What are the consequences of choosing a too large diameter for the steam trap?
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For example, with the same pressure rating, what is the difference between a strainer with a DN50 diameter and one with a DN25 diameter? Does the path length affect the operation of the strainer?
Under normal conditions it does not affect performance, but back pressure has a significant impact. Increase costs!
One factor that has an impact is the leakage rate of the steam trap, which is 1-5% of the maximum flow rate. For a watt-lever float-type steam trap operating at 6 BARG pressure, with a leakage rate of 3%, the leakage amount for a DN40 valve is approximately 3500*3% = 105 kg, while for a DN25 valve it is 700*3% = 21 kg. Another issue is the reduced lifespan of the steam trap; partial opening leads to increased erosion of the valve’s nozzle, thereby shortening its operational life. When used in heat exchangers, excessive leakage from the steam trap results in fluctuations in the pressure within the heat exchanger, which in turn causes fluctuations in heat output
Personally, I don’t think there’s much difference; it’s just a matter of cost； The key is the applicable conditions: displacement, the presence of impurities, whether the drainage is under pressure, and other related parameters.