Steam Traps
Steam traps are automatic valves that release condensed steam (condensate) from a steam space while preventing the loss of live steam. They also remove non-condensable gases from the steam space. Steam traps are designed to maintain steam energy efficiency for performing specific tasks such as heating a building or maintaining heat for process use. Once steam has transferred heat through a process and becomes hot water, it is removed by the trap from the steam side as condensate and either returned to the boiler via condensate return lines or discharged to the atmosphere, which is a wasteful practice.
Energy Efficiency Tip
Maximum steam loss occurs when a trap fails with its valve stuck in a fully opened position. Even with a 50% blockage, a 3/4 inch orifice steam trap, running 50% of the year at 75% efficiency, can result in a fuel loss costing $4,165/year. Clearly, attention to monitoring steam trap functions can result in significant fuel savings.
Cost Savings Tip
One malfunctioning steam trap can cost thousands of dollars in wasted steam per year. Therefore, steam trap maintenance should receive a constant and dedicated effort. Oversizing and dirt are the two most common causes of steam trap failure, so systems should be sized properly at installation and then checked regularly to remove dirt.
Maintenance Tip
There are two main types of diagnostic tools which help assess steam trap functioning. Thermography allows for accurate, non-contact temperature controls. An ultrasonic analyzer detects distinct sound patterns allowing the user to compare those sound patterns to trended sound signatures for comparison and assessment. Please see our Tool Box for more information.
Safety Tip
Care must be taken to minimize condensate backup, which can lower steam quality and increase the potential for water hammer. Not only will energy be wasted, but equipment can be destroyed as well. In some systems the flow can be as high as 82 mph, and this flow can be dangerous if it blows out a valve or strainer.