What are the three types of steam traps?

Steam traps can be divided into three different types based on their operating principles:

• Mechanical Steam Traps.
• Thermodynamic Steam Traps.
• Thermostatic Steam Traps.
• Applications Suited to the Free Float® Type.
• Applications Suited to the Disc-Type.
• Applications Suited to the Thermostatic Type.

What is bimetallic steam trap?

Bimetallic trap is classified as temperature operated traps (Thermostatic Trap) and it’s by and large the most robust design amongst the various types of traps in common use. It utilizes bimetallic strips of dissimilar metals stacked together in pairs.

Can you oversize a steam trap?

These traps require large condensate and air handling ability to maintain efficient heat transfer. Under- and oversizing steam traps can have adverse effects on the overall system; undersized traps will cause frequent cycling and potentially reduce heat transfer as condensate may back up into the equipment.

How often should steam traps be replaced?

once every three years
For example, the balanced pressure steam trap has an element designed for easy replacement. You’ll need to change these regularly (i.e., once every three years). By replacing them consistently, this will reduce the need for trap checking and will ensure a trouble-free system with minimal losses through defective traps.

How do I choose a steam trap?

Step 1: Determine discharge requirements of the steam trap application (e.g. hot or subcooled discharge), and select the matching trap type. Step 2: Select trap model according to operating pressure, temperature, orientation, and any other relevant conditions.

What is a steam trap discuss different types of steam traps?

There are two varieties of thermodynamic steam trap: the thermodynamic disc and piston types. Thermodynamic steam traps operate by utilizing the difference in kinetic energy between high velocity steam (a gas) and slower moving condensate (a liquid).

How do bimetallic steam traps work?

This trap is a temperature operated trap i.e. thermostatic steam trap. It uses the fact that temperature of steam is higher than condensate. When steam enters the trap, its higher temperature causes bimetallic strips to bend and close the valve. Thus no steam goes out of the system.

What is thermodynamic steam trap?

Traditional thermodynamic steam trap. The thermodynamic trap is an extremely robust steam trap with a simple mode of operation. Hot condensate flowing through the inlet passage into the chamber under the disc drops in pressure and releases flash steam moving at high velocity.

How do you size steam traps?

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.

How do you diagnose a bad steam trap?

Condensate should usually be flowing through a trap, and the sound should have a lower pitch. So, if this sound changes and appears much closer to a higher pitched sound like that of steam flow, then the trap may have a large amount of flash steam or may be leaking live steam and should be inspected further.

How do I know if my steam trap is bad?

You may find other early signs such as a cold trap with no discharge, a hot trap discharging a torrent of steam, or sluggish heating, or noisy, banging, pounding pipes, all of which indicate a steam trap problem.

How do you know if a steam trap is bad?