Steam Traps & Types
Steam Traps & Types
Steam Traps & Types
Definition
Types
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 volumetric and pressure differences
that occur when water changes state into gas. These changes
act upon the valve directly.
5
10
11
13
Thermodynamic Steam
Traps
Disc trap
Impulse trap
Orifice trap
14
16
19
20
Comparison
Mechanical
continuous operation
no action at no load,
continuous at full load
good energy conservation
good resistance to wear
good corrosion resistance
excellent ability to vent air
at very low pressure
excellent operation against
back pressure
poor resistance to damage
from freezing
fair ability to purge system
excellent performance on
very light loads
poor ability to handle dirt
large comparative physical
size
closed at mechanical failure
Thermostatic
intermittent operation
fair energy conservation
fair resistance to wear
good corrosion
resistance
good abilities at low
pressures
excellent operation
against back pressure
good resistance to
damage from freezing
excellent ability to
handle start-up
fair ability to handle dirt
small comparative size
open or closed at
mechanical 21
failure
(depending on design)
Thermodynamic
intermittent operation
poor energy
conservation
poor resistance to wear
excellent corrosion
resistance
poor abilities at low
pressures
poor operation against
back pressure
good resistance to
damage from freezing
excellent ability to purge
system
poor ability to handle dirt
poor ability to handle
flash steam
open at mechanical
failure