What are the different working principles and applicable scenarios of common steam traps?
Common steam traps include float type, thermal type and force balance type. Their working principles and applicable scenarios are slightly different:
1. Float steam trap: The working principle is to use the floating ball to control the opening and closing of the valve. When liquid water accumulates in the trap, the float is lifted and the valve opens to drain the water; when there is steam in the trap, the float sinks and the valve closes to prevent steam leakage. Suitable for low-pressure steam systems and smaller flow scenarios.
2. Thermal steam trap: The working principle is to use the principle of thermal expansion and contraction to control the opening and closing of the valve through the volume change of the thermal sensitive element (usually the expansion body). When there is condensed water in the system, the expansion body expands and the valve opens; when there is steam in the system, the expansion body contracts and the valve closes. Suitable for small and medium pressure steam systems.
3. Force-balanced steam trap: The working principle is to control the opening and closing of the valve by balancing steam pressure and system pressure. When there is condensate in the system, the pressure imbalance causes the valve to open and drain the water; when there is steam in the system, the pressure balance causes the valve to close. Suitable for high-pressure steam systems and large flow scenarios.
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