Steam trap意思
"Steam trap" is a device used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to remove condensate (water) from steam lines without allowing the steam to escape. It is an essential component in steam systems to prevent the loss of steam and to ensure that the condensate is drained away safely and efficiently.
Steam traps operate on the principle that steam can pass through them while preventing the backflow of condensate. There are several types of steam traps, including:
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Mechanical or thermodynamic traps: These traps use a float or a bimetallic disk to open and close the valve. The float type operates by the weight of the water, while the bimetallic disk type uses the difference in expansion rates of two dissimilar metals to open and close the valve.
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Thermostatic traps: These traps use a bulb and a valve that opens when the temperature of the condensate drops below the set point, allowing the condensate to escape.
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Pressure differential traps: These traps use the difference in pressure between the steam and the condensate to open and close the valve.
Steam traps are crucial for maintaining the efficiency of steam systems by ensuring that the steam can reach its destination without being cooled by the condensate, which would reduce its heating capacity. They also help prevent corrosion and damage to equipment caused by the accumulation of condensate.