The modern industrial world would not be possible without steam traps. These devices regulate steam flow through pipelines and other systems and play a critical role in keeping everything running smoothly.
Steam traps are integral to many industrial and commercial heating and cooling systems. What is a steam trap, and what does it do? This blog post will cover the basics of how steam traps work, their various applications, and why they are essential for efficient system operation.
What Is a Steam Trap and What Does It Do
A steam trap is a device used in hot water and steam systems to release condensate, air, and other non-condensable gasses while preventing the escape of steam.
Steam traps use various methods to do this, including float and thermostatic traps, inverted bucket traps, and disc traps. Steam traps are essential components of a steam system and can help improve efficiency and prevent damage to equipment.
Steam Trap Function
To further explain steam traps, it is necessary to note that they serve the following three primary purposes:
- Steam traps function in the clearing of the air and non-condensable gasses. Steam can’t enter equipment if there is air in it. Therefore, there won’t be any heat transfer.
- The trap system also functions to close when there is steam. It is because steam production is at a cost. Therefore it is undesirable to lose steam without using its energy.
- Condensate drainage is the trap’s third use. When steam transforms from a vapor to a liquid, it releases its latent heat. This substance is known as condensate.
Radiation losses via the pipe wall result in the formation of condensate as well. The condensate needs to be removed. If it is left in place, there will be less space for the steam to transfer heat, which could lead to a water hammer upstream of the trap.
Therefore, less heat will be transported as a result. We should now be aware of the water hammer effect; here is a brief explanation.
Water Hammer Effect
A water hammer is a pressure surge that occurs when the liquid in a pipe suddenly accelerates or decelerates.
It can occur in steam systems due to sudden temperature, velocity, and pressure changes. Steam traps are designed to reduce water hammer by allowing condensate to escape the system at a controlled rate rather than all at once.
This helps prevent sudden pressure changes that can cause damage to pipes and equipment. Additionally, steam traps are designed with various features to reduce further water hammers, such as internal buffers and check valves.
Types of Steam Traps
Steam traps are an essential part of any steam system, and there are three main types:
- Mechanical
- Thermostatic
- Float & thermostatic.
Mechanical Steam Traps
Mechanical steam traps use a moving disk or ball to open and close the web in response to changes in pressure. They’re typically used in high-pressure applications and can handle large volumes of steam.
However, they can be affected by dirt and debris and require periodic maintenance.
Thermostatic Steam Traps
This type of steam trap uses a sensing bulb filled with a liquid that expands or contracts in response to changes in temperature.
They’re well-suited for low-pressure applications and can handle liquid and vapor phase flow. However, they’re not as durable as mechanical traps and can be susceptible to freezing.
Float & Thermostatic Steam Traps
Float & thermostatic steam traps use a float to open and close the trap in response to changes in pressure, with a thermostatic element intervening to prevent premature closing.
They are used in medium-pressure applications where high reliability is essential. However, they can be expensive and can require frequent maintenance.
Applications Where Steam Trap is Used
Typically, steam traps are utilized in three situations:
- The drip application is situated on the steam supply lines.
- Process application— here, steam is used to heat goods from the food, air, and fluid sectors, among others.
- Tracing application: In this scenario, steam pipes are put in place to maintain a temperature that keeps liquid systems from freezing.
Drip Application
A drip application involves the placement of a steam trap on the steam supply line. Its purpose is to remove condensate from the system so that steam can be used efficiently and not wasted.
This steam trap must operate quickly and consistently to ensure that condensate escapes efficiently.
Drip applications are typical of industrial plants, buildings, and other facilities. Examples of drip applications include process heating systems, steam-powered pumps, autoclaves, water heaters, and distillation towers.
Additionally, steam traps are used in many HVAC systems to control the pressure by releasing excess condensate.
Process Application
A process application is a steam trap used in a system that uses steam to heat goods from the food, air, and fluid process sectors.
Steam traps near the drain and condensate discharge lines for turbines, heat exchangers, and storage tanks with heating coils. Water droplets and steam are separated using steam separators, also known as moisture separators.
These separators remove water droplets, so steam traps are also necessary. In industrial dryers, laundries, space heating, and steam ovens. A steam trap is required to operate all the applications indicated above effectively.
Tracing Application
A tracing application involves the placement of a steam trap on a steam line to maintain a temperature that keeps liquid systems from freezing or for viscosity control. Tracing applications are typical of refrigeration systems and industrial chillers.
Examples of tracing applications include refrigerated storage tanks, food processing systems, and cooling towers. Additionally, steam traps are used in many HVAC systems to regulate pressure and release excess condensate.
Conclusion
A well-functioning steam trap is critical to the efficiency of the heating system and its overall energy output. If well-designed, used and monitored it can be an essential part of any industrial or commercial system.
They come in various types and sizes, so choosing the right one for your application is vital. By knowing which type of steam trap is best suited for your needs, how they work, and their multiple uses, you can ensure maximum efficiency from your system and avoid costly repairs with peak performance.
