What is a thermostatic trap?

Thermostatic steam traps operate on steam’s temperature difference from cooled condensate and air. When air collects, the temperature drops and the thermostatic air vent automatically discharges the air at slightly below steam temperature throughout the entire operating pressure range.

What is steam trap in piping?

Steam traps are a type of automatic valve that filters out condensate (i.e. condensed steam) and non-condensable gases such as air without letting steam escape. Steam traps are used in such applications to ensure that steam is not wasted.

Where does a steam trap go?

A steam trap is a device that removes condensate from a steam system. A typical steam system will have many steam traps – they are placed at 50-150′ intervals in straight pipe, after every heat exchanger (where the work gets done), and at every location where there is a change of elevation or pressure.

What is AF and T trap?

F traps keep steam from passing by. They are normally closed automatic valves that work like ballcocks. When they’re working, they stop steam dead in its tracks. You need them if you have a condensate pump because condensate pump receivers are vented to the atmosphere.

How does a free float steam trap work?

In float traps, the position of the float is affected directly by the level of condensate in the trap. The float responds to condensate flow, opening and closing the valve to compensate accordingly. As condensate enters the trap, the float becomes buoyant and moves the lever, causing the trap valve to open.

What is the difference between thermostatic and thermodynamic steam trap?

Thermodynamic steam traps operate on the dynamics of steam vs condensate and the use of Bernoulli’s principle. This will flash steam to create a higher pressure to close a valve, thereby slowing the condensate discharge speed of the trap. Thermostatic steam traps remove condensate through the temperature differential.

What type of pipe is used for steam?

Pipes for steam systems are commonly manufactured from carbon steel ASTM A106. The same material may be used for condensate lines, although copper tubing is preferred in some industries.

Does the water in the steam lines get released from the plant?

As steam loses heat, it turns back into water. Inevitably the steam begins to do this as soon as it leaves the boiler. The water which forms is known as condensate, which tends to run to the bottom of the pipe and is carried along with the steam flow.

How do you size a steam trap?

1. Choose the sizing factor depending on the steam trap design.
2. Determine the steam trap discharge pressure or the condensate return line pressure.
3. Calculate the minimum differential pressure across the steam trap (ΔP) (inlet pressure – outlet pressure).
4. Evaluate the condensate flow condition in the steam trap operation.

What is a free float steam trap?

When steam and condensate flow into the trap after the discharge of initial air and cold condensate, the X-element expands to close the valve seat, preventing steam loss. The float is lifted up and hot condensate discharges from the orifice. The float also lowers to closes the orifice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY2HctopeAc