The correct method of installing a steam trap

Thread Content

The primary function of a steam trap is to remove all the condensed water, air, and carbon dioxide gas from the steam system； At the same time, it automatically prevents steam leakage to the greatest extent possible. There are many types of pressure relief valves, each with different properties. Based on the different working principles of steam traps, they can be classified into the following three types: Mechanical type: It operates based on changes in the liquid level of condensed water inside the steam trap; this includes the float-type design, where the float is a closed hollow sphere. Upward-opening float type: The float is in the form of a bucket with an opening facing upward. Open-bottom float type: The float is in the form of a bucket with an open bottom. Thermostatic type: Operates based on changes in liquid temperature; includes: bimetallic strip: the sensing element is a bimetallic strip. Steam pressure type: The sensitive element is a bellows or cartridge filled with a volatile liquid. Thermodynamic type: Operates based on changes in the thermodynamic properties of the liquid. Disk type: Under the same pressure, the different flow rates of liquid and gas result in varying dynamic and static pressures, which drive the disk valve element to move. Pulsating type: As condensate at different temperatures passes through the throttle orifices connected in series at both ends, different pressures are generated between these orifices, which drives the valve disc to move. Installation: 1. Shut-off valves should be installed at both the front and back. A filter should be placed between the steam trap and the front shut-off valve to prevent dirt in the condensed water from clogging the steam trap. 2. An inspection pipe should be installed between the steam trap and the back shut-off valve, to check whether the steam trap is functioning properly. If a large amount of steam emerges when the inspection pipe is opened, it indicates that the steam trap is damaged and requires repair. 3. The bypass pipe is installed to discharge a large amount of condensate during startup, thereby reducing the drainage load on the steam trap. 4. When a steam trap is used to drain the condensate from heat-using equipment, it should be installed below the equipment, with the condensate pipe running vertically downward to connect to the steam trap, in order to prevent water from accumulating in the heat-using equipment. 5. The installation location should be as close as possible to the drainage point; if the distance is too great, air or steam will accumulate in the long, narrow pipe ahead of the steam trap. 6. When the horizontal length of the steam main is too great, attention should be paid to the issue of water drainage.