Strainer Location and Tips
Sealcoating strainers are an important piece to any sealcoating tank or spray system whether you're transferring out of a bulk storage tank or spraying sealer on pavement. Where you place the strainer is totally up to you, however we recommend that you place a strainer directly before the inlet of your pump to prevent large material from damaging the pump. Sealcoat sprayers know all too well the buildup that happens over a season and sometimes that hard buildup can break free and get sucked into the pump. From there, the material can get lodged in your spray hose or travel all the way down to the tip. Clogged tips cost money in time and having a strainer would prevent this, ensuring a smooth spraying experience.
One tip that isn't discussed much in the industry, is having two separate strainers in a setup. While it isn't necessary, think about having a strainer with a larger mesh (larger holes) that will filter out big particles, then somewhere down line having a second strainer with a smaller mesh (smaller holes) to filter the smaller pieces. You could put the two back-to-back before the inlet of the pump, or maybe it makes more sense to have the large mesh on the inlet side of the pump and the smaller mesh on the outlet side. Either way, having two strainers to properly filter out unwanted material from the system isn't a bad thing and certainly doesn't hurt.
