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What Is a Witches Hat Strainer?

Released on Feb. 12, 2026

A Complete Guide to Cone Strainers in Industrial Filtration


When searching for compact inline filtration solutions, many engineers encounter the term "Witches Hat Strainer."

A witches hat strainer is a cone-shaped filtration device used to remove solid particles from liquid pipelines, pump suctions, and vessel outlets. Its conical geometry increases filtration area while maintaining low pressure drop, making it ideal for equipment protection in industrial systems.

At YUBO Filter, we manufacture precision stainless steel witches hat strainers designed for high-flow and demanding industrial environments.


What Is a Witches Hat Strainer?

A witches hat strainer is a conical metal filter element installed inside pipelines or vessels to capture solid particles and protect downstream equipment such as pumps, valves, and heat exchangers. It is commonly made from stainless steel mesh or a perforated plate.

Click here to learn about: Witches Hat Strainer Flow Direction


Witches Hat Strainer, Cone Strainer, Conical Strainer, Temporary cone filter, Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Cone, Manufacturer

Why Is It Called a "Witches Hat" Strainer?

The name comes from its distinctive cone shape, which resembles a traditional pointed witch's hat.

In engineering drawings, it may also be referred to as:

• Cone strainer

Conical strainer

Temporary cone filter

• Pump suction cone screen

• Stainless steel cone filter


How Does a Witches Hat Strainer Work?

The operating principle is simple and highly reliable:

• Liquid flows through the conical screen.

• Solid particles are retained on the outer surface.

• Clean fluid passes through the filtration openings.

• Collected debris is removed during maintenance or backflushing.

Because of its angled surface, debris distributes more evenly than on flat screens, reducing clogging risk and extending service life.


Structural Types

At YUBO Filter, witches hat strainers are available in:

✔ Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Cone

• Fine filtration

• Cost-effective

• Suitable for general liquid filtration

✔ Perforated Plate Cone

• Higher mechanical strength

• Larger particle retention

• Heavy-duty industrial use


What Is a Witches Hat Strainer? | Cone Strainer Manufacturer – YUBO Filter

Key Technical Advantages

• Large filtration area in compact space

• Low pressure drop

• High dirt-holding capacity

• Reusable and cleanable

• Custom slot size or mesh opening

• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction


Witches Hat Strainer Common Materials

• Stainless Steel 304

• Stainless Steel 316, 316L

• Duplex Stainless Steel

• Custom alloys for corrosive environments

Material selection depends on fluid chemistry, temperature, and pressure requirements.


Typical Applications

Witches hat strainers are widely used in:

• Pump suction protection

• Chemical processing systems

• Water and wastewater treatment

• Oil & gas pipelines

• Heat exchanger protection

• Ion exchange resin retention systems

In water treatment plants, they are often installed as a safety barrier to prevent media loss and protect downstream equipment.


Witches Hat Strainer vs. Basket Strainer

FeatureWitches Hat StrainerBasket Strainer
ShapeConicalCylindrical
InstallationInline / internalHousing-based
Space RequirementCompactLarger
Pressure DropLowerModerate
MaintenanceSimple removalHousing disassembly

For systems with limited installation space and lower pressure tolerance, cone strainers offer a more efficient solution.


Why Choose YUBO Filter?

YUBO Filter specializes in precision stainless steel filtration components for global industrial markets.

Our advantages include:

• Precision welding and slot control

• Custom diameter and height options

• Stable lead time for international supply

• Experience in water treatment and industrial filtration sectors

• Engineering support for slot size selection

Each witches hat strainer is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure mechanical strength, dimensional accuracy, and long-term durability.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the typical filtration size?

It depends on the application. Mesh openings can range from coarse perforations to fine filtration below 100 microns.

2. Is it reusable?

Yes. Most stainless steel cone strainers can be cleaned and reused multiple times.

3. Can it handle high pressure?

Heavy-duty versions using a perforated plate are suitable for higher-pressure systems.


A witches hat strainer is a compact, conical filtration device designed to protect industrial systems from solid contamination. Its low pressure drop, high strength, and customizable design make it a reliable solution for pump protection and pipeline filtration.


For engineered cone strainers tailored to your system requirements, contact YUBO Filter for technical consultation and manufacturing support.


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