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Automatic strainers and filters drastically reduce labor costs and product loss associated with manually cleaned pipeline strainers and bag filter systems.
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The self-cleaning filtration systems outlined below are organized in order of increasing cost and specialized application complexity.
A specialized type of modified simplex strainer featuring a drain port connected directly to the bottom of the strainer basket, allowing operators to flush out retained particles simply by opening the drain valve. The cleaning effectiveness relies on system differential pressure vs. the atmospheric pressure at the drain port, making it highly effective for hard, non-deformable particles. Because these are engineered from modified cast strainers, they offer a low-cost, low-lead-time approach to reducing labor expenses.
These systems divert a small portion of already strained fluid (approximately 5% of total flow) to actively dislodge particulate embedded deep within the filter media. An internal nozzle assembly slowly rotates inside the element, effectively reversing the fluid flow through the screen and pushing the debris out the drain port. Backwash cleaning cycles typically last between 3 to 5 minutes. Designed to support massive flow demands, they are typical for pipeline sizes spanning from 2" to 48" and are primarily utilized in water-based applications.
An innovative design pioneered by Ronningen-Petter (now an Eaton brand) engineered specifically for non-water liquids, high-viscosity materials, or processes where minimizing product loss is a vital priority. Frequently specified for hazardous or viscous fluids like paint, wax, petroleum products, and food/beverage processing. An internal mechanical disc continuously wipes the surface of the element, driving retained solids down into a bottom purge chamber. System pressure then flushes the solids out when the drain valve opens; the entire cleaning cycle takes less than 1 second and consumes less than 1 gallon of fluid. Stroke and purge frequencies are managed via programmable timers.
Another classic design pioneered by Ronningen-Petter, engineered explicitly for industrial processes that demand fine particle retentions down into the 100 mesh (150 microns) range. These configurations temporarily reverse process flow through individual filter elements to backwash and dislodge trapped particles straight to a drain line. To maintain continuous operation downstream, the system uses multiple parallel chambers, ensuring that steady minimum flow and constant discharge pressures are maintained while individual elements cycle through cleaning.
Multiplexing involves integrating several automatic strainers or filters onto a single, unified pipeline network managed by a centralized master control panel. Engineered to handle exceptionally high flow rates, large particulate loads, and highly viscous materials, these systems share common inlet, outlet, and drain manifolds to ensure robust process scaling.
Backwashing uses a small amount of clean fluid to reverse flow through the screen (ideal for water). Mechanically cleaned strainers use a disc to wipe debris into a purge chamber with almost zero product loss (ideal for viscous or hazardous fluids).
Multiplexed AFC and AFR tubular backwashing systems or large MCS units can handle thousands of GPM by combining multiple stations under one control panel.
Technical Resources & Application Sizing
For a detailed breakdown of technologies, read our featured article: What are the differences between backwashing and mechanically cleaned strainers?
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