Issue:
What is a mesh 16 water strainer?
Resolution:
Effective April of 2016, the CGAM Y-strainer was replaced with an in-line strainer. The new strainer is used only on units that are built without the factory installed pump package. The original Y-strainer is still used on units that are built with the factory installed pump package.
The new strainer includes a cleanable 16 mesh filtering screen., but it does not have a blow down valve. The plug on the front is designed to be used as a drain location to flush some sediment from the strainer. A valve can be installed on the cap where the NPT plug is located to drain and blow out the strainer. To fully clean or replace the screen, remove the front cover panel and then remove the screen.
A differential pressure gauge installed across the inlet and outlet will indicate pressure loss due to clogging and may be used as a guide to determine when cleaning is required. The taps for the pressure gauges are included as standard from the factory. Normally, when differential pressure reaches 5-10psi, the screen should be cleaned.
Information below is still applicable to units with the factory installed pump package:
The CGAM comes standard with a factory installed Y-strainer, which includes a cleanable mesh 16 filtering element. The strainer is equipped with a blow-down valve for cleaning.
Mesh 16 refers to the spacing between the wires of the filtering element, which is 1.19 mm (0.0469").
Click here for a picture of the strainer.
For a cut sheet of the strainer, see Do we have a cut sheet on the factory installed strainer?
Notes:
Comparison of mesh sizes and particle relative size, here.
In general, the bigger the mesh size, the finer/smaller the spacing.
For example, mesh 16 is about 3/16", while mesh 40 is about 1/16"
Changes:
Other Question/Problem/Cause Statements:
- What is a mesh 16 water strainer?
- What particle size can a mesh 16 strainer retain?
- Will the mesh 16 strainer filter silt from the water loop?
- Do you have information on the factory installed water strainer?
Facts:
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (CGAM 20-130 Ton)
Document Identifier: DOC-94587
WARNING:
Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.