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P1 = 15 psig
6
5
1,000 lb/h
Condensate
return-line
pressure = 5 psig
4
3
2
Kelly Paffel
Swagelok Energy Advisors
roper steam-trap sizing is critical
to efficient and reliable steamtrap operation. Incorrect steam
trap sizing can undermine the
design and function of the steam trap,
create installation issues, and cause
condensate backup, steam loss, or both.
Steam-trap sizing refers to the internal discharge orifice for condensate. Unfortunately, it is sometimes
confused with the size of the end connection or piping, which is entirely different. Its true that for low-pressure
steam heating systems, manufacturers will produce steam traps with connection sizes that correlate directly to
capacity or orifice size, but for industrial applications, there is no such correspondence. A steam trap with 2-in.
end connections can have the same
condensate capacity as a steam trap
with -in. end connections.
When sizing a steam trap, the first
order of business is to determine
the required condensate capacity or
size of the internal discharge orifice.
This is a fairly complex undertaking,
which will be explained below. Then,
a relatively simple matter is determining the end connection size or installation requirements.
5 psig pressure
drop across
the heater
P2 = 10 psig
Steam trap
Back pressure:
1/2 psig for each
foot of rise
FIGURE 1. Shown here is the setup and data for Process Example No. 1:
Unit heater
Condensate return-line
pressure = 25 psig
Condensate line
TABLE 1. STEAM-TRAP
SIZING FACTORS
Types of steam traps
Sizing factor
Inverted bucket
Thermostatic
Thermodynamic
FIGURE 2. This diagram shows the setup and data for the non-process example:
Steam line drip leg or steam lock
59
Control valve
Feature Report
P1 = 75 psig
P2 = 60 psig
Heat exchanger
10 psig pressure
drop across the
heat exchanger
P4 = 0 psig
P3 = 50 psig
Stream trap
FIGURE 3. The setup and data for process example No. 2 (heat exchanger) is shown
here
Summary
Steam-trap sizing refers to the internal
discharge orifice for condensate, not to
be confused with the size of the steam
traps end connections. Three pieces of
information will assist you in finding a
steam trap with a properly sized orifice:
differential pressure across the orifice,
condensate capacity, and maximum
steam pressure in the system. When
consulting tables or approaching the
manufacturers sales representative,
you will need this information. Also,
you should have on hand your maximum system temperature. Finally, you
will specify the end connection or piping size (for instance, -inch).
To increase your chances of succeeding, consider training in sizing and in-
Reference
1. Follow the link to Best Practice #8 at www.
swagelokenergy.com/practices/practices.aspx
Author
Kelly Paffel, technical manager for Swagelok Energy
Advisors, Inc. (31500 Aurora
Rd., Solon, OH 44139; Phone:
1-888-615-3559; Email: seacustomerservice@swagelok.com)
, is a recognized authority in
steam and condensate systems. He is a frequent lecturer
and instructor on the technical aspects of steam systems.
In addition, Kelly has published many papers on the topics of steam system
design and operation. Over the past 30 years, he
has conducted thousands of steam system audits
and training sessions in the U.S. and overseas,
which has made Kelly an expert in troubleshooting actual and potential problems in the utilities
of steam. Kelly is a member of the U.S. Dept.of
Energys (DOE) Steam Best Practices and Steam
Training Committees.
Circle 1 on p. 76 or go to adlinks.che.com/45776-01