Y Strainers..
Stayflow Y strainers mechanically remove solids from flowing steam, gases or liquid piping systems with the use of a perforated or wire mesh straining screen, and are used to protect equipment. They get their names from their configuration, which includes a branch angled off the flow path.
Y strainers are most often used for steam and gases, but are occasionally used for liquids. They have less debris holding capacity and higher pressure drops than basket strainers, but they can be used in either horizontal or vertical pipe runs where flow is downwards. They can also be fitted with a blow-off connection at the end of the branch end that includes a valve, which allows for cleaning. The valve is opened without shutting off the flow or disassembling the strainer, as the flow through the pipe will flush out the solids in the screen.
These strainers are usually supplied in one of four materials: iron, carbon steel, bronze, or stainless steel. Iron is used most often because it costs the least, and has good corrosion resistance in many services. Carbon steel is used where higher temperatures, or concern with thermal or mechanical shock is an issue, which makes them popular in the oil and petrochemical industries. Bronze handles thermal and mechanical shock better than iron, and is better in some corrosive applications, but is limited in temperature range. Stainless steel is needed where corrosion could be an issue, and is widely used in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
They are provided with a variety of end connections, including threaded, flanged, and welded. Standard screens are provided for either steam service or WOG (water, oil, gas) service, but other screens are available on request.