The difference between strainer valves and strainer filters

Many people have problems identifying the difference between a strainer valve and a filter. This is because they essentially perform the same task. A filter is any device that separates solids from liquids or gases. It does this by passing the fluid or gas suspension through a barrier, which is a particular filter medium. Much of this comes back to the design of the device and the manner to which they can be used in industry and for large scale usage. The materials come close together and work to strain out bad matter which can pass through in a liquid particle matter.

The filter then removes all the particles above a certain size and allows everything else to flow through. On the other hand, a strainer valve is designed to remove unwanted large particles from a liquid suspension in order to protect downstream equipment from being damaged. In most cases this is a pump or more delicate filter. This also has a design which will have come about off the back of extensive, endless research and development. These are devices an industrial business will often invest in as a means to rid dangerous matter from water and other liquid types.

The main difference between a valve and a filter primarily lies in the resistance. Strainers typically offer a lower resistance to liquid flow. As a result, the pressure drop across strainers is relatively small – and across the overall surface area to the device which comes into contact with the liquid. On the other hand, the pressure drop across thicker media filters is significant. This is because a basket strainer valve is typically designed only to trap the largest particulates whereas filters are often more delicate and can capture much smaller particles. These devices are also about to withstand very heavy duty use and be sure to work for long overall periods of time. 

Another difference lies in the purpose. A strainer valve is typically used to protect other downstream equipment from being damaged. A filter is typically used specifically to separate particles from fluid. This is why many people consider a valve to be a type of filter. At the same time not all filters are considered to be valves. There is also the element of purpose you need to remember as there are more durable uses to a strainer valve device. A majority of valves are mounted at a pump inlet in order to protect downstream equipment. This is because the pump inlet is the best location to provide their protective function in an effective manner.