Steam trap or condensate trap?

It is very common in industrial jargon to hear those responsible for the correct operation of the equipment in a factory use phrases such as “the condensate trap is leaking”, “we spend more time for cooking and someone told me that perhaps the condensate drain is not working” or similar phrases. If we review the background of what these phrases implies, it is easier for experts to understand that it is really a poor operation of the condensate recovery system.

Note that, unlike what is common among industrial maintenance professionals, the word “condensate” is being used singularly; This is because it is really a single fluid: water vapor condensate. Having made this clarification, it is worth asking the following question: is the first element to correctly collect steam condensate a steam trap or a condensate trap?

The correct answer is: a steam trap; Why is such an assertion made? Simple, what we are interested in keeping within our steam network is NOT the condensate, therefore, what must be “trapped” in the network is the steam per se; On the other hand, what is essential to remove from our steam network is condensate, this is because it “steals” energy from the steam.

There are different types of steam traps on the market and their selection depends on several factors; At ECN Automation we have as a business partner the Watson McDaniel brand, a world leader in the manufacture of equipment for industrial steam management and control, so we can gladly support you in the correct selection of condensate recovery equipment.

For more information please contact us at: [email protected]