Steam Trap

Detailed overview of steam trap

Steam traps are a sort of automated valve that filters out condensate (condensed steam) and non-condensable gases like air while not allowing steam to escape. Steam is often utilized in industry for heating or as a driving force for mechanical power. A steam trap is utilized in such applications to prevent steam from being wasted.

Why are Steam Traps set up?

When water vaporizes to create a gas, steam is generated. For the vaporization process to occur, the water molecules must be supplied enough energy that the bonds between the molecules (hydrogen bonds, etc.) break. The energy required to transform a liquid into a gas is referred to as “latent heat.”

Steam-based heating techniques transmit latent heat to a specified product. When the task is completed (i.e., the steam has released its latent heat), it condenses and produces condensate. In other words, condensate cannot perform the same functions as steam. If condensate is not evacuated as quickly as feasible, whether, in steam transport pipes or a heat exchanger, heating efficiency suffers.

For four essential reasons, it is equally necessary to remove air and other non-condensable gases from the steam system.

(1) At startup, steam enters the system at the same rate as air is expelled.

(2) Because an air-steam combination has a temperature much below that of steam, the heat transmitted is reduced.

(3) Because air is an insulator, it adheres to the surface of the pipe or vessel, resulting in sluggish and uneven heat transmission.

(4) The non-condensable gases from acid that damage the system are dissolved in the condensate.

Steam trap types include: Based on the operating concept

Various kinds of steam traps have been created throughout time to suit various requirements. The ability to discriminate between steam and condensate is a crucial feature of a steam trap. To discriminate between steam, condensation, and air, several kinds of steam traps use distinct operating principles and mechanisms. Each design has benefits and drawbacks when categorized according to these operating principles, which must be considered when choosing a steam trap for a given application.

Steam traps are generally classified as follows depending on the technique utilized to discriminate between steam and condensate.

–Mechanical Traps Operated by Density

Steam traps that are density operated or mechanical discriminate between steam and condensate depending on densities. Because steam is usually lighter, it has a lower density than condensate. A mechanical steam trap will release just the heavy condensate while holding back the steam.

As previously stated, the fast removal of air and other non-condensable gases is critical for the correct operation of the steam system. Float traps may be equipped with an optional air vent, which eliminates air and other gases immediately during startup.

Mechanical steam traps are generally classified into two categories.

Floating Ball

Process heating applications benefit greatly from float traps or ball float traps. Float traps are built such that the valve seat is constantly immersed in water, limiting steam loss. The discharge is constant and varies in response to the condensing rate. Changes in inlet pressure do not affect it. A thermostatic air vent separately purges air, allowing for a quick start-up.

The Operating Principle

When air enters the trap, it is quickly expelled via a large auxiliary air vent.

The hollow ball float floats above the condensate as it enters the trap body. As the condensate level rises, the ball float rises, causing the modulating discharge valve to position itself such that the condensate enters the trap constantly. To establish a seal against steam loss, the condensate level in the trap body is kept above the discharge valve.

The Benefits of Float Traps

1. Continuously discharge condensate as it forms.
2. A high air venting capacity is provided by an auxiliary balanced-pressure air vent that self-adjusts for different steam pressures.
3. Excellent thermal efficiency under both light and heavy loads. The continuous modulating discharge does not cause pressure disturbances, which may interfere with control in air heating coils, shell and tube exchanges, and other applications.
4. Steam lock removal (S.L.R) Available service
5. Inline inlet and exit capability, low-cost installation Vertical input and output connectors are also available.
6. Good resistance to water hammer.
7. A wide variety of orifices to accommodate varying intake pressures.

Limitations

1. Cannot be utilized at extreme superheat levels.
2. Freezing applications must be protected with insulation and SLR.
3. Water hammer may cause damage to floating b. Bucket Traps inverted

Inverted bucket traps, as the name implies, include an inverted bucket. These are mechanical steam traps that function on the idea of buoyancy.

Principle of Operation:

1. At first, the bucket is at the bottom of the steam trap, and the valve seat is completely open. When the machine starts up, air enters the steam trap and is expelled via the bleed hole.
2. As condensate enters the trap, a water seal develops within the body. The weight of the bucket inhibits the valve from closing completely, allowing condensation to run around the bottom of the bucket and out of the trap. In low-load or high-heat situations, the trap may need to be ‘primed’ with water before the system is turned on.
3. When steam penetrates the bucket’s underside, it becomes buoyant and rises. This closes the valve by positioning the valve lever.
4. As a result of radiation losses, some of the steam beneath the bucket condenses and escapes via the vent hole, and the bucket loses buoyancy. The weight of the bucket will pull the valve out of its seat, and the cycle will begin again.
5. Condensate is discharged intermittently and at steam, temperature using inverted bucket traps.

Advantages:

• Water hammers resistant

Thermostatic Steam Traps

Thermostatic Steam Traps operate by measuring the temperature difference between steam and condensate. Condensate has a lower temperature than the steam being utilized. Thermostatic steam traps have a port that opens or closes depending on the temperature of the incoming fluid. The port is closed if the temperature exceeds the stated range. When the temperature of the fluid falls below the previously determined value, the port opens.

Because air and other gases have significantly lower temperatures than steam, these steam traps may also be employed as air vents.

They are classed as follows based on their actual operating mechanism:

1. Balanced Pressure Thermostatic
2. thermodynamic
3. liquid expansion
4. Expansion of Bimetal

Thermodynamic Steam Traps Powered by Kinetic Energy

The thermodynamic steam trap operates on the thermodynamic principle. Bernoulli’s principle is the driving force underlying the functioning of thermodynamic steam traps.

Because of their compact size, broad pressure range, one moving element, and resistance to water hammer and corrosion, thermodynamic traps are the most often used steam traps for extracting condensate from main lines. Because each model’s functioning is dependent on the manufacturer’s seat and disc design, the user’s outcomes may vary greatly.

High Temperature and High-Pressure Disc Type Steam Trap

GMK High Temperature and High-Pressure Disc Type Steam Trap High pressure and temperature The automated blowing equipment that must be installed is a disc-type steam trap. has a brand-new crow-type valve disc and dependable sealing performance; it is high-efficiency, energy-saving, and capable of keeping a warm temperature. being able to quickly release the condensed gas and water when the machine is turned on, while also releasing a significant amount of water and a low rate of steam; Strong anti-corruption defenses and performances that can endure a long period There is no need to make any modifications while working, which is fantastic. Excellent qualities for reducing energy waste.

• Because of its small size, installation is simple.
• It can be installed horizontally or vertically.
• A single trap can accommodate a wide range of pressures in addition to being simple to select and store.
• It is feasible to use superheated steam, and a water seal is not required.
• The body of the trap absorbs relatively little water, making it particularly resistant to the damage caused by freezing.
• Low initial cost due to the simple construction.

Inverted Bucket Steam Trap by GMK

The worn regions of GMK’s Inverted Bucket Steam Trap have been significantly reinforced to guarantee a long lifetime, and the open design of the bucket’s bottom makes it resistant to damage from water hammer. Nothing besides the bucket and the mechanism that operates the valve lever can move in an inverted bucket. Therefore, there will be no hard-and-fast anchors, and establishing connections won’t be a problem. Nothing will stick, bind, or become stuck.

Conclusion

GMK is always striving to enhance our current goods while also exploring new ideas and methods to keep ahead of the ever-changing industry. With our expertise and experience, we aspire to expand your market and achieve new levels of brilliance in the future. GMK provides you GMK Thermodynamic Steam Trap, High Temperature and High-Pressure Disc Type Steam Trap, and Inverted Bucket Steam Trap. Visit GMK to check more variety.