Steam tip: The purpose of a steam trap on steam/water washdown stations
Why do steam/water washdown stations need a steam trap on the inlet steam feed?
Piping for the steam feed to the washdown station generally drops from a higher level. The washdown station is used intermittently throughout the day and remains in the stand-by mode for long periods of time. If no trap is utilized at the steam inlet valve to the station, condensate will form in the steam line through heat loss and will allow condensate to flood the vertical piping. When the steam is turned back on the condensate, then a mix of condensate and steam will rust toward the washdown station allowing for banging, knocking and possible waterhammer. This action over time can destroy the valves and mixing chamber and is unsafe way to operate the washdown station. A simple steam trap at the inlet valve to the washdown station will allow for quiet, effective, efficient and most importantly safe operation of the washdown station.
Content provided by Spirax Sarco, originally published in Steam News Magazine.
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