The efficiency of any boiler and heating system is contingent on the steam traps. Testing them regularly will help keep your system running at peak efficiency and prolong their lifespan.
Although steam traps can be made in different ways, they all work on the same principle. Pressure gauges, detecting leaks and checking the temperature of the outlet pipe can all be used to determine if the system is functioning properly.
Size
There are many options for steam traps to fulfill the requirements of any vessel or pipe. You can select between A126 cast iron and stainless steel, as well as other materials.
Certain steam traps steam trap survey are constructed for high condensate discharge loads and others are used for low or even no discharge. The choice of a steam trap must consider the amount of condensate that it will draw out and the pressure it operates at.
The type of pipe that is used in heat transfer equipment is another factor to consider. Making sure that the steam trap closely is the same as the piping that is at the outlet of the machine will ensure that condensate flows properly to the steam trap.
For example, if the heat transfer device has a 2" pipe connection, the steam trap that has an 1.5" pipe size should be used to meet the condensate's high capacity.
Design
Steam traps are made to disperse condensate and non-condensable gas. They are usually installed along the piping in an entire system. They reduce pressure in the pipes and also regulate the flow of steam.
The key to any steam-related project is to choose the appropriate steam trap survey. Be aware of the operating pressure and temperature at the location of discharge (CDL) and the environmental conditions and maintenance needs.
This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the material used to construct the steam trap's body. For instance, the steam trap might require a temperature of minus when installed outdoors or in areas that are not heated and must be able to accommodate the condensate pressure that could be required downstream of it.
Traps need to be designed accurately so that they will not be too small for condensate to flow from equipment and jacketing. This can cause water logging, but can also affect the heating process and create problems such as air vapor lock, water hammer, and corrosion.
Materials
Steam traps are an essential element of a steam system. They stop condensate back-up in steam lines, which can result in waterhammer, and less quality steam.
There are numerous types of steam traps on the market. They include mechanical, thermodynamic, and balanced pressure traps.
Thermostatic steam traps are able to detect the temperature difference between steam & condensate. This causes a thermostatic component to be moved and then close the valve.
The thermostatic steam trap cape town is controlled by a valve that is operated by a sensor element which expands as hot condensate comes into the body and reduces the pressure when cooler condensate present.
In the process industry steam traps are typically included in the main piping material specifications for concerned steam piping network. These specifications include a variety of information including conditions at the end as well as pressure ratings.
In some instances integral strainers are integrated into steam traps in order to reduce the amount of fittings required. This can be especially useful in applications that require fast venting of air, like steam jackets.
Installation
Steam traps are utilized to remove steam from steam-powered plant. The condensate in the system results in heat loss, which reduces the effectiveness of the plant.
Steam trap installation is often essential to the design and maintenance of a plant. Properly installed, the steam trap will operate efficiently and safely discharge condensate.
When a steam trap is placed in an equipment's outlet, it should be fitted with a strainer to catch dirt and pipescale that could hinder the operation of the device. It should also be equipped with a glass that can permit to see the trap's outlet and condensate drainage.
The steam trap should be designed to accommodate different operating conditions. For cold start-ups the capacity of the steam trap must be increased by at minimum three to two times the volume of condensate expected in normal operation, according to Watson McDaniel.