『Original by HaiChuan Translation Team』Piping Systems & Steam Traps

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English title: What Is A Piping System & What Is A Steam Trap. Original links: https://www.cheresources.com/inv...is-a-piping-system/ and https://www.cheresources.com/inv...at-is-a-steam-trap/. Original author: Zeeshan Amin. Translators: @cslgwbb & @ On the Other Side of the Water zwb. Proofreaders: @kid_ptd & @Jacob (Jingwei). This translation is relatively simple, as it is of an educational nature; more professional content will be available in future issues, so stay tuned. Introduction to piping systems: A piping system is a network composed of pipes, fittings, and valves, used to carry out specific tasks such as transferring fluids from one device to another. The most common example is the water supply networks in households; other more stringent examples include the steam pipelines in power plants, the milk pipelines in dairy factories, the paint pipelines in paint manufacturing plants, and the oil transport pipelines in refineries, among others. Components of piping systems The most common components of piping systems include pipes, fittings, and valves. Pipes: Pipes are long cylinders used to transport fluids. The most common fluids are water, oil, steam, air, milk, or finished products such as paint or juice. Other less common fluids include pulp, acids, alkalis, chemicals, etc. Fittings: Fittings are used to connect pipes in order to build long pipe systems ； Common pipe fittings include flanges, elbows, tees, reducers, bellows expansion joints, etc. Valves: Valves are used to prevent, redirect, or control fluid flow. Common valve types include gate valves, globe valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, and control valves ； Valve selection should be based on the intended functions and applications. Furthermore, the use of devices such as filters, check valves, and expansion rings can keep the fluid clean and in good condition, allowing the piping system to adapt to expansion/contraction caused by temperature changes. Materials for pipeline systems: Pipeline systems can be made of various materials, including low-carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, glass, or plastic. Generally, fittings and valves are made from the same materials as the pipes. The choice of material and the diameter of the pipe depend on parameters such as fluid properties, pressure, temperature, and flow rate. Introduction to Steam Trap Steam traps are an important component of steam distribution pipeline systems. When steam flows through the pipe, it condenses into hot water due to heat loss ； And this hot water is what we call condensate water. A steam trap can discharge this hot water, leaving only steam in the system. In addition to removing condensate water, steam traps also have a venting function, thereby improving the thermal efficiency and reliability of steam distribution systems. Typically, the installation of a steam trap requires many components to ensure the successful operation of the system. 1. Globe valve: Controls (stops or allows) the steam flow through the system. 2. Filter: Remove impurities from the steam ； If impurities are not removed, it may damage the check valve. 3. Check valve: Prevents condensate from flowing back into the system. 4. Separator: Collects condensate and allows steam to pass through. In reality, the filter and check valve are built into the steam trap. (1) During normal operation, the bypass shut-off valve remains closed, while the other two shut-off valves remain open. Steam passes through the steam trap, the condensate is discharged, and the steam is returned to the steam main. Some factories treat condensate water and recycle it to the boiler feed water tank. This will greatly save energy and reduce water consumption. (2) If the steam trap needs to be repaired or replaced, open the bypass valve and close the two stop valves before and after the steam trap. Once the valve repair or replacement is complete, open the upstream and downstream stop valves, and close the bypass stop valve to its normal position.