Are there specific requirements for the thickness of the inner ball in a free-floating ball type steam trap?
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Model: CS41H-CS11H; Pressure rating: 1.6–4.0 Mpa; Port size: 15–65. A set of free-floating ball type steam traps was used, and within a few days after steam was introduced, steam leakage occurred. Upon disassembly, it was found that many of the balls were dented (as shown in the image below), yet the interior of the valve body remained intact. What could be the cause of this? Is it possible that the inner wall thickness is too thin? Are there any specific requirements for the thickness of the inner sphere corresponding to its diameter?
The wall thickness of the inner floating ball in a free-floating ball type steam trap shouldn’t be too thick, right? As the thickness increases, buoyancy decreases, and the hydrophobic effect fails to meet the requirements.
It’s probably due to an unreasonable design of the valve ball. The GB-T 22654-2008 standard for \"Technical Requirements for Steam Traps\" does not specify any requirements regarding the wall thickness of the ball; this aspect is likely controlled by the manufacturer. If the operating conditions remain unchanged and there is no overheating or overpressure, it is a problem with the manufacturer.
It is related to the uniformity of the wall thickness of the ball, as well as to water hammer in pipelines. The situation is quite complex; it’s difficult to manufacture such hollow balls. Drawing processes can lead to uneven wall thicknesses, and sometimes the wall thickness itself may not be sufficient. Factors such as the uniformity of the welds, especially at the final joint area, and the elimination of residual stresses in the welds also play a role. It’s hard to explain the reason
Is there any difference between this freely floating hydrophobic ball valve and a regular floating ball valve? I don’t understand this noun! ! For ordinary floating ball valves, the ball itself cannot be made of ductile iron; it is manufactured as a complete sphere, so there should be no problems.
Isn’t the material of the inner ball always 304?
The manufacturer says it was caused by water hammer in the pipes. Is this statement correct?
I guess the depression is caused by the excessive thinness of the ball wall, while the manufacturer attributes it to water hammer resulting from the pipeline, or to the fact that the valve at the front end opens too quickly. They suggest replacing the inner ball and using a valve with a smaller opening at the front end, so that air and condensate can be expelled; this allows a water seal to form inside the valve chamber before the front-end valve is fully opened. Is that statement correct?
It makes sense for the manufacturer to say that it was caused by water hammer; after all, steam traps should be able to resist water hammer——Fured Steam Energy Saving.