Steam Trap

استیم تراپ یا تله بخار A steam trap is a type of automatic valve that filters condensates (liquid steam) and non-condensable gases.

In industry, steam is regularly used for heating or as a driving force for mechanical power.

Steam traps are used in such applications to ensure that steam is not wasted.

 

 

Types of Steam Traps:

Steam traps can be divided into three major categories based on their working mechanism:

1.Mechanical Steam Traps

2.Thermostatic Steam Traps

3.Thermodynamic Steam Traps

A) Types of Mechanical Steam Traps

 

Float Steam Trap

An important consideration when selecting mechanical steam traps is the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet. The size of the discharge orifice (orifice size) is determined based on this pressure difference.

 

Inverted Bucket Steam Trap

1. Inverted bucket steam traps feature a simple design
2. it offers high resistance to water hammer and extremely high pressures, up to 100 bar.
3. This makes them suitable for use in superheated systems as well.

 

Venturi Steam Trap

 

B) Types of Thermostatic Steam Traps:

 

Bimetallic Thermostatic Steam Trap

1. High condensate capacity
2. High condensate discharge and air venting capability.
3. Excellent resistance to freezing
4. Resistance to water hammer
5. Resistance to corrosive condensates and high pressures
6. Good performance across a range of steam pressures
7. Easy maintenance without disassembling the trap
8. Suitable for a wide pressure range without changing the orifice dimensions

 

Liquid Expansion Thermostatic Steam Trap

1. Efficient condensate discharge at low temperatures and cold condensate
2. Opens during startup to allow proper air venting
3. Excellent resistance to vibration and water hammer

 

 

Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Steam Trap

1. Compact size with high capacity
2. Ensures complete air venting during startup
3. High resistance to freezing
4. Adaptable to changing superheat pressures and temperatures
5. Easy to maintainEasy to maintain

C) Thermodynamic Steam Traps:

1. Consistent performance without adjustments within the operating range
2. Compact size with a simple design
3. High capacity relative to its small size
4. Easy to maintainEasy to maintain
5. Audible "click" sound for operation feedback
6. Utilizes a movable disk as a check valve
7. Can be used in high pressures and superheated conditions
8. Resistant to system vibrations, water hammer, and freezing

 

 

Required Features of Steam Traps:

Currently, it is essential for a steam trap, as an automatic valve, to have the following three key features:

1. Immediate and complete condensate discharge.
2. No steam leakage, even after long periods of use.
3. Ability to discharge non-condensable gases like air.