Eaton Strainer Baskets

Overview

The basket or screen is essential for the proper function of every Eaton Strainer. The strainer basket is designed to be both effective and durable and can be supplied in either standard and heavy-duty designs. 

Eaton strainer baskets are available in two standard materials: Type 316 Stainless Steel and Monel. The materials provided cover nearly all corrosive resistance levels required. 

A wide range of perforations and mesh provides removal of solids from 1/2" down to 40 micron. Custom fabrication for basket perforations is available. 

Basket Construction

Each style of strainer basket includes a perforated sheet that is induction welded to a rigid top ring and solid bottom cap. A handle is then welded to the inner diameter of the top ring to facilitate easy removal. Heavy duty baskets have reinforced strips welded along the seam. 

Screen Construction

Y strainer screens are rolled to for a perfect cylinder. The seam is induction welded. The screen seats are machined to specific dimensions and both the outer diameter and length of these screens are evaluated for tolerance. 

Perforated Sheet - Specification

All Eaton baskets are made of perforated sheet. The percentage of open area of a screen generally dictates the internal pressure drop that will be experienced. When selecting perforation size, it is best to balance the open area with hole arrangement and sheet thickness. The baskets are made using perforated sheets with round holes as this provides greater inherent strength and resistance to stress cracking.

Open Area

Perforated sheet can have an open area from 15% to 75%. In general, the larger the open area of perforated sheet, the thinner the sheet thickness must be. As holes are punched closer together to increase the perforated open area, the solid portion between holes distorts and becomes weak. Table A on page 27 describes the sheet thickness which is used to construct baskets and screens.

Hole Arrangement

Holes can be punched in a straight line or in a staggered pattern. Eaton baskets and screens have a staggered pattern which increases the open area, provides extra strength, and creates less pressure drop.

Perforations

Eaton baskets and screens are available in 1/32", 3/64", 1/16", 1/8", 5/32", 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" perforations and in mesh sizes: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 200 and 325. However, over many years we have found that for general service there is one perforation for each size and type of strainer which is most popular. This is called the standard perforation and is the size furnished with the strainer unless another perforation is specified.

Wire Mesh Specifications

All Eaton strainers are available with woven wire mesh screens. Wire mesh provides smaller openings than can be obtained by perforating for very fine straining applications down to 40 micron.

Eaton baskets and screens are made using monofilament mesh having equal wire size and wire count in both directions to produce square openings. Other types of mesh such as Dutch (or Hollander) are also available. Dutch weave has a greater quantity of wires in one direction and fewer wires of a larger diameter in the other direction. This creates a rectangular opening. As with perforated sheet, the best wire mesh selection is a balance of open area, wire diameter and type of weave.