Regarding steam traps!
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A beginner’s question: I’ve never known what criteria should be used to select a steam trap? Does anyone have information on this? There is another question: what is the typical pressure drop of a steam trap itself? Thank you!
It’s better to look at the manufacturer’s samples; they vary from one company to another
Theoretically, it is as follows: 1. Mechanical steam traps can be used in any application; 2. Thermodynamic types are mainly used for main piping drainage (without recovery); 3. Thermostatic types are primarily used for heat tracing pipelines. The specific model should be selected based on the inlet and outlet pressures, temperatures, and drainage volume
Hello! www.spiraxsarco.com----Home-----Products and Services----Browse Products-----Steam Traps----Practical Guide to Steam Traps. In the practice of steam traps, you can find the answers you want to know.
Take a look; I’m not sure if it can help you!
Steam traps are primarily selected based on drainage volume and pressure difference. I’ll leave an email address to send you the relevant information. The pressure drop across the steam trap itself is generally ignored!
The structures and principles of various types of steam traps differ, as do their performance characteristics. When selecting a steam trap, it is necessary to take into account the specific application conditions; therefore, different structural types should be chosen based on those conditions. 1. In situations where condensed water needs to be removed immediately, such as in steam turbines, steam pumps, and main steam pipelines, it is not appropriate to use traps that rely on subcooling, such as pulse-type traps or constant-temperature diaphragm traps； 2. When the condensate flow is 15% below the rated maximum discharge volume, pulse-type steam traps should not be used, as under such conditions fresh steam can easily escape through the drain holes ； 3. In areas surrounding offices, schools, research institutions, and residential zones where a quiet environment is required, thermal-powered steam traps with high noise levels should not be used. Instead, thermostatic steam traps and float-type steam traps should be chosen, as they operate more slowly and generate less impact force ； 4. For steam traps used in outdoor applications, mechanical steam traps are generally not suitable; if they are to be used, anti-freezing protection must be provided ； 5. The steam utilization system must not allow condensate to accumulate; therefore, a trap that is capable of continuously removing condensate should be used, such as a float-type trap ； 6. In situations where it is necessary to remove both condensate water and non-condensable gases promptly, a trap with both drainage and venting functions should be selected ； 7. In steam piping systems, when it is necessary to recover condensate using the operating back pressure, a trap with a high back pressure rating should be used, such as a mechanical trap. Generally, a steam trap is selected based on the following four aspects: 1. Selection of the type of steam trap. You can refer to the points mentioned above. 2. Select based on the pressure difference before and after the steam trap. When the pressure difference at the installation site differs significantly from the rated pressure difference of the selected steam trap, the steam trap will drain abnormally. 3. Selection based on the hourly condensate generation rate of the steam-using equipment. The steam trap must meet the displacement requirements. 4. Select based on the reserve factor. The backup coefficient K is the ratio of the continuous drainage volume of the steam trap to the condensate drainage volume. The K value is generally 2:1, up to 8:1, with values usually ranging between 2 and 4.