Issues with pressure usage in free-floating ball type steam traps?
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As the title indicates, the steam tracing system in our department uses PN16 free-floating ball type drain valves. The steam pressure is 1.3 MPa. Once the tracing system starts operating, these drain valves cool down after a short time; it is suspected that the high steam pressure prevents the float from rising, thereby preventing the condensate from being discharged. We plan to switch the gas source to steam at 0.5 MPa. I was wondering if this is possible; please offer some suggestions. Thank you!
The mechanical type, also known as the float type, takes advantage of the density difference between condensed water and steam; changes in the level of the condensed water cause the float to rise or fall, which in turn moves the valve disc open or closed to achieve the purpose of preventing steam from entering while allowing water to flow out. Mechanical steam traps have a low degree of subcooling; they are not affected by changes in operating pressure and temperature. Water is discharged as soon as it appears, preventing water from remaining in the heating equipment, which allows the heating equipment to achieve optimal heat exchange efficiency. With a maximum backpressure ratio of 80% and high operating quality, it is the ideal steam trap for heating equipment in manufacturing processes.
Why isn’t the steam trap one level higher?
Are you saying to change the steam trap to PN25, or to continue using steam at X MPa?
Is the back pressure of the system high? Is the condensate discharged at low levels or recycled?
Discharge on-site; the condensate pipeline is not very long.
Then it must be a problem with the drain valve itself; you can try replacing it. Or use a venturi-type drain valve to solve the problem once and for all.
Thinking about it now, it’s probably a steam lock phenomenon. The heating pipeline is a bit complicated; it’s not the steam entering that causes the issue, but rather there are alternate paths within the pipeline. This needs to be investigated. Still, thanks to everyone. Based on preliminary assessments, the valves seem to be fine; the problem lies in the pipeline itself.