Y-Strainer and Basket Strainer RFQ Checklist

A strainer should be sourced against the pump, control valve, meter, regulator, heat exchanger, spray nozzle, steam trap, compressor, or process line it protects. Include the equipment tag, line size, service, failure mode, and whether the request supports new fabrication, a replacement in kind, emergency maintenance, or recurring spare stock.

That context helps separate a common threaded Y-strainer from a flanged high-capacity basket strainer, duplex unit, specialty material body, or documented replacement screen. It also helps Westgate flag related items such as gaskets, studs, nuts, washers, pipe fittings, valves, gauges, drains, plugs, insulation hardware, and tools that may belong on the same RFQ.

Use clear buying language for the body style: Y-strainer, basket strainer, simplex basket strainer, duplex basket strainer, T-strainer, temporary cone strainer, suction diffuser, or replacement screen only. If the style is uncertain, include photos of the installed body, cover, nameplate, drain plug, flow arrow, and connected piping.

For retrofit work, state whether the quote must match face-to-face length, centerline height, cover clearance, blow-off orientation, flange drilling, pipe thread, or existing support layout. A stocked strainer may meet the nominal pipe size but fail in the field if the screen removal path, basket cover, drain location, or installed envelope is different.

The RFQ should state nominal pipe size, pressure class or body rating, end connection, flow direction, and whether the line uses NPT, socket weld, butt weld, grooved, flanged, wafer, sanitary, or other connection styles. For flanged strainers, include flange class, face type, standard, and gasket style when known.

Do not treat size as the only controlled field. A 2 inch threaded utility strainer, 2 inch 150 class flanged Y-strainer, and 2 inch basket strainer can have different pressure ratings, pressure drop behavior, cleanout access, gasket needs, and documentation paths. If alternates are allowed, ask for exact-match, domestic, documented, and fastest stocked options as separate quote lines.

Many strainer problems are screen problems. Include mesh size, perforation size, open area requirement, screen material, basket material, support style, handle requirement, gasket or O-ring requirement, and whether the request is for a complete strainer, replacement screen, spare basket, or cleanout kit.

If the screen requirement is unknown, share the media, downstream equipment, current screen markings, old screen photos, and what failed: plugging too quickly, debris passing through, corrosion, collapse, torn mesh, damaged basket, missing gasket, or recurring cleanout. That information helps Westgate quote practical options without pretending every replacement screen is interchangeable.

Body and trim material should follow the service conditions. Cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, PVC, CPVC, ductile iron, alloy, lined, and specialty body options can have different pressure, temperature, corrosion, and documentation implications. Include media, temperature range, pressure range, outdoor exposure, washdown, chemical exposure, steam, condensate, water, oil, compressed air, fuel, or wastewater context when relevant.

If the plant or customer requires stainless internals, domestic sourcing, Buy America-related language, country of origin, an approved manufacturer list, or no imported substitution, include that requirement on the first RFQ. A practical quote should make material and origin exceptions visible before purchasing awards the order.

Strainer replacement often needs more than the body. Flange gaskets, studs, nuts, washers, drain valves, blow-off plugs, pressure gauges, differential pressure accessories, cover gaskets, O-rings, support hardware, pipe fittings, sealant, torque tools, and tag labels may all belong on the same repair or build package.

Documentation should be named before the order is placed. Useful quote attachments can include manufacturer data sheets, dimensions, pressure ratings, screen details, material certificates, COCs, MTRs, country of origin, coating information, and line-item exceptions. That lets buyers separate stocked commercial strainers from domestic, documented, and approval-required alternates.