BASICS OF STEAM TRAP

OPERATION

1
 Trap/Operator Types

Thermodynamic Mechanical Thermostatic

Steam (flash) Use difference in Senses

–flow operates density between temperature
valve steam and change of
condensate to condensate to
operate valve. A operate valve
float operates
the valve.

2
 Thermostatic Trap Types

• Bellows balanced pressure

– High capacity

• Wafer/Diaphragm balanced pressure

– Low capacity

• Bi-metallic
– High and low capacity

3
 #2 - Bimetallic Steam Traps

High expansion metal

Low expansion metal

Cold

Hot

4
 Simple Bi-Metal Operation
Steam
Condensate

Open Closed

5
 #1 - Bellows Balanced Pressure
Steam
Condensate

Bellows

Liquid fill
Valve

Seat

Open Closed

6
 #3 - Thermodynamic/Disc Steam Trap

At Start-up
Trap is Open

7
 Disc Trap Flashing Steam
P2
<<P2

P3
P1

8
 Disc Trap Closed

9
 Disc and Seat Wear

Flat valve
and seats
require near Two seats
perfect to seal
flatness to
seal

Uneven contact of disc

on seat causes wear

Disc Wear Seat Wear

10
 How it works?

Start-Up Modulating Air Venting

11
 IB at Start-Up (Open)

Condensate
Valve wide open

Low
velocity
flow

12
 IB Closed

Valve tightly closed

Condensate
level

13
 IB Filling

Valve tightly closed

Steam

Condensate

14
 IB Opening

Valve wide open

Small dirt
flushed

15
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