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Product Overview
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Steam Traps
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Spirax Sarco is probably best known for its superb range of steam traps. Condensate is the result of steam giving up its enthalpy to a process or heating system. This condensate must be removed efficiently to ensure that effective heat transfer is maintained. There are many different steam trap designs, each operating in a unique way. Each design may offer one advantage over another type, and these advantages and disadvantage must be considered to ensure that the steam using equipment operates properly.
There is no design that can offer a universal answer to all variables. Therefore it is essential to contact Spirax Sarco for freely available answers to your steam application questions and advice on your steam system's unique needs.
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The Spirax Sarco range of steam traps is so broad that we are unable to show you every available type. However, the following examples provide you with a taste for what is on offer. Steam traps operate in three ways:
Mechanical Steam Traps utilize the density of condensate (water) to operate a valve through mechanical means. This can be a float and lever principle, or an inverted bucket and lever mechanism , or an open top bucket, although these are no longer manufactured.
- The Spirax Sarco range includes one of the most widely used float & thermostatic types in the world, the FT 14. This trap is manufactured in S.G. (spheroidal graphite) iron, has all stainless steel internals and an in-built air vent capsule. This product has been designed to withstand periodic water-hammer and corrosive conditions. Unaffected by variation in steam pressures or condensate loads, this product is the first choice for temperature controlled heat exchanger applications and where a fast start up is needed.
- The second choice for steam applications where a robust trap is needed is the HM Series or B Series inverted bucket steam trap. Unfortunately the inverted bucket design does not vent air as freely as the float & thermostatic types and should therefore, only be used where the steam is in use continuously. This problem can be overcome by installing an air vent in parallel with the steam trap.
Thermostatic Steam Traps sense the difference in temperature between hot condensate (at steam temperature, while in contact with steam), and the valve operating temperature device. This device can be a bimetal element or a liquid filled bellows capsule.
- The balanced pressure thermostatic steam trap is extensively in HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) steam systems. Most steam radiators, convectors and heating coils utilize these types of trap. The Spirax Sarco BPT13 is a small brass bodied unit with a stainless steel - balanced pressure capsule. There is no doubt that this little traps, with a big heart, is the best of its kind in the world. It will give many years of trouble free and efficient service.
- The other thermostatic type of steam trap is bimetallic. This uses a bimetallic strip (made of two metals that expand at different rates, which deflect when heated), to operate a valve mechanism. These discharge at a sub-cooled temperature and if the steam plant can accept a waterlogged state, the sensible heat contained in the condensate can be utilized with this product. The Spirax Sarco SM series is a steel bodied unit with stainless steel internals and is used mainly on non-critical steam tracing and heating coil applications.
Thermodynamic Steam Traps use a combination of temperature and velocity to operate a disc or piston. Although there are many variables of this principle on the market, the disc type is the most popular.
- Probably the most popular type of steam trap in common use today. Used mainly on steam mains drip applications, is very robust and able to withstand the severe system and environmental conditions. Spirax Sarco can offer an extensive range, in the TD52 and TD42 units. These products are still the best made and provide excellent value. Although it is very easy to copy the TD steam trap, most manufacturers of similar equipment have yet to discover this products secret. Remember, if you want the real thing, then buy Spirax Sarco!
High Pressure Steam Traps
The high pressure range of steam traps are available with mechanical, thermostatic and thermodynamic principles of operation:
Mechanical:
The FT450 steel bodied float & thermostatic steam trap can be used on system pressures up to 450 psig and is available with sizes from 3/4" to 4" with connections, depending on the size, NPT/Socket Weld/Flanged ANSI 150 & 300. This product is the most effective for clearing condensate from steam heat exchangers, coils and other temperature controlled steam heated equipment. If capacity is a problem, the FT450 solves this with cold condensate capacities up to 1,000,000 pounds per hour and steam temperature capacities of up to 300,000 pounds per hour.
The 900 Series forged steel inverted bucket steam trap is the most robust type of mechanical steam trap, suitable for pressures up to 900 psig and capacities up to 20,000 lbs/hr.. They are highly resistant to water-hammer conditions and when fitted with an internal check valve can be used on superheated applications. They are available in a wide selection of connection size and valve orifice for precise matching of pressure and load conditions.
Thermostatic:
Bimetallic steam traps would not normally be installed on high pressure applications, simply because they hold back condensate and discharge at a sub-cooled state. However, they are extremely robust and able to withstand water-hammer and corrosive conditions. The SM45 has a cast steel body in sizes from 1/2" to 1-1/2" for pressures up to 650 psig, having capacities between 7,000 and 20,000 lbs/hr. depending on the temperature of discharge.
