Y strainers are most often used for steam and gases, but are also used for liquids. They have less debris holding capacity and higher pressure drops then basket strainers, but they can be used in either horizontal or vertical pipe runs where flow is downwards. They can also be fitted with a blow off connection at the end of the branch end that includes a valve, which allows for cleaning. The valve is opened without shutting off the flow or disassembling the strainer, as the flow through the pipe will flush out the solids in the screen
