Comprehensive Introduction to Flanged Stainless Steel (304 | 316) Strainer Valves and Their Structure Analysis

1. What is a Flanged Stainless Steel Strainer?

A Flanged Stainless Steel Strainer is a piping equipment used to remove solid particles, deposits, metal shavings, and impurities from the pipeline. This strainer is designed with a flanged connection and is made of Stainless Steel 304 or Stainless Steel 316, both of which offer excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals, moisture, and pressure.

The main purpose of the strainer is to protect pumps, flowmeters, industrial valves, control equipment, and sensitive devices from damage caused by solid particles.

2. Why Are Stainless Steel 304 and 316 the Best Options for Flanged Strainers?

Strainers are usually installed in environments where corrosion, moisture, chemicals, and heat are present.
Therefore, using stainless steel offers significant advantages.

Advantages of Stainless Steel 304:

• High resistance to rust and oxidation

• More cost-effective compared to 316

• Suitable for water, compressed air, and neutral fluids

Advantages of Stainless Steel 316:

• Contains molybdenum → provides exceptional resistance to acids and chlorides

• Suitable for seawater, mild acids, and chemical fluids

• Longer service life in corrosive environments

For this reason, industries such as oil, gas, petrochemical, and food processing commonly use SS316.

3. Structure of a Flanged Stainless Steel Strainer

The flanged strainer is typically designed as a Y-Type strainer. It consists of four main components:

1. Body

• Material: Stainless Steel 304 or 316

• Manufacturing method: Cast or forged

• Flanged connection standards:

  • ANSI B16.5 (Class 150/300)

  • DIN PN16 / PN40

• The body must withstand high pressure and variable temperature.

2. Screen / Mesh Element

The most critical part of the strainer.

• Material: Usually SS304 or SS316

• Designed to withstand high temperature and pressure

• Mesh size customizable based on application

Mesh types:

• 40 mesh → coarse particles

• 80 mesh → medium particles

• 100–200 mesh → fine filtration

3. Cover / Cap

• Bolted type

• Allows easy removal and cleaning of the screen

• Includes a gasket (generally graphite or PTFE)

4. Flanged Ends

• Suitable for large industrial systems

• Less vibration and more reliable sealing

• Easy installation and maintenance without cutting the pipeline

4. How Does a Flanged Stainless Steel Strainer Work?

The operation is simple but essential:

1. The fluid enters the strainer body

2. It passes through the mesh screen

3. Solid particles accumulate on the screen surface

4. Clean fluid exits through the outlet

When solid buildup increases, the pressure drop (DP) rises, indicating that the screen needs cleaning.

5. Advantages of Stainless Steel (304/316) Flanged Strainers

✔ High resistance to corrosion
✔ Suitable for sanitary applications
✔ Fast installation and maintenance
✔ Very long service life compared to cast iron or carbon steel strainers
✔ Ideal for corrosive fluids such as mild acids, chlorides, industrial detergents, and low-corrosion steam

6. Applications of Flanged Stainless Steel Strainers

They are widely used across many industries, such as:

• Oil & Gas Industries – protecting pumps in hydrocarbon transfer

• Petrochemical & Chemical Plants – suitable for corrosive and high-temperature fluids

• Food & Pharmaceutical Industries – hygienic, corrosion-resistant, and CIP-friendly

• Water & Industrial Wastewater – especially seawater or chemically treated water

• Steam Systems – suitable for low-corrosion steam (usually with SS316)

• Production Lines & Industrial Processes – preventing debris from entering sensitive equipment

7. Important Points When Buying a Flanged Stainless Steel Strainer

✔ Steel Grade

• 304 → for general environments

• 316 → for acidic and corrosive conditions

✔ Flange Class

• Class 150

• Class 300

• PN16 / PN25 / PN40

✔ Mesh Size
Depends on fluid type and equipment sensitivity.

✔ Maintainability
The cover should be easy to open.

✔ Operating Pressure & Temperature
The strainer must match the actual conditions of the pipeline.

8. Final Summary

A Flanged Stainless Steel Strainer (304 or 316) is one of the most important protective devices in industrial piping systems. Its role is to filter solid particles and prevent equipment damage. With high corrosion resistance, the ability to operate under high temperature and pressure, long service life, and easy maintenance, this product is an excellent choice for oil, gas, petrochemical, food processing, and steam systems.