All steam traps aren`t equal

Steam traps are automatic valves that sense the difference between steam, air, condensate, and noncondensate gases such as CO{sub 2}. Their objective is to purge air, condensate, and other noncondensate gases and trap steam in the system where it belongs. A properly working trap should never let steam escape. Though the requirements for steam traps are simple, even the most experienced plant engineers and maintenance personnel have trouble in their selection and care. This fact is not surprising when a typical plant using a range of steam pressures can easily have in excess of 100 different steam traps to consider in terms of type, pressure rating, capacity, and manufacturer. There are five major types of steam traps in common use today: inverted bucket, float and thermostatic (F and T), thermodynamic, bimetallic, and thermostatic. Each is described.