Standard Specification for Suction Strainer Boxes

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the design and material requirements as well as the construction strainer boxes used in ships' bilges and other tank locations requiring trash protection for suction pipes and pumps. Materials covered by this specification are Types 1 and 2 strainer boxes, which shall be manufactured free of defects, burrs, and sharp edges, and with dimensions conforming to the requirements specified. The strainer boxes shall be hot galvanized after fabrication.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the design, materials, and construction of strainer boxes for use in ships’ bilges and other such tank locations that require trash protection for suction pipes and pumps.  
1.2 This specification covers pipe sizes from NPS 11/2 through NPS 16 (see Note 1).  
Note 1: The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has been substituted in this specification for such traditional terms as “nominal diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.”  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Sep-2022

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jan-2024
Effective Date
01-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-Aug-2014
Effective Date
01-Dec-2013
Effective Date
01-Dec-2013
Effective Date
01-Apr-2013
Effective Date
01-Nov-2012
Effective Date
01-Nov-2009
Effective Date
01-Nov-2009
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Effective Date
15-May-2008
Effective Date
01-May-2008
Effective Date
01-May-2008
Effective Date
01-May-2008
Effective Date
01-Mar-2005

Overview

ASTM F986-86(2022): Standard Specification for Suction Strainer Boxes is a key international specification developed by ASTM International. This standard provides comprehensive requirements for the design, materials, and construction of suction strainer boxes used in ships’ bilges and similar tank locations, where they serve the vital function of protecting suction pipes and pumps from debris and trash ingress. The specification covers two primary types of strainer boxes and is applicable to nominal pipe sizes (NPS) ranging from 1½ to 16 inches.

This standard ensures that strainer boxes are manufactured to high quality and durability standards, including specifications for material selection, fabrication processes, protective coatings, and dimensional tolerances. Its adoption supports marine safety, operational reliability, and maintenance efficiency in marine and industrial water management systems.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Classification

    • Covers strainer boxes for use in ship bilges and tanks to prevent trash from entering suction pipes and pumps.
    • Applies to NPS 1½ through NPS 16.
    • Defines Type 1 (centered pipe clamp) and Type 2 (off-center pipe clamp) strainer box designs.
  • Material and Construction Requirements

    • Specifies use of carbon steel sheet metal and stainless steel fasteners for strength and corrosion resistance.
    • Requires strainer boxes to be free from defects, burrs, and sharp edges.
    • Mandates hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication per ASTM A123/A123M with minimum zinc thickness.
  • Design and Dimensional Specifications

    • Provides detailed dimensions for each type and size of strainer box.
    • Ensures compatibility with designated suction pipe sizes and installation environments.
  • Installation Considerations

    • Outlines minimum clearance requirements between suction pipe and tank bottom.
    • Addresses installation in ballast and bilge spaces with consideration for structural obstructions.

Applications

Suction strainer boxes designed to ASTM F986-86(2022) are essential marine components, ensuring reliable operation and protection for pumps and piping systems by effectively screening trash and debris. Typical applications include:

  • Ship Bilges: Prevents clogging and protects ballast or bilge pumps, ensuring continuous dewatering capacity and ship safety.
  • Tank Installations: Used in storage and process tanks requiring debris filtering for solution suction lines.
  • Industrial Water Systems: Can be utilized in similar water intake or sump applications where trash protection is necessary.
  • New Ship Construction and Maintenance: Required by shipbuilders and repair facilities to comply with industry best practices for safety and longevity.

Employing strainer boxes built to this ASTM standard minimizes risk of equipment failure due to foreign object ingestion, reduces maintenance costs, and improves overall operational efficiency.

Related Standards

For designing, fabricating, and installing suction strainer boxes and related systems, the following standards are also relevant:

  • ASTM A36/A36M: Specification for Carbon Structural Steel used in strainer box fabrication.
  • ASTM A123/A123M: Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings providing corrosion protection.
  • ASTM F593/F594: Specifications for stainless steel fasteners (bolts and nuts) used in assembly.
  • ASTM F708: Practice for Design and Installation of Rigid Pipe Hangers, relevant for clamp fittings.
  • AWS D1.3: Structural Welding Code for Sheet Steel, covering welding procedures used during fabrication.

These referenced standards ensure that all aspects of strainer box manufacture and installation align with recognized best practices for quality, durability, and marine safety compliance.


