Y-strainers and Spin-Down filters are commonly used for sediment filtrations. But how do the two different filtration methods compare and when does it make sense to choose one over the other?
Watts.com states that Y-strainers mechanically remove solids from flowing piping systems through the use of perforated or wire mesh. The Process Piping describes how, the filter leg in a Y-strainer is connected to the main pipe at a diagonal angle, which ultimately gives the filter a “y” shape. The main purpose of a Y-strainer is to protect the equipment that water runs through. This sounds good, but a Y-strainer can certainly have its faults when it comes to keeping your water clean.
Installing a Y-strainer is more complicated to install and has more requirements to ensure it functions properly. According to Commercial Filtration Supply, every Y-strainer is different. It’s very important that you make sure the pressure rating of the Y-strainer matches the system and because every strainer is different it may be easy to select the
wrong one for your system. If you do connect a Y-strainer to your system with an incorrect pressure rating you could end up doing a lot of damage to the system. On the other hand, Vu-Flow, which also has a lot of options when it comes to spin-down filters, offers a maximum operating pressure of 150 PSI. In offering a consistent pressure rating, a Vu-Flow filter gives you the confidence that when connected to your system, no damage will be done.
Just like a Vu-Flow spin-down filter, Y-strainers are offered in a variety of sizes. Commercial Filtration Supply also points out that if you install a large Y-strainer, you should consider adding pipe supports near the inner and outer connections. This means you’re spending extra money that you do not need to spend if you purchase a Vu-Flow spin-down filter. When you get a spin-down filter from Vu-Flow, everything you need is right in the box. No extras are necessary!
Cleaning and maintaining a Y-strainer is also more complex than a spin-down filter. Lenntech.com mentions that if you’re only removing a small amount of material from the flow, you need to manually clean the filter screen. This involves shutting down the entire line and removing a strainer cap. If there is a large amount of material being removed from your lines, there is a way to clean the Y-strainer without manually pulling it a part. A device called a blow-off or blow-down connection can be fitted onto the strainer, which will allow the screen to be cleaned without removing it from the body. Once again in this case though, you’re spending extra money to get your original purchase to meet your needs. If you use a Vu-Flow spin-down filter, none of this is an issue. Not only can a Vu-Flow filter hold quite a bit of material or sediment (plus, there’s a sediment trapper design that allows for an even larger amount of sediment to be trapped), but the cleaning process is automatic. There will certainly be times when you need to pull your Vu-Flow filter a part to do a thorough cleaning (this only involves unscrewing a cover), but in general, a spin-down filter is designed to be self-cleaning as it works. The only thing you really need to do is open a ball valve occasionally in order to flush it out.
Another reason why a Vu-Flow spin down filter will serve you better has to do with the cover. A spin-down filter comes with a clear cover, which allows you to see exactly what is being filtered and how much of it has been filtered. This will make it easy to know exactly when you need to flush or clean the filter. A Y-strainer doesn’t offer the same design though and you won’t know exactly how much material has been filtered until you open it up. Vu-Flow makes the cleaning process a lot more convenient and, literally, transparent.
If you’d like to learn more about why you should choose a Vu-Flow spin-down filter to make your water filtration needs easier, visit our website at www.vuflow.com. You can also call 1-800-833-5171 in order to talk to a live customer service representative Monday through Friday.
If you’re in the market for a sediment filter and looking for something convenient, remember to give Vu-Flow a shot. A Vu-Flow filter’s simplicity was designed with you in mind!
Source Notes: All information in this article regarding the functionality of a Y-strainer came from watts.com, The Process Piping, Commercial Filtration Supply and lenntech.com.
