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Selection of steam traps for heat exchangers

2021-12-18View Original

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When selecting steam traps for heat exchangers, it is important that the steam evaporates in the boiler to absorb heat and then condenses in the heat exchanger to release heat. In this process of heat absorption and release, it is crucial to transfer heat efficiently, stably, and continuously. A key device that affects the entire process is the steam trap. One function of steam traps used in heat exchangers is to improve the stability of heat exchange in the steam system; efficient steam traps are essential for ensuring the heat output capacity and heating efficiency of heat exchangers. We can see that a steam trap serves as a physical separation point between the steam system and the condensate system; at the same time, it also acts as a pressure separation point between these two systems. Stable steam pressure inside the heat exchanger is a key requirement for heat transfer in it. The reliable operation of steam traps not only affects the efficiency of heat exchange equipment but also the safety and reliability of the condensate system. Leaks in steam traps can cause fluctuations in the back pressure of the condensate recovery system, leading to difficulties in the discharge and recovery of condensate. They can also easily result in problems such as water hammer, vibration, and noise. Steam traps are extremely important as pressure cut-off points between the steam and condensate systems. The stability of heat output depends, on one hand, on the regulation of the supply pressure, and on the other hand, on the steam trap’s ability to maintain this pressure at a stable level. In applications with incorrect design choices, selecting a steam trap that is too large can lead to problems with the trap’s lifespan as well as steam leakage. In actual engineering cases, Watt Energy Saving has found that the use of steam traps with an oversized size can lead to fluctuations in the steam pressure inside the heat exchanger, which in turn results in variations in the heat transfer temperature difference and heat transfer capacity. This often leads to unstable or reduced heat output from the heat exchanger, which is contrary to common sense. Furthermore, poor drainage or water accumulation in the check valve lead to a reduction in the heat exchange area of the heat exchanger and a decrease in heat output, which are also important factors affecting the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger. Especially during the startup phase of the heat exchanger, poor drainage can affect the startup time of the steam heat exchanger as well as the temperature of the product. Therefore, the absence of a reliable drainage system not only impacts the stable operation of the heat exchange equipment but also tends to cause oscillations in the steam temperature control valve. It can be seen that steam traps have a significant impact on heat exchangers. Generally, for positive-displacement heat exchangers with slow heating and areas where water accumulation is possible, thermostatic steam traps can be selected. For general heat exchangers, inverted drum steam traps or thermodynamic float-type steam traps are preferred. Disc-type steam traps are not suitable for use in heat exchangers. When determining the diameter of a steam trap in a heat exchanger, it is necessary to take into account not only the maximum flow rate of condensate water and the pressure difference, but also the safety factor of the steam trap; this safety factor generally ranges from 1.5 to 5, varying depending on the circumstances. The more complex the structure on the steam side of the heat exchanger, and the narrower the drainage pipes on that side, the greater the safety factor that needs to be taken into account; conversely, a smaller safety factor is sufficient.

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