The Role of Conical Strainers in Protecting Pumps and Valves - Flometriq
                     The Role of Conical 
Strainers in Protecting 
Pumps and Valves
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Manufacturers – Flometriq 
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AGENDA
•Conical Strainers: A Critical Line of Defense
•How Conical Strainers Work
•Startup Debris: Threats to Equipment
•Benefits of Using Conical Strainers
•Types and Materials of Conical Strainers
•Best Practices for Installation
•Temporary vs. Permanent Filtration Solutions
•Industries Benefiting From Conical Strainers
Conical Strainers: A Critical Line of Defense
• Conical strainers serve as an essential protective barrier during the startup 
of new or modified pipeline systems. 
• By capturing harmful debris such as welding slag, rust, and scale before 
they reach sensitive pumps and valves, they prevent equipment abrasion, 
clogging, and failure.
•  Without these strainers, contaminants can cause costly breakdowns, 
extensive downtime, and reduced operational efficiency. 
• Using conical strainers ensures smooth, reliable system operation from day 
one by safeguarding critical components against damaging particulates.
How Conical Strainers Work
Design and Operation of Conical Strainers
● Conical strainers are made from perforated metal or wire mesh 
shaped into a cone, maximizing surface area for debris capture.
● They are installed between pipe flanges near pumps or valves to 
filter out coarse debris during system startup.
● Fluid flows through the mesh, which traps solid particles larger than 
the mesh openings inside or on the cone surface.
● The cone shape allows a large screening area, reducing pressure 
drop and maintaining efficient flow through the pipeline.
● Orientation can vary: cones can point upstream to collect debris 
externally or downstream to collect inside, depending on system 
design and maintenance needs.
Startup Debris: Threats to Equipment
Common Debris Types Damage Mechanisms Consequences for 
Equipment
Hard particles cause 
Debris includes welding Damage results in reduced 
abrasion and erosion of 
slag, rust, pipe scale, and efficiency, internal leakage, 
internal surfaces, clog small 
jointing compound found in frequent repairs, costly 
passages, and can jam 
new or modified pipelines downtime, and premature 
moving parts like valves 
during startup. equipment failure.
and pump components.
Benefits of Using Conical Strainers
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Extended Equipment Life
Conical strainers capture harmful debris By stopping debris before it damages 
during startup, preventing abrasion and critical components, strainers lower the 
wear on pumps and valves, which frequency of repairs and part 
prolongs their operational lifespan. replacements, saving on maintenance 
expenses.
Improved System Reliability Minimized Downtime
Protecting pumps and valves from Preventing debris-induced equipment 
blockage and damage ensures stable failures reduces unplanned stoppages, 
and consistent system performance keeping operations running smoothly 
without unexpected failures. and avoiding costly downtime.
Types and Materials of Conical Strainers
Cone Type Basket Type Plate Type
Standard pointed cone with large Truncated cone with a flat bottom Flat perforated disc, the most 
surface area, ideal for capturing offering slightly less surface area but compact with the least surface area, 
significant debris volumes during greater debris holding capacity, used where space is limited or minor 
startup phases. suitable for heavier debris loads. debris capture is needed.
Best Practices for Installation
Orientation Follow Manufacturer Sizing Sealing Guidance
Position the strainer cone Choose a strainer size Use proper gaskets on Strictly follow manufacturer 
upstream or downstream matching pipe diameter, both sides to create a leak- instructions for installation, 
based on flow and flange rating, and schedule tight seal, preventing fluid orientation, and 
inspection needs. to ensure fit and avoid flow bypass and maintaining maintenance to maximize 
Upstream is preferred for restriction or leaks. pressure integrity. strainer effectiveness.
flow; downstream eases 
debris removal.
Installation direction Pipe specs Gasket specs Installation manual
Flow diagram Strainer size chart Seal procedure Compliance checklist
Orientation guidea Fit verification Leak test results Maintenance schedule
Temporary vs. Permanent Filtration Solutions
Benefits of Conical (Temporary) Considerations for Permanent 
Strainers Strainers
+ Designed for temporary use during pipeline – Intended for continuous, long-term filtration 
startup or system modifications. during normal operation.
+ Effectively captures large debris like welding – Handles smaller, ongoing particulate loads to 
slag, rust, and scale that occur initially. protect equipment consistently.
+ Simple, low-cost solution providing critical – Typically more complex and costly due to 
protection to pumps and valves from damage. features for easy cleaning and maintenance.
+ Easy to install and remove once the system is – Not suitable for heavy debris loads 
flushed and startup debris is cleared. encountered during startup without risk of 
clogging.
Industries Benefiting From Conical Strainers
Chemical Processing Oil & Gas / Petroleum Power Generation
Protects sensitive pumps and valves Prevents costly damage from scale Safeguards turbines and control 
 from corrosive debris and welding and pipe debris in high-pressure valves from particulate 
fsrloamg  dcuorrirnogs ipviep edleinberi sc oamndm wiseslidoinnign g, pipelines, maintaining operational contamination, enhancing system 
selnasgu driunrgin rge lpiaipbeleli nceh ecmomicmal isflsoiwons.ing, integrity during startup. reliability during initial 
ensuring reliable chemical flows. commissioning.
Water Treatment Marine Industry Pharmaceutical & Food
Removes construction debris to Filters debris in shipboard fluid Uses sanitary conical strainers to 
protect pumps and valves, ensuring systems during retrofit or new maintain hygiene and prevent 
clean water flow and minimizing installations, preventing damage to particulate contamination in fluid 
maintenance downtime. critical equipment. transport pipelines.
Thank you.
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