How to Select a Sanitary Strainer for Commercial Use

Purchasing a new commercial strainer may seem simple at face value, but a lot more is involved than meets the eye. Whether it be an inline strainer, basket strainer, tee strainer or a different fitting, they all have one thing in common when it comes to purchasing – accurate information. In truth, there is really no such thing as too much studying on the subject prior to making the actual purchase, so long as the projected deadlines allow. Below is a good starting point for the core information you must know about selecting strainers, and what to look for to get the most out of your company’s time.

Gathering the Information Upfront

Getting to know the ins and outs of your equipment can help a great deal with making your purchase. It is essential to know the pipe fitting sizes and their PSI output for effective strainer outcomes. Have a full understanding of the strainer’s application upfront before you move forward:

• What will it be used for?
• How much pressure can it withstand, and what’s recommended?
• Does it meet or exceed industry requirements?

Companies in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries must follow stringent production requirements. If you’re not sure what applies to your situation, partner with a certified engineer or relevant professional. Gathering your research from trusted industry authorities will keep you compliant and avoid many costly repairs in the long run.

Put the Right Commercial Strainer in, Get More Out

Retaining industry compliance with strainer purchases is obviously important, but why not look for opportunities to optimize their use while you’re at it? If your current strainers are still in good condition, learn how to optimize their process for better value and return investment by evaluating if you can improve the production of your products with newer ones:

• What’s the flow rate of your current strainers in use?
• Line sizes?
• How large is the percentage of your solid capture?

You may find it more practical to purchase a larger strainer size to reduce the frequency of repeated cleanings and save time for other things.

A valid point to consider in liquid straining is the particle catch size. Is your strainer performance satisfactory, or would a finer sized wire mesh produce a better quality product? If you find out the latter, consider a strainer that is engineered for a different particle size. Once you’ve narrowed it down, compare the type of metal in each candidate and decide what would be the best fit for the application. You may want to run a small batch test first and compare the results before making your final decision.

Distilling the Information

Plenty of other factors weigh in for new strainers, of course, but if you remember nothing else, be sure to take away these key pointers:

• Get to know your equipment.
• Gather plenty of information.
• Strive for industry compliance.
• Look for production optimization opportunities.
• Consult a certified expert on the subject.

Your Partner in Commercial Strainer Accuracy

Patience is indeed a virtue in commercial strainer purchasing, but well worth the effort when the right knowledge is pursued. For more than 100 years, Newark Wire Cloth has been the reliable partner for companies seeking quality inline strainer and basket strainer products in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries. For more information regarding strainer sizing, applications, and compliance, contact our knowledgeable staff today. We’ll help you with each step to make your purchase as seamless as possible and helping your product perform at its best. At Newark Wire Cloth, your product’s success is our success! We look forward to getting in touch with you.