________ prevents large particles from damaging the pump and is placed in the reservoir.

• A. Strainer
• B. Filter
• C. Screen
• D. Inlet Valve

Answer: (A)

Keeping the pump safe from debris is the main idea here. Large particles in the reservoir can damage the pump impeller or clog the suction, so a device is placed at the suction entrance to keep these solids out. A strainer fits this role perfectly because it acts as a simple sieve: it lets the fluid pass while catching and holding back large debris before it reaches the pump.

Filters and screens can also protect equipment, but they serve different purposes or are placed in different locations. A filter usually targets smaller contaminants and is often installed in-line or downstream, while a screen might be used for coarse separation but isn’t the standard term for a reservoir-mounted protection device. An inlet valve controls flow into the pump and doesn’t remove debris.