Y-Strainers are devices for mechanically removing unwanted solids from liquid, gas or steam lines by means of a perforated or wire mesh straining element. They are used in pipelines to protect pumps, meters, control valves, steam traps, regulators and other process equipment. Y-Strainers are very cost effective straining solutions in many applications. Where the amount of material to be removed from the flow is relatively small, resulting in long intervals between screen cleanings, the strainer screen is manually cleaned by shutting down the line and removing the strainer cap. For applications with heavier dirt loading, Y-Strainers can be fitted with a “blow-off” connection that permits the screen to be cleaned without removing it from the strainer body. Y-Strainers are used in a wide variety of liquid straining applications to protect downstream process system components in many industries, including: chemical processing, petroleum, power generation and marine. Water handling applications, where Y-Strainers are used to protect equipment that could be damaged or clogged by unwanted sand, gravel or other debris, are very common. Unlike other types of strainers, a Y-Strainer has the advantage of being able to be installed in either a horizontal or vertical position. Obviously, in both cases, the screening element must be on the “down side” of the strainer body so that the entrapped material can properly collect in it. Carbon steel Y-Strainers are used mainly in the oil and petrochemical industry. They have excellent resistance to mechanical or thermal shock and these are important consideration in the event of a fire. Most oil refineries will not permit iron piping components for this reason. Carbon steel Y-Strainers are also used for higher pressure applications because of their great strength. Stainless steel Y-Strainers are used where high corrosion resistance or where freedom from contamination is required. They are popular in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.