Effective Steam Traps help to maximize the efficiency of your steam system in three different ways:
1. Helps to keep the system completely filled with dry steam.
2. Removes any by-products from the system that create insulation barriers that can prevent effective and efficient heat transfer.
3. It helps to make the hot condensate readily available for reducing and recycling both energy costs and waterside care at your boiler.
There are a number of different types of steam traps available, and knowing the options will help you select the best one for your particular needs.
Thermostatic Traps
A thermostatic trap operates through a process of thermal contraction and expansion in a response to the steam temperature surrounding them. There are three different options when it comes to thermostatic traps: balanced pressure thermostatic traps; bimetallic thermostatic traps; and liquid expansion traps. Each one has a number of advantages that is suited to its particular application.
Thermodynamic Traps
These types of steam traps operate with the dynamic effect of the flash stream as it starts to pass through the trap. These are reliable and durable and are able to continue operating properly at high pressures and temperatures. They only have one moving part and provide a simple mode of operation.
Thermostatic and Float Traps
These are extremely compact in size and are able to operate based on the principle of density. They also function extremely well for both heavy and light condensate loads. Since they have a continuous and high capacity for discharge, they will also provide the maximum amount of heat transfer.
Inverted Bucket Traps
This is considered one of the most energy efficient and reliable types of steam traps that are currently available. They utilize a unique type of leverage system, which multiplies the entire force of the bucket in order to open the valve when pressure is exerted. Since the bucket is able to open at the bottom, it is able to resist damage from the water hammer.
If you are not sure which type of steam trap is right for your particular needs, you need to contact a steam straps provider of the equipment. This individual will be able to help you make the right decision to ensure superior operation of your equipment. Keep in mind, if you purchase the wrong type of steam trap, it can cause your equipment to run inefficiently, or cause serious damage.
