Float steam trap
Float Steam Traps are a type of steam traps , and serve to dehydration of water vapor , compressed air and other gases .
function
Float steam traps use the different specific densities of a substance in a liquid and a gaseous state to separate the states of aggregation .
Float steam trap
Float traps are level-dependent proportional regulators. If condensate flows into the trap , the liquid level rises in the trap housing, the float ball floats and opens the seal via a mechanism. The condensate is drained continuously and without any time delay. There is a permanent water reserve in front of the closing organ, so that air loss is excluded. The function is independent of the condensate temperature and pressure fluctuations.
Free float steam trap
A further developed form of the float drain is the free float condensate drain, in which a free floating ball opens and closes the closing element. The main advantage of the free float principle is its reliability due to its simple construction and reduced wear: The elimination of a control mechanism for opening and closing the door eliminates sources of error and wear parts; the float ball can rotate freely when it floats, so that during operation the entire float surface is used evenly to seal the closing element and wear in the area of the closing element is reduced. A 3-point mounting of the ball float ensures a vapor-tight seal.
Applications
Float steam traps are characterized by:
- delay-free, continuous condensate discharge
- very high capacities depending on the design
- vapor-tight closure
- high reliability, long service life and long maintenance intervals
- Temperature independence
This makes their preferred areas of application:
- Line drainage
- Systems of various types and dimensions regulated on the steam side: heating processes with extremely large quantities, pressure fluctuations and very low pressures right into the vacuum range
- the drainage of steam dryers
- the discharge of cold condensates (e.g. from compressed air systems)
- the derivation of distillates and other fluids whose saturated steam curves differ from that of water
- Expander or discharge control for maintaining a certain condensate level
Compared to other arresters, they are particularly insensitive to dirt.
Others
When starting up a system, it is necessary to vent the lines quickly. Float steam traps are therefore often equipped with a simple vent .
literature
- GESTRA AG Bremen: GESTRA Information A 1.6 . 1981
- GESTRA AG Bremen: GESTRA condensate primer . 2005
- GESTRA AG Bremen: GESTRA guide . 2007