Hello everyone, I'm seeking advice on suction strainers and wondering what is considered the right mesh size for optimal performance. Sometimes we come across pump strainers with no mesh or with mesh that is too fine. Is there a standard guideline for the proper mesh size, taking into account the type of product being pumped? Recently, we encountered a 'Y' strainer with perforated S/S plate and two layers of mesh (14 Mesh with an aperture size of 1.35mm and 40 Mesh with an aperture size of 0.41mm). When replacing it, there was a question if the 14 mesh could be omitted and only the 40 mesh used instead. How do others tackle this issue? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.
When assessing the quality of a product, it is important to consider its intended use, whether for commissioning or regular use. Product quality can greatly impact its performance and longevity. - Irshad
When considering whether to use a strainer in your process, it's important to evaluate each situation individually. Factors to consider include what you are trying to safeguard with the strainer, the cleanliness of your process fluid, and how sensitive your equipment is to dirt particles. For example, will the strainer solely protect the pump or will it prevent fouling in a more costly heat exchanger downstream? If the particles in your fluid are larger than the wear ring clearance, you could potentially damage your pump before it even starts. There are several variables to consider before making a decision, making it difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all solution. In some cases, such as the one you described, the complexity of the strainer element may seem unnecessary. The addition of an extra layer, particularly one that serves no apparent purpose beyond reinforcing the finer mesh, may not be essential. If the fine mesh was added later on and your process fluid is not consistently clean, the strainer could quickly become clogged. It's important to determine if the pump actually requires such a high level of cleanliness, as removing unnecessary components could streamline your process. Additional information would be needed to make a definitive recommendation, but it may be beneficial to explore the possibility of removing the intermediate layer in the strainer.
Richard, you gave a thorough explanation. It's important to clearly outline what you don't want in a system or product downstream to avoid any issues. Providing more specific details about certain aspects could lead to more helpful responses. I apologize if I did not fully address your question.
What is the purpose of strainers in a pumping system? Are they used to ensure product quality or to safeguard the pump against contaminants? Strainers on the suction side are not as effective as those on the discharge side. For improved product quality, consider installing duplex strainers on the pump discharge outlets.
Hi there, based on my personal experience dealing with similar situations, I'd say that the selection of mesh size truly depends on the product being pumped. If it's relatively clear with no large particulates, a finer mesh can be used. On the other hand, if the product has larger solids, you'd require a coarser mesh to avoid clogging. On your question about omitting the 14 mesh, in concept it might be possible, but I advise caution because the coarser 14 mesh probably acts as a pre-filter, preventing larger particles from reaching the finer 40 mesh. If you decide to run with just the 40 mesh, you may experience more frequent clogs that could lead to increased maintenance needs. In general, cheap preventive measures (like using a coarse mesh) can save expensive breakdowns. Just my two cents!
The mesh size for any suction strainer would typically depend on the fluid being pumped and the sensitivity of the downstream equipment. Most pumps can handle small debris, but the issue arises when the debris starts to affect the pumping efficiency or damage the downstream equipment. So, it's essentially a balance between protecting the pump and maintaining the flow rates. Replacing the dual mesh system with a single 40 mesh system might prevent larger particles from entering the pump, but it could also lead to increased pressure drop if the pump intake fluid has a high solids content. One option could be to use a differential pressure gauge across the strainer to monitor the filter condition and service it accordingly. Also, regular lab analysis of the pump intake fluid can provide good insights into the optimum strainer size required.
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Answer: - The right mesh size is crucial for optimal performance of suction strainers as it determines the amount and type of particles that can be filtered out without causing clogging or affecting pump efficiency.
Answer: - While there may not be a specific standard guideline, the mesh size selection should consider factors such as the type of product being pumped and the desired level of filtration.
Answer: - The decision to omit a mesh layer in a suction strainer should be based on factors such as the particle size of the product being pumped and the level of filtration required. It is important to assess the specific needs of the system before making such changes.
Answer: - Other professionals often consider the particle size distribution of the product being pumped, the flow rate, and the desired level of filtration when choosing the appropriate mesh size for suction strainers. Consulting with experts and conducting tests can also provide valuable insights.
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