Step 6: Place the Y strainer into the pipeline, ensuring that the flow arrow on the body of the Y strainer is pointing in the direction of the pipeline flow.

If you are looking to install your Y-strainer vertically, it’s critical to note that vertical Y strainers must be used with pipes that have a downward flow, allowing debris to flow naturally into the pocket. If they are installed in an upwards flow, there is a significant chance that debris would flow back into the pipe.

Y strainers filter out solids by using a perforated or wire mesh strainer. They are most frequently used in pressurized lines for gas, steam, or liquid. While it is most common to see Y strainers installed horizontally, they can be installed vertically as well. Ensuring proper vertical installation of Y strainers involves understanding where in the pipeline the strainer should be placed, making sure there’s room for screen removal during clean outs, and, most importantly, aligning the arrow on the strainer with the pipeline flow.

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Step 4: Before you put the Y strainer in place, support the existing pipeline with pipe supports near the inlet and outlet connection.

Before you install your Y strainer—either horizontally or vertically—it is important to check over a few things. You need to ensure everything is in working condition and that the system is within the capacity of the strainer (i.e. making sure the pressure rating of the y-strainer matches the system). Depending on the media flowing through your system, you may also need to make sure the material is chemically compatible.

Y strainers are a valuable addition to many piping systems as they can be installed vertically or horizontally. Add that to the fact that they can be used to transport steam, gas, or liquid, they are an excellent choice for a strainer. Ensuring that your strainer is properly placed within the piping system, and facing the correct direction, will prolong the life of your strainer and, in turn, your entire system.

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The orientation of your Y strainer is going to depend on the media flowing through it. In steam or gas piping, it is best if your strainer is horizontal. This helps to stop water from collecting inside the pocket, which in turn helps prevent erosion. If the media passing through is liquid, it could be beneficial to fit your Y strainer vertically into the system, as long as the piping allows. This prevents the debris from being drawn back into the flow of the media. To learn more about different Y strainer applications, read our post here.

You will want to inspect all of the seals, on the strainer and the pipe, to guarantee they are free of defects. The pipeline should also be inspected for proper alignment. If the end connections are designed to be soldered or are threaded the piping must be straight and not at an angle. Ensuring the flanges on the piping the Y strainer is being connected to are square prevents any undue stress on the system.

Step 5: The wye side of the strainer must be pointed downward. Ensure there is ample space at the wye side of the strainer for screen removal.

Installing a Y strainer (such as one of these) is not difficult, but you will need to make sure everything is aligned properly and facing the right direction.

Step 3: The Y strainer needs to be positioned in the pipeline ahead of any equipment that requires protection. For example, if it is the pump that is requiring protection, the Y strainer should be placed on the suction side of the pump.