Y And Basket Strainers

How to maintain Y and basket strainers?

• For every strainer installation, routine cleaning is necessary.
• Pressure gauges should be installed on the inlet & outlet sides of the strainer to help determine when the screen needs to be cleaned.
• The pressure loss will typically be double that of a clean screen when the screen is 50 per cent clogged. It should not be permitted for the pressure drop to exceed 30 psi.
• Never disassemble the strainer when the line is under pressure or if a screen needs to be cleaned or replaced.

What standards do Mueller basket strainers comply with?

ASTM A 126 Class B.

How to install these Y-type strainers?

• Verify that the media and the strainer materials are compatible.
• Verify that the pipe & strainer are correctly aligned and provide sufficient support.
• Ensure that all pipe end connectors are clean and debris-free.
• Before installing the strainer, apply pipe sealant (pipe dope, Teflon tape, Loctite) to the male end pipe.
• Verify that the body's arrow points in the same direction as the flow.
• Use a wrench with flat jaws that correctly fit the hex flats on the strainer body and a pipe wrench on the pipe next to the strainer.
• Never use a pipe wrench to remove strainers from pipes.
• Do not ever use an installation torque through the strainer.
• A pipe joint seal can be established with correct thread sealant application without requiring a lot of turning effort.
• Before installing the strainer, check the system for leaks.

How can we replace the self-aligning screen of these Y-type strainers?

• Drain and depressurise the system.
• Drain the body by opening the ball valve, removing the drain stopper, or loosening the cap.
• Take the strainer's cap off.
• Discard or clean the old screen after removal.
• Change the PTFE gasket's O-ring.
• Position the screen in the cap.
• Set up the line and start the cap into the body by hand.
• After the cap is finger-tight, use a wrench to tighten it for at least two turns.
• Use thread compound or sealant to reinstall the plug or ball valve.
• If a leak develops during the test, repeat the steps from starting.