Main functions of steam traps
Thermal steam traps operate by utilizing the temperature differences of steam and condensate. They have an operating pressure range of 0.1 - 46 bar and an operating temperature of 0 - 350 °C.
What are the advantages of GESTRA thermal steam traps?
- Reduction of the risk of malfunction
- High energy conservation
- Efficiently promote the productivity of the equipment
- Easy maintenance through steam trap inspection
- Often serve also as air vents in steam systems
In addition to thermal steam traps, the GESTRA range also includes bimetallic steam traps and capsule steam traps.
However, the most important operating principle of steam traps is to drain the condensate as quickly as possible. This allows steam lines, heating systems or steam consumers to operate in an energy-saving manner. This is an important function for keeping operating costs and environmental emissions as low as possible.
The cycle is the same for almost every steam trap. It retains live steam and discharges non-condensable gases such as air. Depending on the operating principle, the valves are divided into different types. First, there is the thermal steam trap described above. There are also mechanical and thermodynamic steam traps.
For the right choice of a steam trap we are at your disposal.
These steps can be helpful in advance to define the right type for optimal performance:
Recommendation 1:
What is the requirement for the application? Example: dewatering of superheated steam, subcooled condensate drain, saturated steam line or turbine dewatering.
Recommendation 2:
Define operating pressure, operating temperature, installation length, material.
Recommendation 3:
How much condensate is expected?
Recommendation 4:
Selection based on lowest energy costs and service life.
As a GESTRA technology partner, we offer the different series suitable for your application. Among them are the GESTRA UNA steam traps, which operate with low friction due to the proven rolling ball closure. The GESTRA BK is the bimetallic series. Also known as Thermovit regulators, the BK series steam traps control opening and closing processes using bit metal plates and a step nozzle. Products with the designation GESTRA MK belong to the diaphragm series. These traps can be installed in steam tracing systems and in a variety of other applications for effective steam distribution.
Float steam traps of GESTRA
UNA 46/46 steam traps have a modular design, which is why the flow direction is variable. This series can be integrated into almost any pipeline. With a total of 33 different options for installation, this unit is absolutely flexible. The housing complies with EN and ASME standards. Steam traps with ball floats for the accumulation-free discharge of condensate have the following advantages:
- Steam loss-free
- Highest tightness and durability
- Excellent control characteristics
- Flexible range of application
- Insensitive to dirt
- Easy maintenance without removing the body
Highest tightness and durability with MK45/45A traps
Due to the integrated tandem termination, GESTRA steam traps type MK45/45A create a particularly high tightness in operation. In general, this series from GESTRA is characterized by the very high response sensitivity of the diaphragm regulator. Operations that are disturbed by a low condensate accumulation often use this steam trap series. The extremely fast response of the control diaphragm is only one of the many advantages of the MK series. Other points that speak in favor of its use are:
- Steam loss-free
- Any installation position
- Flat or tandem termination
- Long service life
How does a steam trap work?
One of the main functions of steam is to provide heat energy by condensation and to heat a wide variety of media in heat exchangers. Water vapor cools as it travels through piping. Condensate forms in the process, preventing optimum heat transfer. Condensate also leads to erosion and water hammer in the system. In order for the systems to work properly and reliably, steam traps remove condensate with the aim of losing as little steam as possible.