Steam Trap

Steam Trap is an important component of a steam system. Steam traps have an important role to play in keeping the productivity and reliability of the steam system. The role of a steam trap is to remove condensate, air, and other incondensable gasses from a steam device while not allowing live steam to escape.

Type

A thermostatic steam trap is a steam trap that works by employing the concept of the temperature difference between steam and cool condensate and air. In this type of trap, steam increases pressure in a thermostatic element. This causes the thermostatic steam trap to close. When the non-condensable and condensate gases in the cooling leg back up, the temperature starts reducing and the thermostatic element contacts to open a valve. The quantity of backed-up condensate ahead of the thermostatic steam trap depends on steam pressure, load conditions, and pipe size. A thermostatic steam trap is also used to pass air from a system of steam. As the air collects, the temperature reduces and an air vent discharges air automatically at moderately below steam temperatures all-round the whole operating pressure range. Thermostatic steam traps can be available in either wafer-type elements or balanced pressure bellows. These steam traps are manufactured using a variety of materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and bronze. Thermostatic steam traps are used to handle light condensate loads.

A thermodynamic steam trap is made up of one moving part. This part is a disc made of stainless steel and it serves as a valve.

This steam trap operates by use of flash steam dynamic effect.

A thermodynamic steam trap is simple in design and is well suited for serving medium and high-pressure applications.

This steam trap is small, free from water hammer effects, and it can be installed in any position be it vertical or horizontal.

Thermodynamic steam trap manufacturers design the trap with a compact design and versatile for a broad pressure range.

Such characteristics have made thermodynamic steam traps more preferred for wide use in tracing,

specific light processes, and drip steam applications.

An inverted bucket steam trap is a mechanical steam trap that works by employing the principle of density difference between water and steam.

The steam that enters the inverted bucket steam trap makes the bucket float and closes the discharge valve.

The condensate enters the inverted bucket steam trap alters the bucket to a sinking weight and opens the trap discharge valve to eject the condensate.

The inverted bucket steam trap manufacturers design the trap in a way that makes it possible to vent carbon dioxide and air continuously at the same steam temperature.

As the bucket moves down and up in the condensate, a linkage mechanism connected to the

bucket opens or closes the discharge valve which traps condensate or allows it to escape.

The maximum efficiency is achieved when steam space is kept free from condensate.

Ball float steam trap is a mechanical device where a trap works due to steam density difference. In this device, a valve holds a floating trap ball.

When the valve body is filled with liquid it makes the ball float on the liquid.

An iron rod is used to connect the floating ball to the valve gate so that it can open the valve gate as the ball floats upwards.

If the condensate level is low, the valve would be filled with steam. As such,

the steam will push the ball downwards closing the gate. Also,

the valve can permit steam flow at an adjusted or controlled rate.

Ball float steam trap is a device used to separate steam and water.

Ball float steam traps are meant to prevent steam wastage.

Air and condensate present in steam from a steam plant have certain harmful effects on the effective performance of the plant.

Such effects include taking heating space which can be occupied by the steam and also they cause

formation of water films on the heating surface or air pockets which limits heat transfer.

Cast iron, Bronze, Carbon steel, Stainless steel

Steam Distribution Piping

Tight seal to minimize steam leakage even with low condensate loads

Unaffected by environment, even in adverse weather conditions

Ability to vent start-up air and operating air

Continuous condensate discharge to minimize pooling

Unaffected by back pressure in return

Non-blast discharge characteristics in open-drainage applications

Steam-heating Equipment (No Stall)

Continuous condensate discharge to maximize heating consistency and minimize pooling

Unaffected by large variations in condensate load

Ability to vent both start-up and operating air

Ability to discharge condensate even at lowest available differential pressure and operate

effectively against high backpressure

Ability to ‘fail open’ so that condensate is discharged even if trap is damaged or worn

Non-blast discharge to minimize piping erosion

Steam-heating Equipment (Stall)

Same as above, except;

No-subcooling condensate discharge from equipment to maximize heating consistency

Ability to discharge condensate without steam loss regardless of NEGATIVE or POSITIVE

differential pressure conditions

May require other components to discharge condensate if system is damaged or worn

Tracer Lines (High Temp.)

Compact and light

Little to no subcooling

Trap suitable for operation in all piping orientations

Requires scale / copper precipitate removal function if frequent blockage

Tracer Lines (Low Temp.)

Same as above except;

Subcooling preferred:

to use steam’s sensible heat

to achieve lower temperature

Power-driven Equipment

Tight seal to minimize steam leakage even with very low condensate loads

Unaffected by environment, even in adverse weather conditions

Ability to vent start-up air

Continuous condensate discharge to minimize pooling

Unaffected by back pressure in return

Non-blast discharge characteristics in open-drainage applications