Steam & Condensate Introduction
Steam Traps
Operation of a Steam System
How does condensate flow through steam traps? Steam Pressure pushes the condensate through the trap .
Every steam trap has an Inlet Pressure (Steam Supply Pressure) and an Outlet Pressure . The difference between inlet & outlet pressure is referred to as the Differential Pressure . When the Inlet Steam Pressure is higher than the Outlet Pressure (Positive Differential Pressure), the steam will “PUSH” the condensate through the steam trap.
Outlet Pressure
Inlet Pressure 50
Differential Pressure is an important factor for sizing steam traps as well as other components, such as regulators and control valves. The higher the Inlet Pressure in relation to the Outlet Pressure, the more condensate the trap can remove from the steam system. The trap capacity is therefore a function of the differential pressure across the trap.
0
Inlet Pressure (Steam)
Differential Pressure
Outlet Pressure (Condensate)
–
=
Steam pressure pushes condensate through the trap
50 psig
– 0.0 psig
= 50 psi
50 psig Inlet Pressure
Roof
Air Vent Open Discharges air during start-up
0 psig
Outlet Pressure
Process #2
Process #1
Vat Process
Steam Jacketed Kettle
Drip Trap TD600S
Drip Trap TD600S
0 psig
0 psig
Process Trap
Process Trap
Steam
Drip Trap TD600
Drip Trap TD600
Vented Receiver
Condensate Return Line Condensate flows by gravity into the flash vessel .
Boiler
Pump
Condensate Return Pump A mechanical or electric Pump is used to return the condensate.
Vented Receiver A Vented Receiver maintains a pressure of 0 psig inside the condensate return lines by venting the flash steam generated by
the hot condensate to the atmosphere.
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