Steam Traps - Safety Factors
A steam trap must be properly sized to handle the full load of condensate during startup.
| Steam Trap Type | Safety Factor |
|---|---|
| Balanced Thermostatic Steam Trap | 3 |
| Bimetallic Steam Trap | 2.5 |
| Float Steam Trap | 2 |
| Inverted Bucket Steam Trap | 2.5 |
| Liquid Expansion Steam Trap | 3 |
| Thermodynamic Steam Trap | 1.5 |
The estimated condensate load should always be multiplied by the recommended safety factor for trap selection.
Related Topics
• Design of Control and Safety Valves
Sizing and dimensions of control valves & equipment in steam and condensate systems.
• Sizing of Steam and Condensate Pipes
Dimensions of steam and condensate pipe lines. Calculate pressure losses, recommended velocities, capacities and more.
Related Documents
Condensate Generated in Cold Steam Pipes - SI Units
Huge amounts of condensate are generated when cold steam pipes are heated up must be drained from the pipes.
Condensate Generated in Cold Steam Pipes - Sizing of Steam Traps
When cold steam pipes are heated up they generate huge amounts of condensate that must be drained away from the pipe through steam traps - in Imperial Units.
Condensate Pipe Lines - Sizing
Flow and pressure loss in condensate return lines - SI Units.
Factors of Safety - FOS
Factors of Safety - FOS - are important in engineering designs.
Flash Steam Generation - Fundamental Physics
Tutorial to the basic physics behind flash steam generation
Flash Steam Generation - Imperial Units (psig)
When condensate passes steam traps - flash steam is generated.
Insulated Steam Pipes - Condensate Generated
Heat loss from steam pipes generates condensate which must be drained from the system - imperial units.
Insulated Steam Pipes - Condensate Generated (kg/h per 100m)
Heat loss from steam pipes generates condensate which must be drained from the system.
Low Pressure Steam Safety Valves - Capacities
Sizing safety valves after boiler output power in low pressure systems (kW and Btu/hr).
Steam Heating Systems - Design
An introduction to the basic design of steam heating systems.
Steam Pipes - Installation of Drip Legs
Properly draining steam pipes for condensate.
Steam Trap Selection Guide
Steam trap selection guide - Float & Thermostatic, Inverted Bucket, Bimetal Thermostatic, Impulse and Thermodynamic Disc steam traps.
Steam Traps - Back Pressure and Capacity
A back pressure in a condensate systems will reduce steam trap capacity