An effective steam trap maximizes
the efficiency of a steam system in three ways:
- It keeps the system filled with dry steam (saturated steam without entrained condensate).
- It removes by-products (condensate and air) from the system that form insulating barriers that prevent efficient and effective heat transfer.
- It makes the hot condensate available for recycling, reducing both waterside care and energy costs at the boiler.
·
Mechanical traps operate
by using the difference in density between steam and condensate. A float within
the trap detects the variance in weight between a gas and a liquid.
·
Thermostatic traps
detect the variation in temperature between steam and condensate at the same
pressure. The sensing device operates the valve in response to changes in the
condensate temperature and pressure.
·
Thermodynamic Traps use
volumetrics and pressure differences that occur when water changes state into
gas. These changes act upon the valve directly.
