Steam Trap
What is a Steam Trap?
A steam trap is a device used in steam systems (mainly heating and ventilation systems) to reduce condensation and gasses while retaining the most steam possible. Many steam traps serve as automatic valves and open, close or modulate automatically. Other are turbulent two-phase flows that obstruct the flow of steam. In many industries, steam is used regularly for heating or as a driving force for mechanical power. Steam traps are used in such applications to ensure that steam is not wasted. Steam traps are particularly useful when determining the heat of vaporization with a steam calorimeter. This model below consists of a borosilicate glass chamber with a curved inner tube to prevent drops of condensed steam from escaping, as well as a drainage tube.
Uses for Steam Traps?
Air Ventilation: A steam trap can help your heater work more efficiently and warm up faster. When a heater turns on, the space is filled with air, which will reduce heat transfer causing an increase in warm-up time. Using a steam trap, you can purge air from the ventilation system as it mixes with steam allowing you to vent the air and keep the condensed steam running through the ventilation system. A float trap with a thermostatic air vent is especially useful because it's programmed to be fully open at start up.
Condensation Removal: Once air is vented from the system, the trap must pass the condensate from the system, but not allow the steam to escape. Retaining the maximum amount of steam in the system allows the heat exchange to run at its most efficient and economical. If necessary, the trap allows for the condensate to be discharged immediately to maintain proper heat transfer.
Plant Performance: In order for a heat exchanger to operate to its full performance, the steam space must be filled with clean, dry steam. You can use different types of steam traps to influence this. Thermostatic traps retain the condensate until its cooled below the temperature of saturation. Discharging the condensate at the lowest possible temperature may seem attractive, but the condensation could end up water-logging the system. Water-logging is the main source of inefficiency and corrosion in a steam system. The right steam trap will allow you to avoid this problem while ensuring your system is running at its best.
Available in 2 Sizes: