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How Application Affects Steam Trap Selection


As there is different type of Steam trap and selection of  correct trap may be difficult without studying proper operating condition .

For Trap selection data required is Temperature, Pressure, Discharge capacity, Trap type,  Moc of body & other relevant factors if we follow above parameters it will lead to effective drain of condensate.

We had to follow 4 easy steps:

Step1 :

By discharge capacity requirement of steam trap wrt application .

Step 2:

Trap selection considering operating pressure temperature & other relevant conditions.

Step 3:

By calculating application load requirements & apply the trap manufacturing recommended safety factory.

Step 4:

Selection of trap on lowest life cycle cost.

Steam Trap Applications

The purpose of a steam trap is to discharge condensate from a steam system ( piping or equipment) while not permitting the escape of live steam whether it may Steam using process & comfort heating equipment.

Different Steam Trap Applications:

Depending upon process application steam trap selection is done.

Steam Distribution piping:

Role of steam distribution piping is to supply good quality steam to steam using equipment. Prevent

water hammering in steam pipe line is main role of steam trap which can done by selecting a trap which is designed to prevent condensate from pooling.

Steam-heated Equipment :

We had to select a trap which shorten start up time and does not allow condensate to enter into equipment causing uneven heating, low heat transfer,& other similar problems. Continuous discharge condensate are recommended for these applications.

In such application we can face stagnant start up

Due to air presence to overcome this air vent to be fitted which will remove air & non condensable gases trapped in equipment.

Other possibility of steam heated equipment will face is modulating steam supply which is control by control valve, which adjust the process.

For Tracer Lines :

Steam trap for tracing lines are typical because they used copper piping for heating & maintaining the viscousity of fluidity below 100deg.

 Power-drive equipment :

Power driven equipments such as Turbines which used in Compressor, Pump & Generators applications, In Power driven application condensate should be discharge quickly or it may enter equipment & damage it.

Summary Table of Applications and Steam Trap Requirements

Product Trap Requirements Application
Thermodynamic Steam Traps
UTD55, UTD62
  • Good sealing to minimize steam leakage at low condensate loads.
  • To vent start up air .
  • Continous condensate discharge.
  • To withstand back pressure during return.

Steam distribution piping

Ball Float Steam Traps 
UFT 20

Inverted Bucket Steam Traps

  • Continous condensate discharge.
  • To withstand variations condensate load.
  • Ability to vent both start –up and operating air.
  • To withstand back pressure during return.

Steam heating equipment No stall.

Ball Float Steam Traps
UFT 20

  • Tight sealing in low condensate load.
  • To withstand in adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to vent start –up air.
  • To withstand back pressure during return.

Power-driven Equipment - Positive Pressure

Thermostatic Steam Traps
  • Compact & light.
  • No sub cooling.
High Tempearature Tracer lines.

 

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