Steam Traps

Steam traps are valves that release condensed water and air from the steam system. They play an important role in maintaining a plant’s efficiency by removing these contaminants, which can lead to corrosion and erosion. There are many different types of steam traps available on the market, each with its own set of characteristics to suit a range of situations . We will discuss the different types of steam traps available and how they work. We will also provide tips for choosing the right trap for your needs.

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    Steam Condensate

    As we all know, steam is used in a variety of industries for its thermal energy . This thermal energy is then transferred to the process or application, be it heating, power generation or even sterilisation.

    The steam that is used in these processes usually contains water vapour. This is because water has a higher boiling point than other liquids and, as such, requires more energy to vaporise. When the steam cools, this water vapour will condense back into liquid form.

    When this steam comes into contact with a cold surface, the water vapour condenses and forms tiny droplets of water. These droplets are known as “condensate”.

    Condensate can cause many problems in a steam system if it is not removed. For example, condensate can lead to corrosion and erosion of pipes and other equipment. It can also cause foaming, which reduces the efficiency of the steam system.

    Steam is used for heating or as a driving force for mechanical power. If you have ever worked with or around steam, you will know that it is very important to remove the condensate from the system. Steam traps are to ensure that steam is not wasted. Steam traps are also used as a safety measure.

    Steam Traps Types

    Steam Traps Explained

    What is a Steam Trap?

    A steam trap is a valve that removes condensate from a steam system. Steam traps are an important part of any steam system, as they help to maintain the system’s efficiency by removing these contaminants.

    Why are Steam Traps Installed?

    As we have seen, steam traps are installed in order to remove condensate from the system. This is important for two reasons. Firstly, it helps to maintain the efficiency of the system by preventing corrosion and erosion. Secondly, it helps to prevent foaming, which can reduce the efficiency of the system. There are a variety of different types of steam traps available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of trap that you choose will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

    How do Steam Traps Work?

    The most common type of steam trap is the thermostatic steam trap . It uses a temperature-sensitive element to open and close the valve. The advantage of this type of trap is that it can be used in a wide range of applications and is very reliable.

    Mechanical traps work using a float. As the name suggests, the float is attached to the trap’s valve. When condensate starts to build up in the trap, the float rises and opens the valve. This allows the condensate to be released into a drain or other suitable location.

    Inverted bucket steam traps use a bucket that is inverted when there is no condensate present. When condensate starts to build up, the weight of the water causes the bucket to flip over and open the valve. This allows the condensate to be released into a drain or other suitable location.

    Types of Steam Traps

    Thermostatic Steam Trap

    The thermostatic steam trap is the most common type of trap used in industrial applications. It uses a temperature-sensitive element to open and close the valve. The advantage of this type of trap is that it can be used in a wide range of applications and is very reliable.

    Float & Thermostatic Steam Trap

    The float & thermostatic steam trap is similar to the thermostatic steam trap, but it uses a float instead of a temperature-sensitive element. The advantage of this type of trap is that it is less affected by changes in pressure than the thermostatic steam trap.

    Ball Float Steam Traps

    The ball float steam trap is similar to the float & thermostatic steam trap, but it uses a ball instead of a float. The advantage of this type of trap is that it is less affected by changes in pressure than the float & thermostatic steam trap.

    Inverted Bucket Steam Traps

    The inverted bucket steam trap is similar to the float & thermostatic steam trap, but it uses an inverted bucket instead of a float. The advantage of this type of trap is that it is less affected by changes in pressure than the float & thermostatic steam trap.

    Bucket Traps

    Bucket traps are similar to ball float steam traps, but they use a bucket instead of a ball. The advantage of this type of trap is that it is less affected by changes in pressure than the ball float steam trap.

    Thermodynamic Steam Traps

    Thermodynamic steam traps use the principle of thermal expansion to open and close the valve. The advantage of this type of trap is that it is not affected by changes in pressure.

    Selecting a Steam Trap

    If you have any questions about steam traps or need help choosing the right one for your application, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you.

    We are dedicated to providing high-quality products and services to our customers. We offer a wide range of valves, including Steam Traps, which are an important part of any steam system as they help to remove condensate from the system. We would be happy to help you choose the right valve for your application and needs.

    Valveforce Steam Traps

    Ball Float Traps

    The FTE14 Ball float steam trap is designed and manufactured to be a very robust and reliable mechanical steam trapping device.

    This float trap would generally be used on process applications where the condensate needs to be discharged even at very low differential pressures.

    The FTE14 float trap is capable of discharging condensate even under wide varied loads. This steam trap will open proportionally when the condensate level increases and then discharge continuously.

    This steam trap is equipped as standard with a thermostatic element for discharging air, this float trap is ideal for all types of process applications like steam separator, heat
    exchangers, etc…

    Ball Float Steam Trap

    Technical Data Sheet

    Bucket Traps

    The inverted bucket is the most reliable steam trap operating principle known. The heart of its simple design is a unique leverage system that multiplies the force provided by the bucket to open the valve against pressure. Since the bucket is open at the bottom, it resists damage from water hammer, and wearing points are heavily reinforced for long life.

    The inverted bucket has only two moving parts—the valve lever assembly and the bucket. That means no fixed points, no complicated linkages. Nothing to stick, bind or clog.

    Bucket Trap

    Technical Data Sheet

    Thermodynamic Traps

    The thermodynamic steam trap is one of the most popular steam trap design. It’s popularity is mainly based on an efficient, robust and high performance design in relation to it’s extremely small physical size.

    Composed of only 5 parts, the BTD type is simple to maintain with a very low purchase cost. This steam trap is highly recommended for applications such as tracing, main distribution drains, small process loads or as part of OEM packages.

    Thermodynamic Trap

    Technical Data Sheet

    Thermostatic Traps

    Thermostatic steam trap with membrane regulator. Corrosion-resistant thermostatic
    capsule unaffected by waterhammer. Integral strainer. Asbestos-free cover gasket
    (graphite/CrNi). Installation in any position.

    The traps with standard capsule “N” discharge the condensate with virtually no banking-up, the traps with special capsule “U” with an undercooling of approx. 30 K (degC).

    MK 35/31 with tandem seat
    In particular for low condensate flowrates. Optionally either with standard capsule
    “5 N 1” or undercooling capsule “5 U 1”.

    MK 35/32 with single seat
    For larger condensate flowrates. Optionally either with standard capsule “5 N 2” or undercooling capsule “5 U 2”.

    Thermodynamic Trap

    Technical Data Sheet

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