All steam traps are not equal
- Watson McDaniel Co., Norristown, PA (United States)
Proper selection of a steam trap will result in a long-lasting, trouble-free steam distribution system. The definition of a trap is simple enough: it should get rid of air and purge off noncondensibles when the system is started up and drain condensate anytime during operation. This is the reason traps are sometimes called automatic drain valves. A steam trap should not discharge live steam because that wastes energy and money. Steam traps are a basic requirement on a steam line, but not just any one will do. Steam systems and services differ, and so do the traps that serve them, but well-selected steam traps can do a fine job. For example, the thermal element type traps can quickly remove condensate, work in a wide range of pressure and capacity, help avoid water hammer, control corrosion by removing noncondensibles and require little maintenance. To help specify the optimum steam trap for particular service conditions and manner of operation, it is important to understand major steam trap types, with an eye to the services each one is best suited for and required maintenance. Some of the more common types of steam traps include: inverted bucket; float and thermostatic (F and T); thermodynamic or disc; bimetallic thermostatic; and thermal-element thermostatic. The different types are described and compared.
- OSTI ID:
- 103964
- Journal Information:
- Hydrocarbon Processing, Vol. 74, Issue 8; Other Information: PBD: Aug 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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