Wedge wires are popularly used in sea water applications due to the anti-clogging performance, high mechanical strength, large open area for maximum flow and durable welded construction.

We supply wedge wire strainers designed for sea water projects, including intake systems, cooling water filtration and desalination plants. The strainers are available in a wide range of slot sizes (0.2 mm to 3 mm), diameters (50 mm to 500 mm) and lengths customized to project requirements. Manufactured from SS316L, or duplex stainless steel suitable for marine environments.

We have supplied wedge wire straining element for many customers in sea water filtration projects.

Following attached is a project reference for our customers filter needs.

Project: Retrofitting Sea Water Automatic Filters

Customer Problem:
The existing strainer uses a perforated metal sheet with 1 mm diameter holes, 1.5 mm pitch, and 0.9 mm thickness. During operation, the perforated sheet deforms and buckles under high differential pressure (DP). This issue arises from the inherently weak design of the perforated basket, perforated basket lacks sufficient structural strength for sea water service conditions.

Proposed Solution:
We recommend replacing the perforated sheet basket strainer with a wedge wire element. Wedge wire strainers can provide superior mechanical strength, higher collapse resistance and improved durability under high DP conditions in sea water filtration systems.

Wedge wire sea water strainer elements can be made of three optional materials: Stainless Steel 316L, HAST-C/ Hastelloy, DUPLEX SS.

Strainer – 3" OD x 1.375" Height
Constructed with #63 profile wedge wire
Slot size 0.007" ±0.002"
Outer diameter 3"
Height 1.375"
Top and bottom caps: 16-gauge
Material: Manufactured from 316L stainless steel
Supply for Mexico Project

Perforated steel strainer baskets to be replaced

Straining project datasheet and drawing

6 Reasons to choose Wedgewire strainers for sea water filtration:
Using wedge wire strainers for sea water projects offers 6 advantages over perforated metal strainers:

1. Superior Filtration Accuracy
Wedge Wire Strainers with continuous slot openings (fine as 0.05 mm) provide precise and consistent filtration.
Perforated Metal Strainers with round holes that typically range from 0.5 mm to several millimeters, less suitable for fine filtration.

2. Higher Open Area and Flow Efficiency
Wedge Wire Strainers with V-shaped profile wire have larger open areas with minimal flow resistance, maximizing water throughput while reducing pressure drop.
Perforated Metal Strainers: The solid sections between holes reduce open area and can cause higher flow resistance.

3. Anti-Clogging
Wedge Wire Strainers with V-shaped slot allow debris to slide off easily and minimizes clogging in sea water applications.
Perforated Metal Strainers with flat hole surfaces tend to trap debris more easily, requiring more frequent cleaning.

4. Corrosion Resistance and Durability
Wedge Wire Strainers are typically made from 316L or duplex stainless steel, offering excellent resistance to chloride-induced corrosion in sea water environments.
Perforated Metal Strainers are also made of stainless steel, but flat sheet construction may corrode faster at the edges of perforations under continuous saltwater exposure.

5. Mechanical Strength
Wedge Wire Strainers with welded v wire construction provides high mechanical strength and resistance to deformation.
Perforated Metal Strainers can be prone to deformation at perforation points under high pressure.

6. Longer Service Life and Lower Maintenance
Wedge Wire Strainers with reduced clogging, higher strength and better corrosion resistance offer longer service life, need less maintenance and replacement.

Write to us with your requirements and problems with filter needs, we can provide product and support for your projects.