Actually there isn't any since a strainer is, in reality, a coarse filter. The question is then one of semantics. Generally it is assumed that if the particle to be removed is not visible to the naked eye, the unit is filtering, and if the particle is visible, the unit is straining. The average human eye can detect a specific particle between 50 and 70 micros. Most people cannot see anything smaller than 325 mesh, or 44 microns. Since 200 mesh is equivalent to 74 microns, a general rule would be that if the screening device is coarser than 200 mesh, it is a strainer and if it is finer than 200 mesh it is a filter.

One of the best uses for a strainer is in conjunction with a filter. By installing a strainer directly ahead of a filter, the large heavy pieces which would quickly clog the filter are removed. The filter is then free to do its major job of fine particle removal and does not have to be cleaned so often.

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