Condensate traps are designed to collect and remove condensate from the steam heating system, which is not involved in the technological process. That is, they have to release water and retain steam, since the transit steam accounts for up to 30% of the total steam losses, which is why in English the term sounds "steam trap" and is translated as "steam trap". They perform their function due to the presence of a hydraulic or mechanical shutter in their design. Distinguish between valve (discharge condensate periodically) and valveless (discharge condensate continuously) steam traps.
According to the principle of action, they are divided into:
1) float
- closed type;
- open type;
- inverted bell type;
2) thermostatic
3) thermodynamic
4) maze
5) /nozzle
The principle of operation of the float steam trap is based on opening the flow area of the valve when the float ascends, which occurs when the condensate level is reached in the case of the limit value. After the condensate is drained off through the outlet valve, the float is lowered again and the valve opening is closed. Thanks to this mechanism of action, the float steam trap also functions as an overflow regulator. At the first start-up of the system, air enters the steam trap, which is removed through the integrated thermostatic valve. the advantages of float steam traps include:
- Condensate drainage independent of temperature and pressure.
- High bandwidth;
- Additional venting.
- Repair of individual structural units is possible.
