Understanding How Steam Traps Operate

Steam engines use steam to create mechanical energy which in turn runs machines that produce electricity. Unlike internal and external combustion engines that are powered by deflagrating diesel or burning gasoline, this engine compresses steam and sources heat from a different fuel, usually coal. The efficiency of a steam engine in energy production is based on the amount of steam captured and the minimization of condensate entry.

Steam is less dense and eventually lighter than condensate. At a gas state, it has a higher tendency to escape from the system than condensate. The condensate is considered an invaluable material in the generation of energy. If large amounts of steam manage to leave without reaching the motor units and condensate enters the system, there will be little amount of energy that will be produced. The engine is not efficient in this state.

Trapping the steam contributes to the overall efficiency of the engine. Steam engines today use steam traps to prevent condensate from entering and steam from escaping. This device is normally installed between the pipe conveying the steam towards the expansion chamber and the pipe releasing condensate and non-condensable gases. It is a type of valve regulating the flow of steam as a fluid.

Steam traps normally consist of three major parts: float, valve seat (orifice), and bimetal strip. They comprise the body of the trap. When condensate enters, it fills a portion of the valve and enters the orifice connected to the second port intended to release all unnecessary material in the system. The orifice is initially closed by the condensate to prevent steam from entering. It also discharges air through the orifice.

When the condensate reaches 90 degrees Celsius, the bimetal strip cuddling the float expands and begins to allow the float to become buoyant. The float is responsible for pushing the condensate towards the orifice to keep it from joining the steam in entering the expansion chamber. Most steam traps have spherical float. The uniform dimension of its surface prevents changes in the required forces to push the condensate.

Steam traps are very useful in maintaining the health of the engine. Condensate and non-condensable materials do not only impact the efficiency of the system but also carries risks of malfunction in the motor units. Once these materials are discharged, they are brought to the initial point to reenter the system and produce steam again.

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