THERMOSTATIC STEAM TRAPS
Operation Principals;
The operating principles is based on the balance between the steam pressure and internal pressure of the thermostatic membrane capsule that is filled with special liquid whose saturation temperature is slightly lower than steam at any pressure.
At the start up position, the trap is completely open and removes the air and discharges the condensate. When the temperature reaches the saturated steam level related to the pressure, vaporization of the liquid inside the thermostatic capsule membrane creates a pressure differential causing the close the orifice. As the condensate cool, the liquid condenses lowers the internal pressure of the membrane. The resultant pressure differential will favor the external pressure acting on the membrane to retract and open the orifice, permitting the condensate discharge, cycles continue.
Advantages of Thermostatic Steam Traps:
1- Maximum Efficiency: Acc at benefit from the hidden energy of steam.
2- Easy Maintenance: During any case of break down, maintenance could be completed by losing only 4 bolts placed on the cover of the steam trap instead of replacing all steam trap.
3- Easy Installation: Unlike thermodynamic steam traps, thermostatic steam traps do not have to be installed to the steam lines as horizontally to the x axis. This type of steam traps can be installed horizontally, vertically or with an angle to the steam line and are able to operate with 100 % efficiency.
4- Discharge of Air or Other Gasses: Thanks to their thermostatic capsules, thermostatic steam 17 traps are able to discharge air and the other gasses that can’t be condensate and protect the system against water hammer.
5- Increase the Discharge Capacity: Condensate discharge capacity could be increased by increasing the number of the capsules used in the body design. The discharge capacity is dependent on the type and number of the capsules as well as the size of the steam trap.
Disadvantages of Thermostatic Steam Traps;
Not Suitable for Super-Heated Steam: The liquid in the capsules is adjusted according to the pressure for saturated steam temperature. Because of that, at super–heated temperatures, the capsule may get stuck and not operate properly.
THERMOSTATIC CAPSULE
Features, types and the application areas of thermostatic capsules; Thermostatic capsule and all other internal parts are made in anti-corrosive stainless steel material. Hastelloy membrane is resistant against even the acidic condensate conditions very well. There are three different types of capsules that we manufacture.
1-High temperature capsule “H”: Specially designed for the applications which dry steam should be used such as tire industry, textile industry. And this capsule discharges the condensate under 5°C below the saturated steam temperature at related steam pressure.
2-Standard temperature capsule ”S”: Standard designed for any applications which saturated steam should be used. And this capsule discharges the condensate under 10°C below the saturated steam temperature at related steam pressure.
3-Low temperature capsule “L”: Specially designed for applications which steam is used for heating. And this capsule discharges the condensate under 30°C below the saturated steam temperature at related steam pressure and allows the equipment to use enthalpy of the hot condensate as well.
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BI-METALIC STEAM TRAPS
The operating principle is based on a balance between the steam force that depends on pressure, trying to open the discharge valve and the opposing bi-metal force that depends on temperature that tends to close the valve. The trap is adjusted so that at saturated steam temperature the bi-metal force will prevail while with under cooled condensate and air, the force of pressure will prevail and open the valve.
Operation Principals;
Conical end stem valve and composite material that is consisted of two plates that have different expansion coefficient are the main components of bimetallic steam traps. As the fluid is cold, bimetal elements are compressed and the valve is open. Air, non-condensable gasses and condensate are discharged during this stage. When the hot condensate enters the system, bi metallic plates expand with different amounts and pull the valve toward to the seat and stop discharging. When cold condensate enters the steam trap again, cycle continues.
Advantages of Bimetallic Steam Traps:
1- Water Hammer Resistance: Highly resistant against corrosive condensate and water hammer.
2- Freeze Resistance: Not being affected from freezing.
3- High Efficiency: Condensate is discharged below the steam temperature. It is possible to adjust the bimetallic plates and benefit from the hidden energy of the steam.
4- High Temperature Applications: Can be used at high temperature and super-heated steam lines.
5- Check Valve Function: The valve which is attached to the bimetallic plates works as Check Valve and protect the system from the back pressure increases.
6- Easy Installation: Unlike thermodynamic steam traps, bimetallic thermostatic steam traps do not have to be installed to the steam lines as horizontally to the x axis. This type of steam traps can be installed horizontally, vertically or with an angle to the steam line and are able to operate with 100% efficiency.
Disadvantages of Bimetallic Steam Traps:
1- Long reaction time: Reaction time of bimetallic steam traps may be too long at the system where condensate and steam temperatures are very close. Long reaction time for load and temperature changes may cause trouble at the equipment.
2- Setup Difficulties: Adjustment of the valve that the bimetallic plates are attached may be difficult especially after maintenance. Adjustment requires to be done by experts.traps are able to discharge air and the other gasses that can’t be condensate and protect the system against water hammer.