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