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 the edge over other  inline filter strainers for various application types. However, each has  certain qualities to bear in mind when choosing between these pipeline ancillaries. 

Here, BM Engineering Supplies discusses the similarities and differences between  basket strainers and Y-strainers, as well as providing valuable insights to help you to  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. 

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

Why you might consider using 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 prefered 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. 

Benefits of using a cast iron basket strainer

Below we have listed some of the key benefits of using cast iron basket strainers from Leengate Valves:

• Both simplex and duplex basket strainers are flanged as standard.

• Maximum operating temperatures of 220 ºC. 

• Pressure classification of PN16 – with appropriate fittings.

• 60 mesh with 100 mesh spare baskets also available.

• Screen manufactured from 304 stainless steel.

How do basket strainers compare to 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. 

Even when manufactured from stainless steel, Y-strainers are also 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. 

Benefits of using 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 screen opening. 

• Low pressure drops.

• DIN 11860 standard connections.

• Filter body manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel.

• Includes EPDM gasket.

• Ra < 0,8µm internal finish and mirror polish surface finish.

Basket strainer vs Y-strainer: Which is better?

As with most pipeline ancillary equipment, the question of which is better will ultimately depend on your application type 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 for holding more dirt before they require servicing. On the flip side, if your process media is environmentally safe, meaning your application will only need cleaning infrequently, a Y-strainer may be less expensive. 

For applications that  operate continuously and are unable to be shut down, duplex basket strainers are the only viable option. Installations will also play a factor as basket strainers can only be installed horizontally. Unlike Y-strainers which can be installed in both directions. Open area ratios will also be a consideration as basket strainers have significantly higher ratings than Y-strainers, making them well suited for applications with continuous particle loads.

To conclude, the higher open ratio areas and improved holding capacities of basket strainers make them the go-to choice for most liquid filtration applications 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 requiring very low  particle loading. 

Buy inline filter strainers

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 on 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.