Calculate Pressure Drop in Filters and Strainers

(http://seperationtechnology.com/calculate-pressure-drop-in-filters-and-strainers/)
The purpose of the guideline is to lay down the procedure for estimation of pressure drop across
filters/strainers in a piping system.

For pressure drop estimation graphs are referred. This graph gives pressure drop based on specific
gravity of water 1.0 and viscosity of water 1.0 cP. Screen openings chart indicates the % open area of
perforated plate and meshed line screens. For fluids of high viscosity and finer weave meshes viscosity
and density correction factor chart will be referred.

Sample calculation: 72-F001A/B

Estimate pressure drop across 100 mesh lined Basket Type strainer provided in a 6″ line with following data.

 Flow rate = 720 GPM

 Viscosity = 70 cP
 Specific Gravity = 0.92

The Pressure Drop Chart for Basket strainers indicates a drop of 0.3 psi.

The Screen openings chart indicates the % open area of 40 mesh is 41%.

From chart one correction factor = 1.0.

Total Pressure drop (P1) = 0.3 x 1.0 = 0.3 psi

Multiply P1 by the specific gravity (0.92) of the fluid actually flowing through the strainer to get P2.

Pressure drop (P2) = P1 X Sp. Gravity = 0.3 X 0.92 =0.28 psi

Using chart 2 multiply P2 by the appropriate component factor (CF=0.35) to get P3.

Using chart 2, (P3) = P2 X (CF) = 0.28 X 0.35= 0.097 psi

Let, P4 = P2 – P3 = 0.28 – 0.097 = 0.1834 psi

Multiply P3 by the appropriate body loss factor (BF=1.6) in chart 3 to get P5

Using chart 3, P5 = P3 X (BF)= 0.1834 x 1.6= 0.298 psi

Multiply P4 by the appropriate Screen Loss factor (PF/MF = 4.0) in chart 3 to get P6

Using chart 3, P6 = P4 X (PF or MF) = 0.298 X 4.0= 1.19 psi

Total pressure drop (P7) = P5 + P6 = 0.298 + 1.190 = 1.488 psi

Annexures: