Steam Trap Testing & Troubleshooting Guide?

Troubleshooting a steam trap is a necessary step in diagnosing problems that will occur at any point in the life cycle of the steam system. Therefore, it is important to plan the programmed test for steam traps. A condensation drain failed due to improper condensate suction. When a siphon indicates that it is no longer possible to effectively remove the condensate from the steam system, this is a fault signal in the siphon. Greater inefficiency means a waste of fuel and a general increase in production costs.

Despite the fact that different types of condensate drains have been developed over the years for various functions, a functioning trap will distinguish condensation vapors so that the system can produce energy efficiently and without compromise. However, steam traps are no different from any other mechanical device. After all, the parts and defects of the device wear out. Regular maintenance should extend or even extend the life of the trap and its components. However, please note that the expected life of steam traps does not exceed 3 years and that in some steam systems the annual percentage of steam traps is 35%.

CAUSES OF LACK OF STEAM TRAP

The factors that lead to the failure or acceleration of the steam trap vary, but here are some of the most common:

1. Contamination of feed water can cause problems.
2. Feed water quality plays an important role in the life of steam systems.
3. Dissolved gases, such as carbon dioxide, can convert condensate to acid and corrode steam traps.
4. Wrong size of the steam separator for this application (if it is smaller, the traps tend to fail faster than the correct trap size)
5. Recreation prevention is another important factor. It is advisable to install a filter in front of or in front of each steam trap. Although some steam traps have integrated filters, a separate filter ensures that rust and other contaminants are not trapped.

All steam traps require proper care. Establish a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Regular maintenance can identify and anticipate problems. External visual inspection can reveal signs of corrosion and leaks. Whether the observation works correctly or not, observation is the first step to maintaining and solving problems. Other warning signs may occur, such as a discharged cooling trap, a trap that releases the flow of steam, slow heating or noisy and noisy pipes that indicate a problem with the trap.

TROUBLESHOOTING

In general, when steam traps fail, one of two ways is used: they are closed or open. You will know that you have problems when you.

1. The fact that the steam flow slowly rising from the condensate cells begins to increase or flow in a constant and uncontrollable way (locked in the open position)
2. The exhausted vapors are sprayed on random dumps or they are not sprayed at all (obstructed bites)

Cold steam trap

A cold steam trap is a trap that does not open or close. The condensate cannot be removed and if the condensate is not removed, the steam system does not heat up. It will return to the trap and latent heat transfer will cease. If the bellows is not fitted, it is probably a problem. The control signal is a water hammer in the system that can damage the bellows.

Excessive release of steam (locked in open position)

When the trap does not open, the steam passes through it and the energy is lost. When the valve is open, the hot steam is continuously discharged. Most likely, the dirt accumulated in the valve seat or bellows is defective. It can detect it from the sound, but since the trap is hot (letting in the steam), it also means that the system is not warming up properly. The bellows may need to be replaced and cleaned. All these condensates, preheated and treated, will leave the system and must be replaced with cold water from the city, then heated and treated.

Trap maintenance

So the best way to ensure sustainability is to plan periodic checks, keep the traps clean and be ready for problem solving. Dirty traps can cause blockages or leaks and cause damage. This can also cause pressure spikes that can damage steam traps and / or water hammering throughout the system, resulting in premature wear.