The important functions of steam traps
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I. What is a steam trap? A steam trap is a device installed on systems that require steam; it is designed to automatically remove condensate, air, and non-condensable gases from the steam system, while preventing steam from escaping. II. Important functions of steam traps: (1) They can quickly remove the condensed water that is generated ； (2) Prevent steam leakage ； (3) Remove air and other non-condensable gases. III. The necessity of removing condensate and air from steam-using equipment: (1) Preventing water hammer: If there is condensate in the steam pipes, the high-speed flow of steam drives this condensate to strike violently against the pipe walls, valves, and steam-using equipment, thereby causing damage to these components at the bends in the pipes, as well as at the valves and equipment itself. (2) Preventing a reduction in the efficiency of steam-using equipment: Steam-using equipment (especially indirect heating devices) is designed to make effective use of the latent heat of steam. Excessive condensate retained in these devices comes into contact with the heating surfaces, reducing the heating area and causing uneven heating from top to bottom, thereby significantly lowering the efficiency of the equipment. (3) Preventing corrosion inside equipment used for steam: When water and oxygen in the air come into contact with the equipment, chemical reactions occur that cause rust to form. (4) Preventing damage to steam-using equipment: Due to the difference in temperature between steam and water, condensation water within the equipment creates local temperature differences, which lead to thermal stress and thus cause damage to the equipment. IV. Specific requirements regarding the functions of steam traps, energy-saving measures, operation, maintenance, and management: (1) Prevent steam leakage when draining condensate water ； (2) It is possible to eliminate all condensate water from anywhere in the steam system ； (3) Capable of discharging both air and condensed water simultaneously ； (4) Wide applicable pressure range ； (5) Easy to maintain and service: simple structure with few moving parts ； (6) High practicality: small size, light weight, long lifespan, low cost, and no loss of emission capacity due to air or steam.
Thank you for sharing. I’d like to ask quietly: what are the consequences of not running the furnace continuously for several months, with irregular operation periods, and having a furnace water pH of 6-7? https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-5668776-1-1.html (Source: Haichuan Chemical Industry Forum)
How does a steam trap remove air and other non-condensable gases?
Most steam traps have vent holes, so some steam is inevitably lost; otherwise, air entrapment can occur. Some steam traps are also equipped with low-temperature vents
Steam traps are generally installed at the lowest point of steam pipes, while air and other non-condensable gases tend to accumulate at the highest points of these pipes; it can be difficult to remove such air and non-condensable gases.
What I’m referring to is how the steam trap can discharge the gas that enters its body on its own, in order to avoid failure of the trap due to air locking. As for removing the air and other non-condensable gases from the pipeline, that’s of course done using an exhaust valve