Inline Pressure Strainer Systems
For applications that require continuous inline solids removal without the full backwash automation of the K-Optifil — typically in lower-flow, lower-contamination environments — K Factor supplies automatic inline pressure strainer systems with motorised or pneumatically-actuated self-cleaning mechanisms.
These systems use a rotating brush, scraper blade, or suction scanner to continuously remove solids from a cylindrical wedge wire or mesh screen element, discharging the collected solids through a drain valve without interrupting flow. They are installed inline on the process pipe and require no bypass or shutdown for cleaning.
Specifications
| Flow range | 5 GPM to 500 GPM depending on configuration and line size |
| Micron ratings | 25 micron to 3,000 micron (3 mm) — for coarse screening to fine filtration |
| Line sizes | 1 inch to 16 inch standard pipe connections |
| Materials | Carbon steel, 304 SS, 316L SS; polypropylene-lined options available |
| Pressure rating | Standard 10 bar (150 psi); higher ratings available on request |
| Temperature rating | Up to 90°C (195°F) standard; high-temperature configurations to 150°C |
| Cleaning mechanism | Motorised rotating brush, scraper blade, or pneumatic suction scanner |
| Reject volume | Less than 1% of throughput in typical service |
Inline pressure strainer or K-Optifil?
The inline pressure strainer and the K-Optifil automatic backwash filter are complementary technologies — not direct competitors. The right selection depends on flow rate, contamination load, micron requirement, and budget. K Factor engineers will confirm the correct technology for your specific application as part of every quotation.
When to choose an inline pressure strainer
- Lower-flow applications (typically below 500 GPM single-vessel)
- Coarser micron requirements (25 micron and above)
- Lower contamination loads where backwash frequency would be infrequent
- Smaller capital budget where the K-Optifil is over-specified
- Side-stream cooling tower filtration on small to mid-size circuits
When to choose the K-Optifil instead
- High-flow applications above 500 GPM, or where multiple parallel vessels would be required
- Fine filtration below 25 micron where fabric-element filtration is required
- High-solids loading where continuous high-frequency cleaning is mandatory
- Chemically aggressive service requiring specialty alloys or coatings
- Applications where a documented track record in 100+ similar installations is required
Typical applications
Cooling tower side-stream filtration
Continuously diverts 10–25% of the recirculating cooling water through the strainer and returns filtered water to the basin — progressively reducing suspended solids in the entire circuit. Standard configuration: 25–100 micron, 316L SS, motorised brush cleaning.
Process water and seal water protection
Installed inline ahead of mechanical seal flush water, sample lines, and instrumentation tappings to prevent particle damage to small-bore equipment. Typical specification: 50–200 micron, carbon steel or 304 SS.
Chemical injection line protection
Removes precipitate, agglomerated polymer, and shipping debris from chemical injection lines feeding scale inhibitor, biocide, and corrosion inhibitor dosing systems. Wetted material is selected for the specific chemistry — polypropylene-lined construction available for aggressive service.
Spray nozzle protection
Protects spray nozzles, atomisers, and fine-orifice equipment from plugging by removing particles larger than the nozzle orifice. Strainer mesh is typically rated at 30–50% of the smallest downstream orifice diameter to provide a margin of safety.
Pre-filtration ahead of membrane systems
Coarse pre-strainer ahead of cartridge filters, ultrafiltration, or reverse osmosis membranes — extending downstream cartridge life and protecting membrane modules from large-particle damage.
Sizing and selection — what we need from you
K Factor engineers size every inline pressure strainer to the specific operating envelope of the application. Provide the following data and we will return a model selection, materials specification, and budgetary quotation within two business days.
- Continuous design flow rate (GPM) and peak flow
- Operating and maximum pressure (psi or bar)
- Operating and maximum temperature
- Fluid description, pH, and chloride content
- Particle description: size distribution, hardness, shape (round, fibrous, sticky)
- Required micron rating for downstream protection
- Available utilities for the cleaning drive (electric or compressed air)
- Drain destination and acceptable reject volume
Start Your 30-Day Free Trial
K Factor's 30-day free trial makes the K-Optifil or an inline pressure strainer system available in your facility at no cost and with no purchase obligation. We assess your flow rate, pressure, fluid, and contamination profile. We deliver and commission the system inline. You run it for 30 days and measure continuous flow performance, reject volume, and maintenance time eliminated. If the results don't justify the investment, return it. No invoice.
Available to qualifying facilities in the United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf markets.