Steam traps are essential components of steam systems, acting as valves to remove condensate gasses and non-condensable gases while stopping live steam flow. Over time, however, steam traps will wear down with time or become clogged with debris, needing adjustment for optimal performance to keep operating efficiently in your facility or plant. Regular maintenance of steam traps should ensure effective functioning. We offers steam traps from Armstrong, Barnes & Jones, Hoffman Specialty Illinois Marsh Mepco Nicholson Spirax-Sarco Steamco Sterling Watts to meet every steam boiler need. Steam traps can be divided into five main categories – Armstrong Barnes & Jones Hoffman Specialty Illinois Marsh Mepco Nicholson Spirax-Sarco Steamco Sterling Watts with many variations such as float-and-thermostatic bucket inverted bucket liquid drain radiator thermodynamic and thermostatic industrial types – that can help ensure water flows freely from boilers into condensate reservoirs when needed and closed when steam has been present – these should only open during these instances when necessary and should close once steam has been present.
Cleaning and maintaining steam traps on an ongoing basis will prevent costly downtime and unplanned repairs due to malfunctioning systems. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about maintenance of steam traps as well as how to examine, fix and inspect steam traps.
What is a Steam Trap?
Steam traps are devices which allow non-condensable gases to be discharged from a steam system. Steam traps are essential in protecting systems as they remove water vapor that could cause corrosion or reduce effectiveness, as well as water vapor that would otherwise accumulate and decrease their effectiveness. An elementary bell-shaped body equipped with an internal float that connects with an arm or lever rises when more condensate accumulates inside, signalling when more condensate has entered through than expected into its body.
As the float increases, it presses against a lever or arm which then opens the trap to let condensate out of its way. Steam traps are designed to open quickly so as to take care of any condensate as soon as it forms. They’re also built to withstand multiple closing and opening cycles without leaking steam or failing to shut correctly.
Tips For Maintaining Stream Trap
Maintaining the health and function of a steam catcher is absolutely critical, so keeping an eye on its condition through proper monitoring and upkeep can ensure any issues can be identified and fixed before becoming costly.
Follow these steps for maintenance to ensure your steam traps are working effectively:
- Keep a regular eye on your steam trap to detect signs of wear or damage.
- Make sure all gaskets and seals are in good working order by conducting a comprehensive examination of all gaskets and seals.
- Make sure the valve is functioning as intended and can open or close easily as required.
- Replace any damaged or worn-out components immediately.
- Regularly inspect the trap for blockages or obstructions.
- Check that your steam trap is calibrated appropriately for your system.
Types of Steam Traps
There are three primary categories of steam traps: mechanical, thermodynamic and thermostatic. However, they all serve the same function of controlling steam circulation in an effective manner.
Mechanical Steam Trap
Mechanical steam traps use mechanical methods to remove condensation from steam lines. One type commonly utilized by mechanical steam traps is known as a float or thermostatic trap, which utilizes a float that opens and closes valves as condensate levels increase or decrease.
Thermodynamic Steam Trap
Thermodynamic steam traps use a plug or disk that is adjustable according to pressure of condensate in order to close or open valves as necessary for draining out condensate from their traps. As condensate accumulates within, it pushes upward on said plug/disk until finally opening its valve and draining condensate out. These steam traps are often employed in systems with high pressure as they provide more durable operation with minimal attention required by their users than other forms.
Thermostatic Steam Trap
Thermostatic Steam Traps employ a thermostatic element to control condensate flow from steam lines into heat exchangers or similar devices, such as heat exchangers. As temperatures change, this liquid expands when heated up while contracting when chilled down; when temperature variations occur it contracts and expands, shutting and opening its discharge valve accordingly and allowing steam out while stopping condensation flow outwards.
Testing Steam Traps
Steam traps should be regularly examined to ensure they are operating as required and in line with manufacturer specifications, and testing can help identify any problems which require fixing. Testing steam traps involves measuring their pressure, temperature and flow speed using either a manometer, temperature sensors or flow gauge; measurements for pressure can be made via the manometer alone while temperature may also be recorded at both inlet and outlet points of the trap itself and their flow gauge measurement provides another useful measure of their condition.
Once data has been compiled, it must be evaluated against existing figures to see if steam traps are functioning appropriately. If not, adjustments may need to be made so they continue to function as intended.
Final Thoughts
Steam traps are an integral component in any device that uses steam, so their maintenance must be conducted regularly to keep them performing at their best. Utilizing appropriate diagnostic tools – such as measuring temperature or sound level readings – allows us to detect potential issues before they become more costly to resolve.
Keep your steam traps clean to help lower the risk of system failures or other unplanned disruptions, and reduce unscheduled downtimes.
As soon as a steam trap begins to malfunction, it is imperative that you recognize its warning signs so you can take immediate steps to rectify it before its symptoms worsen. By following these guidelines you’ll ensure your steam traps continue operating at optimal efficiency and function properly.
