What component is located on the suction side of the fuel oil pump to prevent debris from entering?

The component located on the suction side of the fuel oil pump that prevents debris from entering is the duplex strainer. Duplex strainers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of fuel systems by filtering out larger particles and contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the pump.

These strainers are designed to allow for continuous operation of the fuel system, as they often feature two strainers and a valve system that enables one strainer to be cleaned or serviced while the other remains operational. This ensures that any debris is captured without interrupting the flow of fuel, thereby protecting the pump and other downstream components from potential damage caused by contaminants.

Other components such as fuel oil heaters are used to maintain the temperature of the fuel to improve its flow properties, pressure gauges measure pressure levels within the system, and check valves are used to prevent backflow. While all these components are important in a fuel oil system, they do not serve the specific function of filtering out debris on the suction side of the fuel oil pump.