How to operate a thermostatic steam trap, according to Keystone

Keystone supplies thermostatic steam traps from multiple manufacturers, in five different categories.

One important product we provide at Keystone Steam Supplies is thermostatic steam traps. Steam traps are an important part of all steam systems, useful in a wide range of applications from heating systems to petroleum refineries. Our industrial thermostatic traps are built for all types of steam-distribution systems.

So how do these thermostatic steam traps work, and what benefits can one offer for your business?

What is a steam trap?

Steam traps are mechanical devices that manage the flow of steam. They work in a similar way that traffic lights do: they stop steam flow into the return system until it has spent its energy and turned into condensate, then allow that condensate to flow into the return piping system towards the border, where it turns back into steam.

Thermostatic steam traps are balanced pressure temperature-based devices that use vapour pressure within a diaphragm or bellows to open and close within the trap body. The bellows can come in a single- or multiple-convolution design. These traps are used most commonly with radiators, heating systems, and processing machinery.

Inside the bellows is a volatile liquid that reacts to the surrounding temperature. When steam surrounds the bellows, this liquid turns into steam, which makes the bellows expand. This causes the plug at the bottom to shut the opening in the trap seat. This stops the steam flow into the return piping system. After the external steam condenses into water, the internal steam also condenses and contracts the bellows, backing the plug from the seat and opening the bottom orifice to let the condensate flow into the return piping system.

We at Keystone supply thermostatic steam traps from multiple manufacturers, in five different categories: vertical pattern, angle pattern, horizontal/straight pattern, combined horizontal/angle pattern, and 90-degree horizontal pattern. These steam traps are made out of a variety of materials, like brass, bronze, cast iron, or stainless steel. Advantages of these devices include their large water- and air-handling capacity.

To hear Keystone founder Ron Holowka tell it, watch this video:

For more information, contact Keystone Steam Supplies.

• Tweet