Simplex Strainers

When to Use a Simplex Basket Strainer

Simplex basket strainers are the right choice when:

• The system can be temporarily shut down for basket cleaning or replacement
• You need to protect downstream equipment (pumps, valves, meters, heat exchangers, spray nozzles) from debris
• The application involves liquid with moderate particulate loads
• You need a cost-effective strainer with a large basket capacity and easy access for maintenance
• The pipeline requires inline or loop-style connection configurations

If your system requires continuous flow during basket maintenance, consider a duplex strainer. If the debris load is light and the pipeline is smaller, a Y strainer may be more economical. For applications where no standard catalog model fits your pipeline, CFS also offers fabricated strainers custom-engineered to your specifications.

How to Select the Right Simplex Basket Strainer

With 280 models on this page, narrowing down the right strainer comes down to a few key specifications.

• Body Material – Determines chemical compatibility, temperature range, and pressure capability. Cast iron and carbon steel are the most common for general industrial use. Stainless steel is used for corrosive media, food/beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. Bronze and aluminum bronze provide corrosion resistance for marine and water applications. PVC and CPVC are lightweight thermoplastic options for chemical processing and water treatment at lower pressures and temperatures. FRP (fiberglass) offers corrosion resistance with higher pressure ratings than thermoplastics. Eastar is a clear material that allows visual monitoring of the basket and flow.
• Connection Size and Type – Simplex strainers are available from 3/8" through 36" depending on the model and manufacturer. Connection types include threaded (NPT), flanged (raised face and flat face), socket, spigot, and butt weld. Larger sizes (typically above 2") use flanged connections.
• Closure Type – Determines how quickly and easily you can access the basket. Hand-removable covers require no tools. Quick-opening knob and clamp covers allow fast access without bolts. Bolted covers provide the highest security for high-pressure applications. Davit arm assemblies are available for large, heavy covers.
• Pressure Rating – Ranges from 50 psi for large thermoplastic models up to 740 psi for Class 300 carbon and stainless steel units. Make sure the strainer rating meets or exceeds your operating pressure at the expected temperature.
• Basket Perforation/Mesh – Determines the particle size captured. Perforated baskets (1/32" to 1/2" holes) handle coarse straining. Wire mesh baskets (20 to 400 mesh) provide finer filtration. Typical selections: 80 mesh for gas, 40 mesh for steam, 1/8" perforation for general liquid service.
• Gasket/O-Ring Material – Must be compatible with your process media. Options include Buna-N (general purpose), Viton (broad chemical resistance), EPDM (water and steam), PTFE (aggressive chemicals), and FPM/FKM.

Maintenance and Performance

Simplex basket strainers require periodic basket cleaning to maintain flow and protect downstream equipment. As debris accumulates, the pressure differential across the strainer increases and flow rate decreases. Monitoring this pressure drop is the most reliable way to determine when the basket needs attention. A common threshold is approximately 5 PSI of differential pressure, though the specific limit depends on your system.

To service the basket, shut down flow to the strainer, relieve pressure through the vent valve, drain the housing through the drain connection, remove the cover, and pull the basket for cleaning or replacement. Most simplex strainers feature hand-removable or quick-opening covers that allow this process to be completed in minutes.

Replacement baskets and gaskets are available for all models we carry. Visit our replacement parts page for OEM components from every brand.

Applications

Industrial simplex basket strainers from CFS are used across a wide range of industries, including:

• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Chemical Processing
• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
• Oil and Gas / Petrochemical
• Power Generation
• HVAC and Cooling Systems
• Marine
• Pulp and Paper
• Paint, Coatings, and Inks

Brands We Carry

• Eaton Filtration (Models 30R, 72, 72L, 72SJ, 73, 510)
• Hayward Flow Control (SB Series)
• Spears Manufacturing (Flanged, Spigot, Socket)
• Titan Flow Control (BS 25, BS 35, BS 55, BS 65, BS 55-FRP, BS 85, BS 86)
• Mueller Steam Specialty (BS 95-AB, Models 125, 125F, 126F, 155M, 165, 166, 185, 186)

All simplex basket strainers are genuine OEM products from authorized manufacturer partnerships.

Need help selecting the right simplex basket strainer? Call (855) 236-0467 or submit a quote request for pricing and availability.