Which device is used to remove debris from fluids before they enter pumps or systems?

The device used to remove debris from fluids before they enter pumps or systems is a strainer. Strainers are designed specifically to catch larger particles and debris from liquids, ensuring that only clean fluid passes through to the subsequent components, such as pumps or machinery. This helps to protect sensitive equipment from damage, maintain efficiency, and extend the life of the system by preventing blockages and wear caused by abrasive materials.

Filters, while also designed to remove contaminants from fluids, generally target much smaller particles and often employ finer mesh materials to do so. Strainers, on the other hand, are typically used for coarser debris and are not intended for filtering out microscopic contaminants, which is the function of a filter.

In contrast, a pump is a device that moves fluids but does not remove debris. A heat exchanger is used to transfer heat between two or more fluids but does not perform any filtration function. Hence, the strainer's primary purpose aligns directly with the requirement to prevent debris from entering systems, making it the appropriate choice in this context.