Keywords: suction strainer box, ASTM F986, marine piping systems, bilge protection, ship tank equipment, trash protection, pump protection, hot-dip galvanized, marine standards, industrial water systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F986-86(2022) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Suction Strainer Boxes". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers the design and material requirements as well as the construction strainer boxes used in ships' bilges and other tank locations requiring trash protection for suction pipes and pumps. Materials covered by this specification are Types 1 and 2 strainer boxes, which shall be manufactured free of defects, burrs, and sharp edges, and with dimensions conforming to the requirements specified. The strainer boxes shall be hot galvanized after fabrication. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the design, materials, and construction of strainer boxes for use in ships’ bilges and other such tank locations that require trash protection for suction pipes and pumps. 1.2 This specification covers pipe sizes from NPS 11/2 through NPS 16 (see Note 1). Note 1: The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has been substituted in this specification for such traditional terms as “nominal diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.” 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT This specification covers the design and material requirements as well as the construction strainer boxes used in ships' bilges and other tank locations requiring trash protection for suction pipes and pumps. Materials covered by this specification are Types 1 and 2 strainer boxes, which shall be manufactured free of defects, burrs, and sharp edges, and with dimensions conforming to the requirements specified. The strainer boxes shall be hot galvanized after fabrication. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the design, materials, and construction of strainer boxes for use in ships’ bilges and other such tank locations that require trash protection for suction pipes and pumps. 1.2 This specification covers pipe sizes from NPS 11/2 through NPS 16 (see Note 1). Note 1: The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has been substituted in this specification for such traditional terms as “nominal diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.” 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F986-86(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 47.020.30 - Piping systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F986-86(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F708-24, ASTM F594-09(2015), ASTM F708-92(2014), ASTM F593-13ae1, ASTM F593-13a, ASTM F593-13, ASTM A36/A36M-12, ASTM F594-09, ASTM F594-09e1, ASTM F708-92(2008), ASTM A36/A36M-08, ASTM F594-08, ASTM F593-02(2008)e1, ASTM F593-02(2008), ASTM A36/A36M-05. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F986-86(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F986 −86 (Reapproved 2022) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Suction Strainer Boxes
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF986;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Classification
1.1 This specification covers the design, materials, and 3.1 This specification covers two types of strainer boxes.
construction of strainer boxes for use in ships’bilges and other 3.1.1 Type 1—Strainer boxes with pipe clamp centered on
such tank locations that require trash protection for suction the top of the strainer box (see Fig. 1).
pipes and pumps. 3.1.2 Type 2—Strainer boxes with the pipe clamp off center
in the top of the strainer box (see Fig. 2).
1.2 This specification covers pipe sizes from NPS 1 ⁄2
through NPS 16 (see Note 1).
4. Ordering Information
NOTE 1—The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has
4.1 Ordering information required is as follows.
beensubstitutedinthisspecificationforsuchtraditionaltermsas“nominal
4.1.1 ASTM specification and year of issue.
diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.”
4.1.2 Type.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1.3 Size (suction pipe NPS).
asstandard.Nootherunitsofmeasurementareincludedinthis
4.1.4 Dimensions G and H (Type 2 only).
standard.
4.1.5 Number of each type and size.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Materials and Manufacture
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 For information on materials, see Table 1.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 Welding shall be in accordance with AWS D1.3.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.3 Perforated sheet metal shall have ⁄8-in. diameter holes
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
on staggered ⁄2-in. centers, 51% open area.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Dimensions and Tolerances
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Tolerance—6 ⁄16 in.
A36/A36MSpecification for Carbon Structural Steel
A123/A123MSpecification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) 6.2 Strainer Box Dimensions:
Coatings on Iron and Steel Products 6.2.1 Type 1—See Table 2.
F593 Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap 6.2.2 Type 2—See Table 3.
Screws, and Studs
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
F594Specification for Stainless Steel Nuts
F708Practice for Design and Installation of Rigid Pipe 7.1 Strainer boxes shall be hot galvanized in accordance
Hangers
with Specification A123/A123M after fabrication. The galva-
2.2 AWS Standard: nizing shall be a minimum of 2 mils thick.
AWS D1.3Structural Welding Code—Sheet Steel
7.2 Strainer boxes shall be free of defects, burrs, and sharp
edges.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F25 on Ships
8. Installation
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.11 on
Machinery and Piping Systems.
8.1 Strainerboxesarenormallyinstalledonsuctionpipesin
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
ɛ1
ballast and bilge spaces.
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F986–86 (2018) .
DOI: 10.1520/F0986-86R22.
8.2 Minimum suction pipe or tank bottom clearances are
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
indicated in Column “F” in Table 2 and Table 3. Dimension
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on callout is based on ⁄2 × the tailpipe nominal pipe size.
the ASTM website.
8.3 Tank structure and sloping bottom structure may ob-
Available from American Welding Society (AWS), 8669 NW 36 St., #130,
Miami, FL 33166-6672, http://www.aws.org. scure the above clearance down to the limit of the resulting
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F986 − 86 (2022)
NOTE 1—Tab location to suit perforated holes.
FIG. 1 Type 1—Elevation Strainer Box
peri
...

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