Steam Traps

Whether they’re being used for a commercial or domestic application, steam traps are automatic valves that filter out condensed steam and non-condensable gases such as air without letting steam escape. They’re essentially used in applications to make sure that steam is not wasted. As steam is such a powerful resource, it’s important the types of steam traps you’re using are of the highest quality.

We supply a variety of different types of steam traps to suit a number of applications, as well as other additional parts. Offering high-quality, reliable products at affordable prices is what RS is all about. The next time you need steam traps, make sure you come to the best.

What are steam traps?

Steam is formed when water vaporizes to form a gas. In order for the process to occur, water molecules must be given enough energy that the bonds between molecules break. The energy that’s used to convert a liquid into a gas is called latent heat. If your application uses a steam-based heating process, it’s likely you’ll need to have steam traps installed.

Steam traps are an essential part of any steam system. They’re the crucial link between good steam and condensate management. They retain steam within the process for maximum utilization of heat, while releasing condensate and non-condensable gases at the right time. Steam traps essentially purge condensate out of the system, allowing the steam to reach its destination in as dry a condition as possible to perform its intended task efficiently and economically.

What are the different types of steam traps?

Mechanical steam traps

Mechanical traps sense the difference in density between steam and condensate. Condensate from a mechanical trap is continually discharged, leaving none to disrupt the process. These are the most commonly used steam traps in today’s systems and require large discharge capacities.

Thermostatic steam traps

Thermostatic steam traps use a temperature-sensing element to determine when to discharge the condensate. Balanced pressure taps within the application operate by balancing the steam and internal pressure of the thermostatic element. When the process starts the valve is open, but once the steam reaches a certain temperature the valve closes. Thermostatic steam traps can be used in steam tracing applications.

Thermodynamic steam traps

Thermodynamic steam traps use the difference in velocity between steam and condensate to operate. As condensate enters it can be freely discharged through a valve. When the steam reaches the underside of a moving disc, its velocity is much higher than the condensate, creating a pressure drop that closes the valve head. The valve stays shut until the steam pressure above the disc drops, allowing the valve to open and the discharge cycle to repeat.

What are steam traps used for?

Steam traps can be used in a number of different applications. Essentially, they’re used anywhere there is a steam system and a need to discharge condensate. Steam traps are commonly found and used in industrial dryers, dry cleaning machines, space heating, and steam ovens.

What are the benefits of using steam traps?

There are many benefits to using steam traps in your application, although these often depend on the type you’re using. Some of the potential benefits include:

• An efficient steam strap system enables considerable steam saving.
• CO2 emissions are reduced through decreased steam wastage when using high-quality, reliable steam traps.
• In thermostatic steam traps, liquid expansion traps can be adjusted to discharge at lower temperatures, giving a cold drain facility.
• Mechanical steam traps can handle heavy or light condensate loads equally well. They are not affected by wide and sudden fluctuations of pressure or flowrate.
• Thermodynamic steam traps can operate across their entire working range without any adjustment or change of internals.

Trust RS to deliver on your steam trap needs

Whatever types of steam traps you need for your project or application, our range is designed to deliver. Offering affordable yet high-quality solutions, we’re proud to be one of the top suppliers of steam traps in North America.

If you need some help with your order, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Our team is available to help with your query. You can get in touch with us today or head over to our expert content hub for more information on a number of our key products.