Titan manufactures pipeline strainers in every configuration — Y-strainers, basket strainers, duplex strainers, fabricated strainers, and temporary strainers — engineered to remove debris and protect expensive downstream equipment across any industrial application.
Strainers are the first line of defense in any piping system — mechanically removing debris before it reaches pumps, compressors, valves, meters, spray nozzles, and turbines.
A pipeline strainer is a mechanical filter that removes and retains particles too large to pass through its straining element, while allowing the flowing media — liquid or gas — to pass unobstructed. This simple principle protects millions of dollars in downstream equipment across every industrial sector.
Titan Flow Control strainers should always be installed ahead of pumps and other expensive downstream equipment to help ensure proper protection and trouble-free operation. This even holds true for "clean lines" — protecting against scale and accidentally introduced items such as tools, gaskets, nuts, or bolts.
The most common range of particle retention spans from 1 inch down to 40 microns (0.0015 inch), covering everything from large debris and gravel down to fine silt, pollen, and corrosion products.
Each strainer type is engineered for specific installation conditions, cleaning requirements, and flow characteristics. Click each type to explore.
One of the most important design considerations when purchasing a strainer is specifying the perforation or mesh size of the straining element.
Titan offers a wide range of perforation sizes with standard options optimized for the best balance of open area ratio, hole arrangement, and gauge thickness — resulting in the least pressure drop. A 60° staggered round hole arrangement provides superior strength and large open area ratio.
For finer straining applications down to 40 micron, wire mesh elements are available. Titan uses a mono-filament, plain square weave that exhibits large open area ratio and very low flow resistance. Plain Dutch and Twilled Dutch weaves are also available upon request.
Wire mesh elements are reinforced with a heavier gauge, perforated metal backing for additional support. Titan's standard backing is 5/32" perforated metal, providing excellent support without significantly diminishing the open area ratio. Required for larger strainers and higher pressures.
Screen openings should be approximately one-half the diameter of the largest allowable particle. The largest allowable particle is the size that can pass through downstream equipment without causing damage.
For example, if the maximum allowable particle is 1/16", the screen opening would be specified at 1/32".
In addition to particle size, the quantity of debris in the flowing media must also be considered when determining the appropriate opening.
A common mistake is specifying a screen opening that is too small for the application. This leads to overstraining and should be avoided:
General guide for selecting straining element sizes by pipeline media, strainer size, and straining level. Each application has unique requirements — contact a Titan FCI engineer when in doubt.
| Pipeline Media | Strainer Size | Coarse Straining | → | Fine Straining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | ½" ~ 2" | 1/32" perf. | 20 mesh | 30 mesh |
| 2½" ~ 4" | 1/8" perf. | 1/16" perf. | 3/64" perf. | |
| 5" and up | 1/4" perf. | 1/8" perf. | 3/64" perf. | |
| Steam | ½" ~ 2" | 1/32" perf. | 30 mesh | 60 mesh |
| 2½" ~ 4" | 3/64" perf. | 1/32" perf. | 30 mesh | |
| 5" and up | 1/16" perf. | 3/64" perf. | 1/32" perf. | |
| Air or Gas | ½" ~ 2" | 1/32" perf. | 60 mesh | 100 mesh |
| 2½" ~ 4" | 1/16" perf. | 3/64" perf. | 60 mesh | |
| 5" and up | 1/8" perf. | 1/10" perf. | 40 mesh | |
| Gasoline | ½" ~ 2" | 1/32" perf. | 30 mesh | 100 mesh |
| 2½" ~ 6" | 1/16" perf. | 1/32" perf. | 60 mesh | |
| 8" and up | 1/10" perf. | 1/32" perf. | 40 mesh | |
| Oil — Low Viscosity | ½" ~ 2" | 1/16" perf. | 1/32" perf. | 30 mesh |
| 2½" ~ 6" | 3/16" perf. | 1/8" perf. | 1/16" perf. | |
| 8" and up | 3/8" perf. | 1/4" perf. | 1/8" perf. | |
| Oil — Medium Viscosity | ½" ~ 2" | 1/10" perf. | 1/16" perf. | 20 mesh |
| 2½" ~ 6" | 1/4" perf. | 3/16" perf. | 1/8" perf. | |
| 8" and up | 3/8" perf. | 1/4" perf. | 3/16" perf. | |
| Oil — High Viscosity | ½" ~ 2" | 1/8" perf. | 1/10" perf. | 1/16" perf. |
| 2½" ~ 6" | 3/8" perf. | 1/4" perf. | 3/16" perf. | |
| 8" and up | 1/2" perf. | 3/8" perf. | 1/4" perf. |
Represents a general guide. Each application introduces its own unique requirements. When in doubt, contact a Titan FCI engineer.
When standard configurations aren't enough, Titan engineers custom solutions for the most demanding applications.
Recommended for applications requiring removal of microscopic ferrous particles. Powerful ALNICO magnetic inserts create a continuous magnetic field, trapping ferrous particles that even the finest mesh would typically not remove. Ideal for lubrication, hydraulic, and machine coolant systems.
Straining elements fabricated to withstand full line pressure when clogged. Individually drilled holes in heavy gauge metal (up to 3/8" thick) or wedge wire construction provides maximum durability for applications where element failure would be catastrophic.
Expanded straining surface area disperses particles uniformly, alleviating the layered build-up and pressure loss typical of cylindrical elements. Pleated elements maintain lower pressure drop over longer service intervals — reducing maintenance frequency and improving system efficiency.
Over three decades of engineering, manufacturing, and supporting flow control products for the most demanding industrial applications worldwide.
Whether you're specifying a standard Y-strainer, engineering a custom fabricated solution, or need help selecting the right screen perforation or mesh size — Titan's engineering team is ready to assist. Let us design a straining solution for your application.