Custom Strainer Baskets, Cone and Plate Strainers

Effective open-area ratio (OAR)

For this page, OAR means the effective open flow area of the strainer element divided by the pipe’s flow cross-sectional area, expressed as a ratio or percentage. It is different from a perforated plate’s pattern open-area percentage, which compares hole area with the perforated field area.

State how mesh lining, solid borders and support obstructions are accounted for. We do not assign a universal 100%, 150%, 200% or 300% ratio to every element. OAR alone does not determine differential pressure: flow, viscosity, opening geometry, lining and contamination also matter. For flat-sheet patterns, see our perforated sheets and plates.

Cleaning, reuse and replacement

Temporary cone and plate elements are removed after start-up or flushing. Reuse is not promised; dispose of them or assess them as specified for the project.

Suitable baskets can be cleaned and reused after inspection. Select the method for the contaminant, alloy, welds, fine mesh and seals:

• Reverse-flow flushing or backwashing where the complete housing and flow arrangement permit.
• Controlled water-jet cleaning of removed parts without damaging mesh or seams.
• Compressed-air reverse cleaning for suitable gas-duty parts with loose deposits.
• Compatible solvent or detergent soaking with gentle soft-brush cleaning.
• Short, low-power ultrasonic cleaning where appropriate to the part.
• Chemical cleaning with an agreed reagent compatible with every wetted component.

Replace baskets with serious corrosion, cracked welds, deformed openings, damaged mesh or sealing surfaces, or reduced support integrity. The element alone does not provide automatic online backwashing.

Manufacturing inspection

• Dimensions: outside diameter, height, flange diameter and bolt-circle dimensions against the drawing.
• Mesh and layers: mesh count or specified nominal rating, number of layers and layer order.
• Welds: body seams, flange welds and handle attachments checked for weak or missed welds and cracks.
• Edges and burrs: openings, cut edges and flange areas inspected for sharp projections that could damage adjacent parts or media.
• Interfaces and sealing faces: flatness, scratches and specified groove dimensions checked.
• Materials: grade and agreed MTC documentation checked against the specification.
• Part-specific checks: cone-tip or closure integrity, effective open-area ratio and handle attachment/pull strength, where applicable and using the agreed inspection or sampling method.

Test loads, sampling plans, tolerances and acceptance criteria are agreed per order; no single handle-load or zero-burr guarantee applies to every construction.

Custom manufacture and replacement

Design for a new application

Share the pipeline and process conditions, debris target, available space, OAR requirement and duty. We review the element shape, support, mesh, seal and handle before agreeing the drawing.

Manufacture to drawing

Send a dimensioned drawing, layer specifications, materials, installation details and checks. We supply the element to the agreed requirements; a pressure housing is not included.

Recreate from a sample

An existing basket or temporary element can help establish geometry and construction. Uncertain material, original mesh specification or performance requirements must be confirmed before reproduction.

Strainer element FAQ

Do you supply complete basket strainer units?

No. We supply removable strainer elements and replacement baskets, without pressure housings.

Which elements are temporary?

The cone and plate products on this page are for the specified start-up or pipeline-flushing stage and are removed afterward. Baskets are offered for ongoing coarse filtration in compatible housings.

What does OAR mean here?

It compares the element’s effective open flow area with the pipe’s flow cross-sectional area. Specify the calculation basis, including how lining and support obstructions are treated.

Can baskets be cleaned and reused?

Suitable baskets can be cleaned using an agreed procedure, then inspected. Replace damaged, corroded or deformed parts; temporary elements carry no repeat-use promise.

Can you design either flow direction?

Yes. Specify inside-to-outside or outside-to-inside flow, mesh location and cleaning direction. Temporary cone-tip orientation must also be defined.

What information is needed for a replacement?

Provide a drawing or sample, pipe and flange details, basket dimensions, mesh layers, material, seal and handle geometry, operating conditions and removal clearance.