Where are steam traps located?
Steam traps in HVAC applications are generally found in two locations: drip traps and at process equipment. Drip traps are located as part of the main steam distribution piping as the system radiates heat, loses energy, and creates condensate within the piping system.
How many steam traps are there?
Although there are many types of steam traps, the three most commonly used are the inverted bucket steam trap, the float-thermostatic steam trap, and the thermostatic steam trap. A description of all three steam traps follows.
What happens if there is no steam trap?
When a steam trap fails open, it simply acts like an open valve and hence, a lot of steam would leak through it. As a result, the overall steam consumption of the plant will go up, reducing the efficiency of the operation.
Should be installed just ahead of a steam trap?
The steam trap should be installed in an accessible location. Always locate the steam trap below the lowest condensate discharge point of the equipment. Ahead of the steam trap, A rise in pipe elevation is not at all desirable. In most applications, check valves are installed after the steam traps.
What kind of steam traps are there?
Steam traps can be split into three main categories; Mechanical, Thermodynamic, and Thermostatic. Each type uses a different operating principle to remove condensate and non-condensable gases and keep steam in the system.
Can a steam trap be oversized?
An oversized steam trap is not an effective option either. With heat exchanger sized, the steam trap can be sized. Some rules of thumb typically used are as high as 200 percent steam trap capacity compared to the design capacity of the heat exchanger, resulting in oversized steam traps.
Does steam piping need to be sloped?
Steam lines MUST have slope, as no matter how effective the insulation is, some heat will always be lost, and a portion of the steam will condense. This water must be effectively removed. The preferred method is forward slope, in which the steam and condensate flow in the same direction.