STEAM TRAP SIZING

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 Purpose

• To understand how to select the appropriate steam

trap for different applications so that you can remove
condensate, air and non-condensable gases
appropriately from the steam system without
disrupting the process

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 Does Size Matter?

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 Trap Sizing

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 Trap Sizing

oad

pplication

od/Constant Pressure

ack Pressure

upply Pressure

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 Trap Sizing
• L

• A = Space Heater

• M = Modulating Steam Pressure

• B = 0 psig (atmospheric)

• S = 15 psig

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 Page CG-27

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 1. Constant Steam Pressure.
INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS AND F&T TRAPS—Use a 3:1
safety factor at operating pressure differentials.

2. Modulating Steam Pressure.

F&T TRAPS AND INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS
WITH THERMIC BUCKETS
 0-15 psig steam—2:1 safety factor at ½ psi pressure
differential
 16-30 psig steam—2:1 at 2 psi pressure differential
 Above 30 psig steam—3:1 at ½ of maximum pressure
differential across the trap.

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 2. CFM and air temperature rise method. If you know only CFM
capacity of fan and air temperature rise,
find the actual Btu output by using this simple formula:
Btu/hr = CFM x 1.08 x temperature rise in °F.

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 Heat Load
Btu/hr = CFM x 1.08 x Temperature Rise
Btu/hr = 3600 x 1.08 x 70 = 272,160 Btu/hr

Condensate Load
Condensate Load = Btu/hr
Latent Heat
Condensate Load = 272,160 Btu/hr
945 Btu/lb
Condensate Load = 288 lb/hr
Load x Safety Factor = 576 lb/hr

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 Size Trap for 576 lb/hr @ ½ psid

1. Constant Steam Pressure.

INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS AND F&T TRAPS—Use a 3:1
safety factor at operating pressure differentials.

2. Modulating Steam Pressure.

F&T TRAPS AND INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS
WITH THERMIC BUCKETS
 0-15 psig steam—2:1 safety factor at ½ psi pressure
differential
 16-30 psig steam—2:1 at 2 psi pressure differential
 Above 30 psig steam—3:1 at ½ of maximum pressure
differential across the trap.

12 “Expect many enjoyable experiences!”

David M. Armstrong 12
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 Trap Sizing

• L
• A = Space Heater
• M = Constant Steam Pressure
• B = 0 psig (atmospheric)
• S = 60 psig

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 1. Constant Steam Pressure.
INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS AND F&T TRAPS—Use a 3:1
safety factor at operating pressure differentials.
Page CG-27
2. Modulating Steam Pressure.
F&T TRAPS AND INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS
WITH THERMIC BUCKETS
 0-15 psig steam—2:1 safety factor at ½ psi pressure
differential
 16-30 psig steam—2:1 at 2 psi pressure differential
 Above 30 psig steam—3:1 at ½ of maximum pressure
differential across the trap.

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 Heat Load
Btu/hr = CFM x 1.08 x Temperature Rise
Btu/hr = 3600 x 1.08 x 70 = 272,160 Btu/hr

Condensate Load
Condensate Load = Btu/hr
Latent Heat
Condensate Load = 272,160 Btu/hr
904 Btu/lb
Condensate Load = 300 lb/hr
Load x Safety Factor = 900 lb/hr

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 Size Trap for 900 lb/hr @ 60 psid

1. Constant Steam Pressure.

INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS AND F&T TRAPS—Use a 3:1
safety factor at operating pressure differentials.

2. Modulating Steam Pressure.

F&T TRAPS AND INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS
WITH THERMIC BUCKETS
 0-15 psig steam—2:1 safety factor at ½ psi pressure
differential
 16-30 psig steam—2:1 at 2 psi pressure differential
 Above 30 psig steam—3:1 at ½ of maximum pressure
differential across the trap.

20 “Expect many enjoyable experiences!”

David M. Armstrong 20
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 Size Trap for Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger

• Water flow rate: 100 GPM

• Modulating Steam – Max pressure 40 psig
• Specific Heat – 1.0
• Specific Gravity – 1.0
• 80°F Temperature Rise

• Determine…
• Type of trap to be used
• Condensate load, with safety factor, used to size each trap
• Steam trap selection – Choose a trap

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 How to Trap… Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger

Page CG-31

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 How to Trap… Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger

Trap Sizing Formula – Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger

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 Size Trap for Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger

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 Trap Sizing for Steam Distribution Pipes

• Size of main is 10”

• Length of main is 1,500 feet
• Steam pressure in main is 125 psig

• Determine…
• Number of traps recommended on this line
• Condensate load, with safety factor, used to size each trap
• Drip leg size for each trap
• Steam trap selection – Choose a trap

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 Trap Sizing for Steam Distribution Pipes

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 Trap Sizing for Steam Distribution Pipes
• Size of main is 10”
• Length of main is 1,500 feet
• Steam pressure in main is 125 psig

• Determine…
• Number of traps recommended on this line
• Condensate load, with safety factor, used to size each trap
• Drip leg size for each trap
• Steam trap selection – Choose a trap

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 Trap Sizing for Steam Distribution Pipes

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 Trap Sizing for Steam Distribution Pipes
• Size of main is 10”
• Length of main is 1,500 feet
• Steam pressure in main is 125 psig

• Determine…
• Number of traps recommended on this line
• Condensate load, with safety factor, used to size each trap
• Drip leg size for each trap
• Steam trap selection – Choose a trap for condensate load
of 612 lbs/hr @ 125 psi differential

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 Trap Sizing for Steam Distribution Pipes

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