Why do you need steam traps?

Why do you need steam traps?

The purpose of a steam trap is to pass condensate, air and non-condensable gases from the steam system into the condensate system while not allowing live steam to pass into the condensate system. The most important functions a steam trap performs are the following: They get rid of condensate as soon as it is formed.

Where are steam traps needed?

In Front of Pressure Reducing Valves and Control Valves A steam trap should be installed immediately before pressure reducing valves / control valves to prevent condensate from pooling when the valve is closed. The trap also helps reduce erosion of the valve seat from condensate.

Why steam trap is used in steam line?

Steam Traps are automatic valves designed to remove condensate and non condensable gasses from steam lines, at the same time they prevent steam to pass through it effectively minimizing steam loss.

What are steam traps and how do they work?

A steam trap is a valve designed to sense the difference between steam and condensate, and drain the condensate from the line. Steam traps allow only condensate and gases to drain and “traps” the steam in to provide heat and power.

What happens when steam trap fails?

When a steam trap fails closed, it acts like a closed valve not allowing the steam and condensate to pass through it. Whether a steam trap fails open or closed, it does equal damage to the steam system and hence, should be repaired or replaced.

How long does a steam trap last?

approximately six years
Steam traps last approximately six years. Leaks may not be visible, so thermal imaging can be used as a testing measure. Repairing or replacing failed steam traps will improve steam system efficiency and occupant comfort, while reducing the amount of natural gas required.

What are 3 types of steam traps?

Steam traps can be split into three major types:

• Mechanical traps. These remove condensate through the use of the mechanical properties of steam vs condensate.
• Thermostatic traps. These remove condensate through the temperature difference of steam vs the liquid phase.
• Thermodynamic traps.

What temperature should a steam trap be?

212°F
If steam is blowing into a condensate line that has zero pressure, the steam temperature of the blowing or leaking steam trap must be 212°F, or the temperature of steam at zero pressure.

How do you know when a steam trap is passing?

Condensate should usually be flowing through a trap, and the sound should have a lower pitch. So, if this sound changes and appears much closer to a higher pitched sound like that of steam flow, then the trap may have a large amount of flash steam or may be leaking live steam and should be inspected further.

How do I know if my steam trap is passing?

Can air pass through steam trap?

As an air/steam mixture is denser than pure steam at the same pressure, it is usually sufficient to provide air venting capability within the low-lying steam trap. However, the mode of operation of the trap means that condensate forms a water seal at the trap inlet sometimes preventing air from reaching the trap.

Why is steam trap used in piping?

Steam traps are very essential is power piping as these devices remove the unnecessary condensate from the steam lines. A steam trap serves two basic purposes: Separate the condensate from the steam as quickly as it is generated and stop the stream discharge.

What is a steam trap governed by?

Since trap operation is governed by the difference in density of steam and water, back pressure in the return line has no effect on the ability of the trap to open for condensate and close against steam. Virtually no steam loss Steam does not reach the watersealed discharge valve.

How does a steam trap operate?

Venturi steam traps operate by continuously removing condensate from the steam system. It allows any condensate present in the steam line to pass into the condensate return system as it is formed. The operation of the trap is based on the difference in density between water and steam.

Does a steam trap remove condensate?

A steam trap is a device that removes condensate from a steam system. A typical steam system will have many steam traps – they are placed at 50-150′ intervals in straight pipe, after every heat exchanger (where the work gets done), and at every location where there is a change of elevation or pressure.