Which type of basket strainer consists of a Y-pattern body housing a wire mesh basket?

The correct answer is the type of basket strainer known as Simplex. A Simplex strainer is designed with a Y-pattern body that houses a wire mesh basket, which serves to filter out debris and contaminants from a fluid system. This design allows for effective straining with a straightforward structure.

In a typical application, the fluid flows into the strainer, passes through the wire mesh basket, and any solids are captured within it, allowing clean fluid to move downstream in the system. Simplex strainers are ideal for applications where continuous operation is possible, as they can need to be taken offline to clean the mesh once it becomes clogged.

Duplex strainers, on the other hand, incorporate two strainer chambers, allowing for a continuous flow of fluid even when one strainer is being cleaned out. This setup is beneficial in systems where maintaining flow is critical. Triplex and Quadruplex strainers follow a similar principle but with three and four chambers, respectively, providing even more redundancy for critical systems. Each of these designs adds complexity and usually requires more space, making Simplex strainers more straightforward and suitable for less demanding applications.