Difference Between a Filter and a Strainer
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In the filtration business, two kinds of apparatus are used to extract undesirable particles from liquids and gases. However, it can be difficult for someone working outside of it to distinguish between the two. Both pieces of equipment aid in preventing particles from clogging fillers or dispensers, which could compromise the final product's flavor and consistency, but they differ in a few key ways.
As a maintenance manager or practitioner in the industrial sector, one is aware of the widespread usage of strainers and filters in conjunction with butterfly valve applications. However, not everyone is aware of how they differ from one another. We are here to assist them because the normal person may find it difficult to understand.
The size of the particles that a filter and strainer can remove—particles that are invisible to the human eye—is the primary distinction between the two. So let's study these in greater detail!
A strainer and a filter are similar on the surface. However, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis can aid in identifying their distinctions.
A strainer's function is to remove large, undesirable particles from liquids or gases in order to prevent damage to downstream equipment, including pumps, as indicated in the above table. Depending on the use in the business, it comes in a range of sizes and forms. All strainers share a common design, though, which makes removal and cleaning simple.
This equipment requires minimal downtime to assure optional functionality because it is made to be convenient to clean.
Filters work well for microscopic particles, whereas strainers are best for larger ones that need to be removed from liquids and gases. When the medium going through the system is clear of impurities, especially little ones like sand grains, filters work best. In addition, while most filters may be reused, some need to be changed on a regular basis.
Unwanted particles smaller than 40 microns—typically too small to be seen with the human eye—are easily removed using filters. However, strainers are able to exclude particles that are even smaller than 40 microns, which are readily noticeable to the unaided eye. It is important to remember that one can use a filter or a strainer to remove particles in an industrial ball valve that range in size from 38 to 177 microns.
The pressure that gas and liquid experience as they travel through a media is another essential distinction between a filter and a strainer. There is no pressure decrease experienced by the liquid material going through a strainer. However, if there is a decrease in pressure, it is probably due to the requirement for comprehensive cleaning or equipment removal. In contrast, whether a substance needs to be removed or cleaned, there may be a perceptible pressure reduction while it passes through a filter.
It would be difficult for an amateur to distinguish between the two industrial pieces of equipment since, while they differ in many ways, they also have several things in common. People frequently become confused when making purchases since both are intended to remove suspended particles from gases and liquids during an industrial activity.
Filters and strainers shield downstream equipment from impurities that could lower the quality of the finished product since they are effective at eliminating small particles. Therefore, it is essential to employ this equipment during the manufacturing process to guarantee that the product produced by the company is of the highest quality and free from impurities.
There is one more similarity between the two objects in addition to the ones mentioned above. Because of their duplex configuration, a filter and a strainer can each be cleaned while the other is still in use.
When cleaning impurities from a 3 way ball valve made of stainless steel, a strainer and a filter are not interchangeable, despite their numerous similarities. Every piece of gear has a specific function that the others are incapable of fulfilling.
Select a mesh that is marginally smaller than what is needed, taking into account the size and shape of the particles that need to be eliminated. By doing this, the broken-down pollutants will be eliminated, along with those that may potentially deform and pass through the mesh. Choosing a strainer or filter with a finer mesh may make more sense, but the more refined it is, the more often it needs to be cleaned.
Frequent shutdowns for maintenance and cleaning should not be too much trouble for a system to handle. It is imperative to think about duplex housing if it is unable to do so. With this setup, one filter or strainer can be taken out, cleaned, and replaced while the other keeps working. Prior to doing maintenance, the complete system needs to be turned off and depressurized in a single configuration.
When choosing between a strainer and a filter to clean an industrial ball float valve, two important considerations are pressure and flow rate. As previously mentioned, when the filter rate is higher than the strainer rate, it can significantly affect these properties. However, there could be greater difficulties with a filter for individuals using a high flow system.
Fortunately, there is a viable substitute for the system in the form of high-flow liquid filtering systems. Furthermore, because some strainers or filters can only be mounted horizontally, the size and arrangement of the pipeline are particularly crucial. Some, on the other hand, might only perform optimally in vertical housing.
Investing in a filter or strainer is essential since current hydraulic systems are prone to damage due to their high working pressure and speed. Damages may include the system leaking inside, which would reduce performance, or particles building up in the hydraulic system's vital places, which would lead to stalling, sticking, or occasionally component failure.
As a maintenance manager or practitioner in the industrial sector, one is aware of the widespread usage of strainers and filters in conjunction with butterfly valve applications. However, not everyone is aware of how they differ from one another. We are here to assist them because the normal person may find it difficult to understand.
The size of the particles that a filter and strainer can remove—particles that are invisible to the human eye—is the primary distinction between the two. So let's study these in greater detail!
A Simple Table to Help You Understand the Distinction Between a Strainer and a Filter:
The following table provides a brief summary of the primary distinctions between a stainer and a filter:
| BASIS OF DIFFERENCE | STRAINER | FILTER |
FUNCTIONALITY |
While allowing the precious liquid to pass through the system, it retains debris. | It allows garbage to pass through the system while trapping the valuable substance. |
| NUMBER OF SCREENS | It incorporates various screens. | It incorporates a single screen. |
RE-USAGE |
The screens can be cleaned and used again. | You can use the screen until it becomes clogged, at which point it needs to be replaced. |
| TYPE OF OPERATION | It is considered a coarse operation. | It is referred to as a more delicate removal process. |
BASIC USAGE |
Large chunks are caught with it in the valve industry. | Microbe-sized particles are among the tiny particles that are removed using it. |
PRESSURE DROP |
Liquid or gas passing through a strainer does not experience a pressure drop. | There is a pressure drop in liquid or gas as it passes through a filter. |
SIZE OF PARTICLES |
To get rid of particles bigger than 40 microns, use a strainer. | Particles smaller than 40 microns are eliminated using a filter. |
QUICK CLEANING |
Less downtime is needed when a strainer is cleaned quickly. | It is impossible to clean a filer quickly because it takes a long time. |
How is a Strainer Different From a Filter?
A strainer and a filter are similar on the surface. However, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis can aid in identifying their distinctions.
A strainer's function is to remove large, undesirable particles from liquids or gases in order to prevent damage to downstream equipment, including pumps, as indicated in the above table. Depending on the use in the business, it comes in a range of sizes and forms. All strainers share a common design, though, which makes removal and cleaning simple.
This equipment requires minimal downtime to assure optional functionality because it is made to be convenient to clean.
Filters work well for microscopic particles, whereas strainers are best for larger ones that need to be removed from liquids and gases. When the medium going through the system is clear of impurities, especially little ones like sand grains, filters work best. In addition, while most filters may be reused, some need to be changed on a regular basis.
Unwanted particles smaller than 40 microns—typically too small to be seen with the human eye—are easily removed using filters. However, strainers are able to exclude particles that are even smaller than 40 microns, which are readily noticeable to the unaided eye. It is important to remember that one can use a filter or a strainer to remove particles in an industrial ball valve that range in size from 38 to 177 microns.
The pressure that gas and liquid experience as they travel through a media is another essential distinction between a filter and a strainer. There is no pressure decrease experienced by the liquid material going through a strainer. However, if there is a decrease in pressure, it is probably due to the requirement for comprehensive cleaning or equipment removal. In contrast, whether a substance needs to be removed or cleaned, there may be a perceptible pressure reduction while it passes through a filter.
In what ways are a filter and a strainer similar?
It would be difficult for an amateur to distinguish between the two industrial pieces of equipment since, while they differ in many ways, they also have several things in common. People frequently become confused when making purchases since both are intended to remove suspended particles from gases and liquids during an industrial activity.
Filters and strainers shield downstream equipment from impurities that could lower the quality of the finished product since they are effective at eliminating small particles. Therefore, it is essential to employ this equipment during the manufacturing process to guarantee that the product produced by the company is of the highest quality and free from impurities.
There is one more similarity between the two objects in addition to the ones mentioned above. Because of their duplex configuration, a filter and a strainer can each be cleaned while the other is still in use.
When cleaning impurities from a 3 way ball valve made of stainless steel, a strainer and a filter are not interchangeable, despite their numerous similarities. Every piece of gear has a specific function that the others are incapable of fulfilling.
Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Strainer or a Filter:
When buying a strainer or filter, bear the following important aspects in mind:
- the kind of liquid or gas that is going through the machinery.
- The dimensions and forms of the impurities that need to be isolated.
- the processes' use of pressure and flow rates.
- If the system can be turned off for maintenance.
- The industrial pipeline's dimensions and arrangement.
Size of the Contaminants
Select a mesh that is marginally smaller than what is needed, taking into account the size and shape of the particles that need to be eliminated. By doing this, the broken-down pollutants will be eliminated, along with those that may potentially deform and pass through the mesh. Choosing a strainer or filter with a finer mesh may make more sense, but the more refined it is, the more often it needs to be cleaned.
Frequency of Maintenance
Frequent shutdowns for maintenance and cleaning should not be too much trouble for a system to handle. It is imperative to think about duplex housing if it is unable to do so. With this setup, one filter or strainer can be taken out, cleaned, and replaced while the other keeps working. Prior to doing maintenance, the complete system needs to be turned off and depressurized in a single configuration.
The Flow Rate and Pressure
When choosing between a strainer and a filter to clean an industrial ball float valve, two important considerations are pressure and flow rate. As previously mentioned, when the filter rate is higher than the strainer rate, it can significantly affect these properties. However, there could be greater difficulties with a filter for individuals using a high flow system.
Fortunately, there is a viable substitute for the system in the form of high-flow liquid filtering systems. Furthermore, because some strainers or filters can only be mounted horizontally, the size and arrangement of the pipeline are particularly crucial. Some, on the other hand, might only perform optimally in vertical housing.
Investing in a filter or strainer is essential since current hydraulic systems are prone to damage due to their high working pressure and speed. Damages may include the system leaking inside, which would reduce performance, or particles building up in the hydraulic system's vital places, which would lead to stalling, sticking, or occasionally component failure.
