What are the differences in usage between a free-floating ball and a bimetallic strip? Can both be adjusted?
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Our factory uses both types of steam traps, and I would like to ask: how many kilograms of steam are generally used to test steam traps before they leave the factory? Still not debugged? Since our factory’s steam is available at pressures of 0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa, 0.6 MPa, and 1.0 MPa, can the leakage in the floating ball steam traps be adjusted? We all just discard them directly. After installation, some bimetallic strips allow a lot of steam to leak through, while others prevent both water and steam from leaking – further adjustment is needed. There are numerous pipelines on site, and their parallel connections are complex. Due to the design of the process, it was not possible to adjust the amount of water discharged individually; therefore, the pipes were installed as they were. The discharge outlets leaked severely, and it was impossible to determine which ones were leaking the most… Another question is: does whether a bimetallic valve has insulation or not (with a steam pressure of around 0.3 MPa) have any impact?
The float ball cannot be adjusted, but the bimetallic one can.
Bimetallic materials have a low water-repellent capacity, and are generally used in applications with small diameters and low flow rates, such as heat tracing systems. Ball-type materials, on the other hand, have a high water-repellent capacity and are used in areas with large diameters and high flow rates. The bimetal needs to be adjusted. Is a steam trap or insulation better?
This post was last edited by yuchenchf on 2017-5-8 at 21:33. Hydrophobic valves are generally tested under a pressure equal to 1.5 times their maximum operating pressure, while their operation is tested under conditions corresponding to the highest operating pressure and temperature. There are very few manufacturers in China that can currently carry out compression and motion tests; we are one of them. If you have any needs, feel free to contact me. Additionally, the free-floating ball cannot be adjusted. As for the leakage you mentioned, I think it might be due to an incorrect selection – the actual pressure it has to withstand does not match the operating pressure of the valve, which results in poor sealing between the body and the cover, or it could be that the gasket is damaged ； The bimetallic strip can be adjusted, but it only adjusts the temperature at which the valve opens.
Free-floating ball type steam traps are mainly used in applications with high drainage volumes and continuous discharge – water is drained as soon as it appears. If there is air leakage, it may be caused by a damaged float, poor sealing, or an incorrect selection of the trap, that is, choosing a model that is too small； The bimetallic type features intermittent drainage, and it is possible to adjust the temperature of the drained water. Generally, reputable steam trap manufacturers will provide services for maintenance and the replacement of internal components. I’m not sure which manufacturer you are using?