What happens if you oversize a steam trap?
What happens if you oversize a steam trap?
An oversized F trap barely opens to dump the little bit of condensate it has to handle. The trap’s pin rides too closely to the trap’s seat and that leads to metal erosion of both the pin and the seat as the condensate screams by the barely open exit hole.
What is the lifespan of a steam trap?
Steam traps last approximately six years. Leaks may not be visible, so thermal imaging can be used as a testing measure. Repairing or replacing failed steam traps will improve steam system efficiency and occupant comfort, while reducing the amount of natural gas required.
What is the safety factor used to calculate a trap capacity?
The safety factor is the ratio of the maximum capacity of a steam trap and the load it is expected to handle. If the calculated maximum capacity a trap has to handle is 400 Lbs./Hr., and a safety factor of 2.5 to 1 is applied, a trap that can pass 1000 Lbs./Hr. is selected at the appropriate DP.
Do steam traps need check valves?
Steam traps – Other than with steam traps discharging to atmosphere, check valves should always be inserted after a steam trap to prevent back flow of condensate flooding the steam space. The check valve will also prevent the steam trap from becoming damaged by any hydraulic shock in the condensate line.
What steam trap should I use?
| Type of Steam Trap | Operation | |
|---|---|---|
| No or little load | Heavy Load | |
| Inverted Bucket | Small dribble, may leak steam with very little condensate load | Continuous |
| Bi-metal Thermostatic | No action | Continuous |
| Impulse | Small dribble | Continuous |
Can steam traps fail open?
A Steam traps fails open When a steam trap fails open, it simply acts like an open valve and hence, a lot of steam would leak through it. As a result, the overall steam consumption of the plant will go up, reducing the efficiency of the operation.
How much condensate is produced from steam?
1 kg of condensate at 5 bar g and 159°C produces 0.112 kg of flash steam at atmospheric pressure. This can be illustrated schematically in the table below. The total mass of flash and condensate remains at 1 kg.
What is the maximum pressure differential allowed on a trap?
Differences in Allowable Back Pressure The maximum allowable back pressure for disc traps is generally 50% to 80% of the inlet pressure, depending on the product design.
What are the types of steam trap?
Three Categories of Steam Trap Based on Operation Principles. Mechanical Steam Traps. Thermodynamic Steam Traps. Thermostatic Steam Traps.
How often should steam traps be replaced?
every three to four years
Preventive Maintenance Schedules For example, high-pressure traps with rates greater than 250 psig should be tested daily. However, low-pressure traps with rates below 30 psig can be checked monthly or even annually. On average, steam traps are replaced every three to four years.
What happens when a steam trap fails open?
When a steam trap fails open, it simply acts like an open valve and hence, a lot of steam would leak through it. As a result, the overall steam consumption of the plant will go up, reducing the efficiency of the operation.