Yoshitake

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Product Q&A

Steam Trap/Air Trap

Questions


QThe orifice type steam trap is said to have little quantity of flash type steam. Is it true that it contributes to energy saving?

It is necessary to consider the durability of the whole system as a whole if considering production and energy saving.
It is true that condensate temperature is low since condensate is discharged after condensate retention. However, energy saving is finally unmaintainable due to external leakage by corrosion and water hammer caused by blockage.

QWhat kind of steam trap is suitable for condensate recovery line generally?

Mechanical trap (float or bucket type) is suitable. For disc type steam trap, steam starts to leak when back pressure exceeds 50% of the inlet side pressure of steam trap. So, disc trap may not usable when steam pressure is low.

QMechanical type steam trap has a high temperature of condensate discharge. Does it contribute to energy saving?

Priority of mechanical traps is smooth discharge of condensate from a heat exchanger.
For saving energy, we recommend to reuse hot condensate as boiler feed while keeping it hot.

QIs it OK to submerge the outlet side piping of a steam trap?

Not recommended. When steam supply stops, the internal pressure can become negative and foreign substances may be sucked in with water.
If there is no other choice but submerging, we recommend installation of a vacuum regulating valve to prevent negative pressure.

QIs it necessary to consider a safety factor in selection of steam trap?

A safety factor is required to consider when selecting steam trap. It varies according to steam trap type or installation place. Refer to "Fluid control engineering" for more details.

QIs a steam trap available that can be connected both horizontally and vertically as desired?

Following products can be connected horizontally or vertically as you desire.
1) Thermostatic steam trap with bypass function integrated: Model TS-7 and TS-8
2) Disc type steam trap: Model TD-10NA and TD-30NA
3) Float type steam trap TSF-10, 10F, 11, 11F, 10S, 10SF, 11S, 11SF

QWhat is the maximum working differential pressure of a steam trap?

The maximum working differential pressure is the maximum difference between inlet pressure and outlet pressure of a steam trap for operation.
Any trap should be able to operate under this pressure difference. For example, the pressure difference between a boiler or a steam main pipe and a condensate return pipe, and that between the outlet pressure of a pressure reducing valve and the condensate return pipe.

QWhat is the maximum working pressure of a steam trap?

Each steam trap has the specified maximum working pressure. The trap does not discharge when it is used at a pressure over this specified value, because the closing force exceeds the opening force.
[Example] TD-10NA does not discharge condensate at a pressure over 2.0MPa.

QIs there any advice on thermal insulation of steam traps at surface treatment equipment and those at the pipe ends?

Any traps at the pipe ends can be insulated. For those on surface treatment equipment, we need to consider the equipment structure, trap types and installed location.
The trap should not be insulated if steam lock phenomenon can take place due to height difference between the heat exchanger and the trap, or if a disc trap is used. On the other hand, if the equipment is designed so that the flow naturally goes to the trap and discharge capacity is properly selected, insulating the trap will be fine.

QWhy do we need a check valve when connecting steam trap outlet to the condensate return line?

Even if the return pipe is connected to several traps on the lines with the same pressure, the internal pressure of the return line can be higher due to malfunction of traps or pressure reducing valves, so a check valve is necessary to prevent backflow.

QWhat is "staill" phenomenon?

It is a phenomenon typically seen on heat exchangers with fluctuating load, in which the differential pressure is not enough to discharge condensate and the condensate accumulates in the heat exchanger.

QAfter we started collecting condensate, condensate came to accumulate inside the heat exchanger.

It is assumed that pressure at the outlet of the heat exchanger is not enough to discharge condensate. We recommend Pumping Traps operated by air or steam.

QEven though we are using a new steam trap, the outlet seems much steam. Is this normal?

When steam condensate is discharged to the atmosphere, condensate re-evaporates and certain amount of flash steam is generated.

QHow can we detect steam trap failure?

Steam trap checker STC-1 can detect failed traps.

Link:  STC-1 special website 
QHow can we remotely monitor steam traps installed on locations hard to access?

Steam traps can be monitored by using the Wi-Flo wireless flow monitoring system. *Wi-Flo is available in limited countries due to local laws and regulations on wireless communication. Please contact us for details.
https://www.yoshitake-inc.com/wi-flo/

Link:  Wi-Flo special website 
QIs it OK to joint the outlet side of multiple traps together into one pipe?

It is recommended to install separate pipes. When join into one, refer to the link.

Link:  Steam trap  
QCondensate cannot be discharged due to air-binding.

Please use air vents fro steam.

QWe are considering replacing consumable parts only. Are spare parts available?

Available depending on the trap type. Please contact us.

QWhich type of steam trap makes less condensate retention?

Mechanical trap (inverted bucket or float type) is recommended,

QShould a strainer be installed before a steam trap?

Some models have a built-in strainer. For models without it, a strainer before the trap is recommended.

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