Custom Fabricated Duplex Strainers for Data Center Cooling

A standard simplex basket strainer contains only one filtration chamber, requiring the system to be depressurized and taken offline whenever the filter basket needs cleaning. A duplex strainer integrates two chambers into a single unit. By switching the internal diverting valve, fluid bypasses the offline basket into the clean chamber, preventing costly downtime in mission-critical facilities like data centers.

A duplex filter directs incoming fluid through an internal diverter valve into one of two filtration chambers containing a perforated or mesh basket. The basket traps solid debris while clean liquid exits the outlet. When differential pressure rises, the diverter valve switches the fluid path to the second chamber, isolating the first chamber for depressurization, opening, and manual basket servicing.

These custom fabricated duplex strainers feature heavy-duty 316 stainless steel housing and 316 stainless steel basket assemblies. Sealing options include Buna-N, EPDM, graphite, PTFE, and Viton (FKM) to accommodate varying chemical and temperature demands. Configurations follow ASME B16.5 standards for steel flanged connections alongside ASTM standards for all metal alloys.

Depending on the selected configuration and connection type, these custom duplex strainers are rated for maximum operating pressures up to 600 psig and maximum operating temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). They support a maximum operating differential pressure up to 50 psi (3.4 bar) and can be configured with NPT threaded or flanged connections.

Basket options include perforated plate, woven mesh-lined, and pleated styles manufactured from 316 stainless steel. Mesh lining options range from 20 to 400 mesh, while perforation sizes range from 1/32 inch to 3/4 inch. These options provide open filtration areas between approximately 20% and 60%, tailored to specific system particle sizes and flow rates.

Duplex strainer baskets should be switched and cleaned when the pressure drop across the unit increases significantly. The recommended cleaning differential pressure is between 5 and 10 psi ΔP, depending on your system configuration. Monitoring differential pressure gauges ensures baskets are serviced before flow restriction impacts downstream pumps, chillers, or heat exchangers.