What is the difference between y-strainer and t-strainer?

Answer 1

Y-Strainers are devices for mechanically removing solids from flowing liquids or gases by means of a perforated or wire mesh straining element. They are used in pipelines to protect equipment such as pumps, meters, control valves, steam traps and regulators.

Although there are occasional exceptions, the use of Y-strainers generally follows several rules. First, they are ordinarily employed where the amount of material to be removed is small. Size for size, their dirt holding capacity is less than a basket strainer. Next, Y-strainers are usually installed when frequent clean-out is not needed. There are Y-strainers in service on steam lines, for example, that are not cleaned more than once a year. Generally, Y-strainers are used with gases such as steam or air. Basket strainers are used with liquids.

For handling steam, a Y-Strainer is the standard and is almost universally used. Its compact, cylindrical shape is very strong and can handle high pressures. It is, literally, a pressure vessel. Y-strainers which handle pressures up to 6,000 psi are not uncommon. Of course, in these cases, safety is very important and Y-strainers, if properly designed, can be used at these pressures without fear of failure. When high pressure steam is being handled, another complicating factor arises - temperature. With steam pressures of 1500 psi or higher, standard carbon steel is sometimes not suitable because the steam temperature may be 1000 degrees F or even higher