What Is a Sanitary Y-Strainer
A sanitary Y-strainer removes solid particles from process fluids in hygienic piping systems. The Y-shaped body directs flow through a mesh screen that traps debris while allowing the fluid to pass. The screen can be removed for cleaning without disassembling the pipeline.
We manufacture Y-strainers at our facility in Wenzhou, China in sizes from 1/2″ to 4″, tri-clamp or weld ends. Body: SS304 or SS316L. Finish: Ra ≤ 0.8 μm.
When to Use a Y-Strainer
Install a Y-strainer upstream of any valve, pump, or flow meter that could be damaged by debris. Common positions: pump suction lines, valve inlets, CIP return lines, instrument take-offs. The strainer element catches weld slag, gasket fragments, and scale from piping installation or maintenance.
Mesh Size Options
Standard: 20 mesh (medium, 840 micron). Fine: 40 mesh (400 micron), 60 mesh (250 micron), 80 mesh (180 micron). Ultra-fine: 100 mesh (150 micron). We stock 20, 40, and 60 mesh as standard. Other sizes available on request.
Selection rule: the mesh opening should be smaller than the smallest particle that could damage downstream equipment. For standard sanitary valves, 40 mesh is sufficient. For instrument protection, 80-100 mesh recommended.
FAQ
Q: How often should the screen be cleaned? Depends on the fluid. Clean water: monthly. Process fluids with suspended solids: weekly or after each batch.
Q: Tri-clamp or threaded? Tri-clamp for most sanitary applications. Threaded for small lines and instrument connections.
Q: Can you provide a magnetically-susceptible screen? Yes, for applications where tramp metal must be captured.
Technical Review
Zhang Wei, Senior Engineer. onemo@onemoss.com
