Steam traps; A vital link to energy control

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Energy Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:7116461

Giovanetto, K ^[1]

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1. Giovanetto Consulting, Tremont, IL (US)

Two types of heat are present in steam - sensible and latent. Sensible heat is heat that can be sensed with a thermometer. Latent heat cannot be sensed, but it is still present and is given off when steam condenses. A steam trap stops or traps the steam until it gives up its latent heat and condenses. The steam trap then allows the condensate to discharge and return to the boiler where it is reheated into steam. In this paper this cycle is illustrated. Without a steam trap, the steam would not give off its latent heat, and the efficiency of the heat transfer in the heat exchanger would be greatly reduced. This reduction in efficiency can be translated into increased energy costs. Avoiding these increased costs is the primary reason steam traps are used.

• OSTI ID: 7116461
• Journal Information: Energy Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Engineering; (United States) Vol. 88:1; ISSN EENGD; ISSN 0199-8595
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320106 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Equipment-- (1987-)
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
ACCOUNTING
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY
ENERGY ACCOUNTING
ENERGY ANALYSIS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT TRANSFER
REVIEWS
STEAM
STEAM TRAPS
TRAPS