What is Steam Trap?
A steam trap is a mechanical device used in steam systems to remove condensate (the liquid formed when steam cools down) and non-condensable gases while allowing steam to flow freely. Its primary function is to prevent the loss of steam, which is typically more expensive than condensate, and to maintain system efficiency. Steam traps come in various types, including mechanical, thermostatic, and thermodynamic traps, each designed to operate based on different principles. Properly functioning steam traps are essential for preventing issues like water hammer, ensuring energy conservation, and maintaining the integrity of steam-based systems.
Arrotop’s steam traps offer reliable and efficient solutions for condensate removal tailored to meet the demands of various industrial applications. With a focus on quality and innovation, Arrotop delivers products that ensure superior performance and longevity. Our steam traps are designed to provide efficient condensate removal with minimal steam loss, making them an ideal choice for maintaining the efficiency and safety of your steam systems.
Product Data
Arrotop’s steam traps are designed for efficient and reliable removal of condensate and non-condensable gases from steam systems. These steam traps ensure optimal performance and energy savings in various industrial applications. They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of steam systems by preventing water hammer, corrosion, and ensuring the proper operation of equipment. By automatically discharging condensate, steam traps help in conserving energy, reducing steam loss, and maintaining optimal system performance.
A steam trap is a crucial component in steam systems used to remove condensate (water formed by the cooling of steam) and non-condensable gases while allowing steam to pass through. It helps maintain system efficiency by preventing issues like water hammer and energy loss. Steam traps come in various types, including mechanical, thermostatic, and thermodynamic traps, each operating based on different principles. Proper maintenance, including regular inspection and testing, is essential to ensure optimal performance. Steam traps find applications in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and HVAC systems, where they help conserve energy and maintain operational efficiency.
Why are Steam Traps Installed?
Steam is produced when water undergoes vaporization to transform into a gas. For this vaporization process to take place, the water molecules must receive sufficient energy to break the bonds between them, including hydrogen bonds. This energy required to convert a liquid into a gas is referred to as ‘latent heat’.
In steam-based heating processes, latent heat is utilized and transferred to a specific product. Once this process is completed (i.e., steam releases its latent heat), it condenses back into water, known as condensate. Essentially, condensate lacks the capacity to perform the same work as steam. Therefore, heating efficiency will be compromised if condensate is not promptly removed, whether it’s within steam transport piping or in a heat exchanger.
Features
- Durability: High-quality construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh environments.
- Efficiency: Designed to provide effective condensate removal with minimal steam loss, optimizing energy use.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
- Ease of Maintenance: Accessible design for easy servicing and maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.
- Energy Saving: Helps in reducing energy consumption by ensuring efficient steam utilization.
- Safety: Prevents water hammer and equipment damage by ensuring timely condensate removal.
- Adaptability: Available in various types and sizes to meet specific application requirements.
- Enhanced Performance: Advanced design features to handle high condensate loads and ensure reliable operation.
Body Material Options
- 316/L Stainless Steel, 304/L Stainless Steels, Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Other alloys available upon request
Types of Steam Traps
- Thermodynamic
- Mechanical
- Thermostatic
- Bi-metallic
Connection Types
- Screwed, flanged, socket-welded, butt-welded
Sizes
- 1/2″ to 2″ and larger sizes on request
Performance
- Pressure Rating: Up to 600 psi (41 bar)
- Temperature Rating: Up to 800°F (427°C)
- Flow Characteristics: Suitable for a wide range of flow rates
- Standards Compliance: ASME, API, ISO, and other relevant standards
Detailed descriptions of the operation mechanisms of each type of steam trap:
- Thermodynamic Steam Traps: Utilize the difference in kinetic energy between high-velocity steam and slower-moving condensate.
- Mechanical Steam Traps: Operate based on the density difference between steam and condensate, using float mechanisms or inverted bucket designs.
- Thermostatic Steam Traps: Include bi-metallic and balanced pressure types, which respond to temperature changes.
- Bi-metallic Steam Traps: Use the deformation of bimetal elements to open or close the trap, responding to temperature changes.
