The Basic Operation of Steam Traps
The difference in characteristics between steam and condensate determines how a steam trap works. Because liquid condensate has a far higher density than gaseous steam, it tends to congregate at the lowest point in the steam system. Pressure influences steam properties such as density, latent heat, and saturation/boiling point.
Steam traps can be classified into three main categories; Mechanical, Thermodynamic, and Thermostatic. Each kind has a distinct working concept to remove condensate and non-condensable gases while maintaining steam in the system. The great majority of steam traps now in use are mechanically driven.
Steam traps are tailored for specific purposes based on the quantity of condensate they can remove, as well as other criteria such as air and non-condensable gases removal.
Steam traps, sometimes overlooked as a substantial contribution to efficient plant operation, are increasingly recognised as pieces of equipment that play a huge role in maximising plant efficiency and lowering environmental costs. They are tiny automated self-actuated valves designed to remove condensate and air from steam lines without allowing steam to flow through.
They come in various sizes and styles because they must withstand a broad range of pressures and condensate load situations. Users also have varying expectations for the type of performance they expect from a trap. Steam traps that have failed in service are rarely noticeable unless they discharge directly into the atmosphere.
As a result, they typically receive insufficient maintenance care. When assessed in terms of wasted gasoline use, the immediate financial effects of this inattention can be startlingly significant. The indirect economic repercussions, such as missed output or damaged equipment, can also be considerable, albeit less clearly quantifiable and usually not correctly allocated to a bad steam trap installation. Any effective effort to limit these expenses must be built on a firm foundation of fundamental factual understanding about steam, condensate, how steam traps function, and the needs of the systems into which they are integrated.
When do your steam traps need attention?
Steam flowing out of a building’s side or top is frequent in most urban locations. It’s so prevalent that most people who pass by think it’s normal. The reality is that steam blowing out of a condensate tank vent, as seen in this image, is an excellent indicator that steam traps are escaping in the system. Humidifying the area with leaky steam traps is equivalent to driving down a city street and throwing money out the window as you go.
The resulting financial losses are considerably worse. Leaks in steam systems, such as this one, wastewater, boiler chemicals, latent heat, and fuel. When undesired live steam enters the condensate return line, steam leaks ruin condensate pumps. Water pounding is caused by live moisture in your condensate pipework.
There are several examples of steam losses resulting from steam trap failures. Our experience is consistent with the reported failure rates. Having a steam trap maintenance strategy in place will save you money and reduce your carbon impact.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the temperature of your condensate tank. A constant temperature rise in condensate receivers shows that steam traps are also deteriorating. It pays to have a strategy and remain on top of steam trap failures. Most gas utility providers have a strong incentive programme to assist with steam trap survey and repair expenses by engaging an approved contractor.
What to expect from a professional steam trap survey?
Here’s what you can anticipate from a professional steam trap inspection. The steam trap surveyor should be knowledgeable in locating and identifying steam traps in any steam system. A detailed diary describing the specifications of each steam trap, including location, application, kind, manufacturer, size, testing results, and any observations for improving the loss of live steam, must be kept.
Ultrasonic listening and infrared temperature instruments should be included in testing equipment. When recognising steam traps, we employ intelligent tags. This enables the consumer to view real-time information about every steam trap that we surveyed using your smartphone.
The survey business will create a complete therms savings report, including the cost of the malfunctioning steam traps discovered during the survey. The majority of utilities demand this report to participate in their incentive programmes. STS collaborates with utilities throughout the country to assist consumers in taking advantage of existing incentive programmes.
If there is an eligible incentive, the report is delivered to the consumer and the utility after the survey. When the utility is involved in a project, its engineers analyse the information and offer the consumer. Our experience has shown that steam traps are the low-hanging fruit for energy-saving and minimising carbon footprint.