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Steam traps remove water and non-condensable gases from steam lines. There are four types: mechanical, thermal, thermodynamic, and venturi. Each type operates differently but all use automatic valves to perform their functions.
A steam trap is a tool used to purge water and non-condensable gases from steam lines. Steam traps fulfill three basic responsibilities: to maintain a low level of steam consumption, to remove any water that forms, and to remove air and non-condensable gases. Typical steam traps are simply valves that operate automatically, opening, closing and regulating as necessary to ensure that the three functions are performed without incident.
There are four different types of steam traps. They are mechanical, thermal, thermodynamic and venturi. While each of these types work on the basic foundation of an automatic valve, they are constructed differently from each other and different types are better suited to different fixtures.
A mechanical steam trap has a floating instrument that keeps a constant measurement of steam levels. The float rises and falls according to the degree of condensation, causing the valve to open and close as needed. An inverted bucket steam trap, which looks like an upside-down bucket, and a spherical float steam trap, which contains a sizable ball as a floating device, are two examples of mechanical traps.
Temperature steam traps work a little differently. The temperature level causes the air in the steam tank to rise or contract. This movement automatically turns the valve on or off. A thermostatic steam trap falls into this category; these types of temperature traps contain a thermostatic vent that releases air and non-condensable gases from the vapor chamber.
A thermodynamic trap affects the vessel’s response to the flow of fluids and vapor as they move through the chamber. As steam moves into the valve area, a natural force is created that moves a special thermodynamic steam disc against the valve, turning it off or on as needed to control the steam. These types of steam traps operate even if there is only a small amount of steam in the chamber, which can cause significant wear to the steam trap.
Venturi steam traps, sometimes referred to as orifice traps, are uniquely constructed, yet effective. They contain a venturi valve, designed to restrict the flow of a liquid or gas by passing it through a narrow area of the pipe. The unusual shape of the valve causes steam to accumulate and disperse as it reaches the low-pressure chamber of the valve. As a result, very low levels of vapor are emitted from the tank.
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