Model Numbers
| Model Number | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AST150TD | Thermodynamic | Thermodynamic steam trap, up to 150 psi |
| AST300TD | Thermodynamic | Thermodynamic steam trap, up to 300 psi |
| AST600TD | Thermodynamic | Thermodynamic steam trap, up to 600 psi |
| ASM150M | Mechanical | Mechanical steam trap, up to 150 psi |
| ASM300M | Mechanical | Mechanical steam trap, up to 300 psi |
| AST150TS | Thermostatic | Thermostatic steam trap, up to 150 psi |
| AST300TS | Thermostatic | Thermostatic steam trap, up to 300 psi |
| ASB150BM | Bi-metallic | Bi-metallic steam trap, up to 150 psi |
| ASB300BM | Bi-metallic | Bi-metallic steam trap, up to 300 psi |
Technical Information
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pressure Rating | Up to 600 psi (41 bar) |
| Temperature Rating | Up to 800°F (427°C) |
| Body Material | 316/L, 304/L, Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, other alloys on request |
| Types of Steam Traps | Thermodynamic, Mechanical, Thermostatic, Bi-metallic |
| Connection Types | Screwed, Flanged, Socket-welded, Butt-welded |
| Sizes | 1/2″ to 2″ |
| Standards Compliance | ASME, API, ISO, and other relevant standards |
Size Chart
| Size (inches) | Thermodynamic (mm) | Mechanical (mm) | Thermostatic (mm) | Bi-metallic (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2″ | 60 mm | 80 mm | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| 3/4″ | 75 mm | 95 mm | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| 1″ | 100 mm | 120 mm | 125 mm | 110 mm |
| 1 1/2″ | 150 mm | 180 mm | 190 mm | 160 mm |
| 2″ | 200 mm | 230 mm | 240 mm | 210 mm |
Applications of Steam Trap
- Heating Systems: Steam traps are used in steam heating systems for buildings, where steam is circulated through radiators or heating coils to provide warmth. Steam traps remove condensate from these systems to maintain efficient heat transfer and prevent damage to equipment.
- Industrial Processes: In manufacturing plants, steam traps are employed in processes such as sterilization, drying, and curing. They ensure that condensate is removed from steam lines and equipment to maintain process efficiency and product quality.
- Chemical Processing: Steam traps play a critical role in chemical processing plants for applications such as distillation, reactor heating, and steam stripping. They help remove condensate from steam lines and vessels to prevent contamination and ensure the purity of chemical products.
- Food and Beverage Production: Steam traps are used in food and beverage processing facilities for applications like cooking, pasteurization, and sterilization. They ensure the efficient removal of condensate from steam-powered equipment to maintain hygiene standards and product quality.
- HVAC Systems: Steam traps are incorporated into HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems for applications such as humidification and air heating. They remove condensate from steam coils and heat exchangers to maintain system efficiency and prevent water damage.
- Power Generation: In power plants, steam traps are utilized in steam turbine systems to remove condensate and prevent water from entering the turbine, which could cause damage and reduce efficiency. They also play a role in the condensate recovery process to maximize energy efficiency.
- Textile Industry: Steam traps are used in textile manufacturing processes for applications like dyeing, drying, and fabric finishing. They help remove condensate from steam lines and equipment to ensure consistent product quality and production efficiency.
Advantages of Steam Trap
Steam traps offer several advantages in steam systems:
- Energy Conservation: Steam traps help conserve energy by removing condensate and non-condensable gases from steam systems. This prevents the loss of valuable steam, which is typically more expensive than condensate. By maintaining the integrity of the steam, steam traps ensure that energy is efficiently utilized in heating, process applications, and power generation.
- Prevention of Water Hammer: Accumulated condensate in steam lines can lead to water hammer, a sudden pressure surge that can cause damage to pipes, valves, and other system components. Steam traps prevent water hammer by effectively removing condensate from the system, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
- Optimized Heat Transfer: Steam traps facilitate efficient heat transfer by removing condensate from heat exchangers, coils, and other steam-powered equipment. This prevents the insulating effect of condensate, allowing steam to deliver heat effectively and maintain consistent temperatures.
- Equipment Protection: By removing condensate and preventing water hammer, steam traps help protect steam system equipment from damage and premature wear. This extends the lifespan of components such as valves, pumps, and steam turbines, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
- Process Efficiency: In industrial applications, steam traps ensure that steam-powered processes operate at peak efficiency by removing condensate and maintaining steam quality. This helps optimize production rates, product quality, and overall process performance.
- Safety: Properly functioning steam traps contribute to a safer working environment by preventing the buildup of condensate and reducing the risk of accidents such as steam leaks and equipment failure. This promotes workplace safety and minimizes the potential for steam-related hazards.
- Environmental Benefits: Efficient steam systems with properly maintained steam traps contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with efforts to minimize resource usage and mitigate climate change impacts.