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Industrial Filters & Strainers: Y, T, Duplex and Disc Types

Filters and strainers protect pumps, valves, nozzles and instruments from debris, and clean process fluids to the level your operation needs. Flotronics supplies strainers (Y-type, T-type, duplex, conical and temporary), disc filters, micron and pressure filters, oil filters, activated carbon filters and replacement filter elements.

Filtration & Strainers

Application-first selection

Tell us the medium, range and conditions — we match the product type to the duty.

Multi-category sourcing

Instruments, valves, filters, pneumatics and pumps on one enquiry.

Quotation against your specs

Every quote references the parameters you sent, so comparisons are like-for-like.

Engineer-to-engineer support

Ask a technical question before you commit to a model.

Product types

Filtration & Strainers — categories

A strainer is a coarse mechanical screen, whereas a filter removes finer particles and may use a cartridge or element. The right choice depends on the fluid, the particle size to be removed, flow rate, pressure drop limits and how often you can service the unit. Share your line details and we will help you select and quote. Choose a category to see the range, specifications and quotation details.

How it works

Types and how to choose

Both strainers and filters trap solids as fluid passes through a screen or medium, but they work at different scales. Strainers use perforated or mesh screens to stop larger particles that could damage pumps, valves, meters or steam traps. Filters use media such as cartridges, discs or carbon beds to capture finer particles or specific contaminants.

Strainer body type depends on layout and servicing. A Y-strainer is compact and suits horizontal or angled runs. A T-type offers larger screen area and easier access. A duplex strainer has two baskets so you can switch and clean one while the other stays in service, which is useful where shutdown is costly. Conical (temporary) strainers sit between flanges during commissioning to protect equipment from construction debris.

For filters, the key parameter is the micron rating, the particle size the element is designed to retain. Disc filters use stacked grooved discs and are common in irrigation and water treatment. Activated carbon removes chlorine, odour and dissolved organics. Oil filters protect lubrication and hydraulic circuits. Pick the finest rating the process needs, not the finest available, since tighter filtration raises pressure drop and cleaning frequency. Related pages include industrial strainers, filter elements and disc filters.

Type Best suited for Consider when
Y-strainer Compact protection of pumps and valves in pipe runs Frequent blow-down or large debris loads are expected
T-type strainer Higher debris capacity with easier basket removal Space or headroom is limited
Duplex strainer Continuous service while cleaning one basket Budget or space cannot take two baskets
Conical / temporary strainer Commissioning protection between flanges Permanent in-service use is required
Disc filter Water with fine suspended solids, irrigation and treatment Fluid is oil-based or very viscous
Pressure / micron filter Fine filtration of process liquids Pressure drop budget is very tight
Activated carbon filter Removing chlorine, odour and organics Heavy suspended solids are present upstream

Selection guide

Parameters to specify

Send these with your enquiry for an accurate, like-for-like quotation.

Fluid and viscosity
Affects filter medium, housing material and acceptable pressure drop.
Particle size to retain
Sets mesh or micron rating; say what you want to protect.
Flow rate
Sizing the screen area for flow keeps pressure drop manageable.
Operating pressure and temperature
Defines housing rating and seal choice.
Line size and connection
Thread, flange or clamp to suit the pipe.
Body and screen material
Cast iron, stainless steel or other grades depend on the fluid.
Cleaning method
Manual, drain or backwash; important for dirty duties.
Continuous operation need
Duplex or bypass arrangements avoid shutdowns.

Typical applications

  • Pump suction protection
  • Steam and condensate lines
  • Irrigation and water treatment
  • Cooling-water circuits
  • Hydraulic and lube oil systems
  • Process liquid polishing
  • Commissioning of new pipelines

Industries

  • Water treatment and irrigation
  • Chemical and process
  • Power and boilers
  • Oil and gas
  • Food and beverage
  • Textile and dyeing

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions buyers most often ask before requesting a quotation.

What is the difference between a strainer and a filter?

A strainer is a coarse mechanical screen that protects equipment from larger debris, usually with a cleanable basket or mesh. A filter retains finer particles, using cartridges, discs or special media, and is rated by micron size. Strainers guard pumps and valves; filters polish the fluid to a defined cleanliness.

When should I use a duplex strainer?

Use a duplex strainer where the line cannot be shut down to clean the basket, such as continuous process, fuel or cooling-water services. A changeover valve diverts flow to the clean basket while you service the other. For intermittent debris loads, a single Y or T strainer is usually enough.

How do I choose the mesh or micron rating?

Select based on the smallest particle that would harm downstream equipment, such as pump clearances or nozzle orifices, and on how much pressure drop you can accept. A finer rating catches more but clogs faster. Tell us what you are protecting and we can suggest a suitable rating. Remember that perforated screens are described by hole size or mesh count, whereas filters are described in microns, so confirm the units you are using.

Can you supply replacement filter elements?

We can source replacement elements for many filter and housing types. Send the housing make and model, element part number or dimensions, micron rating and material, and we will confirm availability options and quote. Mention how many elements you need per change-out and any preferred material, such as polypropylene, stainless mesh or carbon.

What details do you need for a strainer or filter quote?

Please share the fluid, flow rate, line size and connection, pressure and temperature, required particle retention, body material and whether you need manual or automatic cleaning. A photo of an existing unit helps. If the unit is for steam or hot oil, add the temperature so the right gasket, screen and body combination is considered.

Technical resources

Related selection guides

Need a strainer, filter or replacement element?

Send the fluid, line size, flow rate, pressure and filtration level, and we will help select and quote.