The Right Steam Trap For The Job

By Author: Arthur Mcinnis
Total Articles: 10
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Steam traps consist of three basic functions. Allow condensate to be discharged when necessary, to discharge air and other non-condensable gases, and to prevent the loss of steam. The larger the size of the steam trap the better, as they will discharge condensate whenever present and close when only steam is present. The only problem with larger steam traps is that they tend to wear out very quickly compared to smaller traps. Large steam traps also wastes more energy/steam than smaller ones. There are several kinds of steam traps to choose from, but generally there are four major types, they are mechanical traps, temperature traps, thermodynamic traps, and orifice traps.
Mechanical steam traps are pressure based traps. Relying on a simple principle of physics, as the steam rises inside the trap, the pressure that builds forces the valve at the bottom of the trap shut. When enough condensate becomes present, the water floats and opens an escape valve for the water to drip out. Some examples of mechanical traps are Inverted buckets and float traps.
Temperature traps, rather than using changing pressures to control ...
... when condensate is discharged, use changing temperatures that expand and contract a valve discharging condensate when cooled enough. Examples of this kind of trap are thermostatic traps, and bimetallic traps.
Thermodynamic traps operate by having a simple metal disc valve open over a seat as flash steam passes through the trap, and snaps shut when pressure in the valve chamber becomes strong than the incoming condensate pressure.
And finally, orifice traps are the earliest, simplest forms of steam traps. It basically consists of a small opening that allows condensate to be discharged together with negligible amounts of steam. This chokes the opening and locks in the steam due to its higher volume.
If you're looking to acquire steam traps for your business as replacement parts or for new installations, you may want to take a look at Sarco traps. Whether it be temperature based traps, pressure based traps or mechanical traps, Sarco traps provide reliable, efficient, durable products. You may find them distributed on this site, http://www.steamtraps.us/spirax-sarco-steam-traps.htm.