Y strainers filter out solids by using a perforated or wire mesh strainer. They are most frequently used in pressurized lines for gas, steam, or liquid.

While it is most common to see Y strainers installed horizontally, they can be installed vertically as well.

The orientation of your Y strainer is going to depend on the media flowing through it. In steam or gas piping, it is best if your strainer is horizontal（1.STEAM OR GAS）. This helps to stop water from collecting inside the pocket, which in turn helps prevent erosion. If the media passing through is liquid, it could be beneficial to fit your Y strainer horizontal（2.LIQUID） or vertically(3.VERTICAL DOWNWARD FLOW) into the system, as long as the piping allows. This prevents the debris from being drawn back into the flow of the media.

Ensuring proper horizontal and vertical installation of Y strainers involves understanding where in the pipeline the strainer should be placed, making sure there’s room for screen removal during clean outs, and, most importantly, aligning the arrow on the strainer with the pipeline flow.

If you are looking to install your Y-strainer vertically, it’s critical to note that vertical Y strainers must be used with pipes that have a downward flow, allowing debris to flow naturally into the pocket. If they are installed in an upwards flow, there is a significant chance that debris would flow back into the pipe.