Questions about steam traps
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I currently have a CS49H type steam trap installed in my system, and its valve operates at a relatively high frequency, resulting in significant waste of steam. What could be the reason for this?
A thermodynamic disc-type steam trap contains a movable valve element that serves both as a sensing element and as the actuating element. Based on the thermodynamic principles related to the differences in flow velocity and volume as steam and condensate pass through, a pressure difference is created above and below the valve disc, which drives the valve disc to open or close the valve. The vapor leakage rate is 3%, and the subcooling degree is 8°C–15°C. When the device is started, cooling condensate appears in the pipeline; this condensate pushes the valve disc aside due to the operating pressure and is quickly discharged. Once the condensate has been discharged, steam is then released. Since steam occupies more volume and flows at a higher velocity than condensate, this creates a pressure difference above and below the valve disc, causing the disc to close rapidly due to the suction force exerted by the steam flow. When the valve disc is closed, it is subjected to pressure from both sides; the area under the valve disc on which pressure acts is smaller than the area above it. Since the pressure in the steam chamber of the steam trap comes from the steam pressure, the pressure acting on the upper side of the valve disc is greater than that on the lower side, causing the valve disc to close tightly. When the steam in the vapor chamber of the steam trap cools down to become condensate, the pressure in that chamber is eliminated. The condensate pushes the valve disc open using the working pressure; it then continues to be discharged, thus creating a cyclic process of intermittent drainage. The valve disc is rusted or stuck; in fact, such a steam trap should be replaced once it has reached the end of its useful life.
The steam pressure is too high or the steam flow rate is too high; try reducing the steam pressure and steam flow rate.
I’m sorry; there is no pressure-regulating element ahead – it is connected to the main steam pipeline at 1.0 MPa.
Thank you! Now I understand how it works!
It would be better to use a floating ball or a hoist bucket.