Points to Consider in Selecting Steam Traps

A steam trap is a steam system device which reduces condensation and gasses and retains the most steam possible. Generally used in heating and ventilation systems, it functions as an automatic valve that automatically opens and closes. In some situations, it blocks the flow of steam.

There are several considerations that you should keep in mind when buying any product. When a steam system fails to operate properly, alarming losses will be incurred, especially in cases of large factories. When not given the utmost care and attention, steam system failure can result to wasted energy and replacement of damaged equipment.

Because of the steam and condensate pipe works’ poor design, using the wrong type of trap, presence of a leaking steam trap, or a combination of these factors, things can go wrong. It is often useless to install the appropriate trap for an application if the steam system layout won’t permit it. Similarly, it is pointless to install the correct layout while neglecting steam trapping.

Dirt is another major factor that must be reflected on when choosing traps. Although steam is usually condensed to distilled water, it can sometimes include boiler feed treatments compound and natural minerals in water. Likewise, pipe dirt created during installation must also be considered. To prevent further damages, you should use steam traps, such as float-thermostatic traps, which are dirt-resistant. However, avoid using bimetallic traps, inverted bucket traps, impulse traps, and fixed orifice devices that are not suited to dirty conditions.

People commonly forget to use strainers to collect and prevent pipe scale and dirt from affecting control valves and steam traps, which can reduce heat transfer rates. Strainers are cheap and simple to put in a pipe, and its installation makes it possible to collect pipe scale and dirt and reduce maintenance.

As steam traps release condensates to the atmosphere through open ended pipes, it can be dangerous to people who can possibly inhale the condensates. The risks can be minimized by reducing the severity of the discharge by using a simple diffuser. In so doing, it reduces the intensity of discharge and sound.

Was this helpful? 0 0 Comments

You're reading Points to Consider in Selecting Steam Traps.