Thermodynamic:
For high pressure steam mains drainage applications, there is only one choice of steam trap and that is the Spirax Sarco TD62 or the TD120. No other manufacturer produces such a reliable and hard wearing thermodynamic steam trap. Well tried and tested in the most demanding of applications, the high pressure TD traps prove themselves time and time again. If you have mains drainage applications where other traps are not performing well, or have a short lifespan, then you need either the TD62 or TD120 thermodynamic steam trap. They are suitable for operating pressures up to 1174 psig, and have 1/2", 3/4" or 1" screwed, socket weld, butt weld or flanged connections depending on the model selected.
Sealed Steam Traps
Sealed
Sealed steam traps give long service life and are simply replaced at the end of their useful operation. They are manufactured in stainless steel and provide water-hammer and corrosion resistance.
Swivel Connector
The swivel connector version allows for easy installation with two bolts. Which is particularly convenient when there is a shortage of manpower or outside labor has to be used. The key feature is the pipe-line unit which is either screwed or welded permanently into the piping system, in any position. The steam trap swivel connector trap is then installed to the pipe-line unit with two bolts in the correct position to suit the trap operation.
Clean Steam Products
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The range of clean steam products surpasses any other in the market place. Spirax Sarco has a broad knowledge of food, biotech and pharmaceutical plants, and will provide expertise to improve the system demands of both new and existing plants. The Spirax Sarco "Clean Steam" product range has been precision manufactured to the highest standards using the appropriate high grade of stainless steel materials. These products are able to withstand the highly corrosive conditions caused by aggressive process fluids or clean steam generated from DI water. |
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Clean steam products include:
Steam Traps in float & thermostatic, thermostatic balanced pressure and thermodynamic operation with several connection configurations, including screwed, tube weld and quick release sanitary clamp.
Pressure Regulators are also manufactured in high grade stainless steel with pilot valve and diaphragm operated main valve design. These require no external power source and provide precise steam pressures to the process plant.
Ball Valves are precision made in forged 316 stainless steel, with smooth, crevice free internal surfaces for high purity and aseptic processes. This three piece design is suitable for steam, liquids and gases and is available in a wide range of sizes and connections.
Filters & Separators are also in polished stainless steel able to remove particulate from steam or gases down to 25, 5 or 1 micron based on the filter selected. Absolute filtration which conforms to sanitary standards for production of culinary steam can be assured using this product. The Spirax Sarco separators have a simple and effective design which works on the principle of velocity drop, impingement and deflection. Droplets of condensate carried through the steam system are removed by the separator to enable a very dry saturated steam to be delivered.
Steam Ancillary Products
Spirax Sarco is able to supply many pipeline ancillaries, products include: liquid drainers, strainers, sight glasses, diffusers, manifolds and many others. The only way to provide a complete selection is for you to obtain a catalog, available from your local Spirax Sarco company or regional office.
Air Vents and Eliminators
No steam system will operate properly without the inclusion of air vents. Air and other incondensable gases form a barrier to heat transfer and reduce greatly the heat exchange potential of any steam process or heating equipment. The air vent is an inexpensive product that will provide immediate and ongoing payback and should be installed on every branch line, process vessel and for that matter, any steam equipment.
Air eliminators do a similar service for hot water heating systems. Air and incondensable gases form in the system, usually at the highest point or where the pipeline forms a vertical loop. These points should have a Spirax Sarco AE30 or 13WS air eliminator fitted.
Bellows Sealed Stop Valves
The bellows sealed stop valve will become more necessary as environmental concerns become more important. Steam, high temperature oils and other toxic fluids should be distributed in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Leaks are a major concern and ordinary isolation valves utilize a stem gland packing to isolate the fluid medium from the outside atmosphere. The bellows sealed valves are different , in that they have a flexible bellows which protect the outside atmosphere from any leakage. These valves are available in S.G. iron, steel and stainless steel for pressures up to 580 psig.
Pressure Reducing Valves
Pilot operated pressure reducing valves are for use on steam and are self powered by using steam pressure to actuate a main valve diaphragm. The pilot valve is operated by a pilot spring and pilot diaphragm to bleed steam to the underside of the main valve diaphragm. Reduced steam pressure will oppose the pilot spring pressure and depending on the pressure setting will maintain accurate downstream pressure. Unless a secondary control device is necessary this type of reducing valve is perfectly suited to most pressure reduction applications. The range is wide with materials in S.G. iron, cast iron, cast steel and stainless steel. Sizes are available from 1/2" up to 6" with screwed or flanged connections.
Direct Acting Pressure Controls
Direct acting pressure controls are similar to the standard pressure reducing valves, except for the use of a pilot. Although slightly less accurate, they do provide pressure reduction for other fluids, such as water. They can also be used on steam and other gases. The pressure control is achieved with a single spring operating against a main diaphragm, which is in turn controls the main valve from downstream pressure variations. Valves are available from 1/2" to 4" in the BRV/LRV or DRV ranges.
Self Acting Controls
Self acting controls provide an extremely accurate fixed temperature condition by using an hydraulic principle of operation. This type of control has been used for many years and is relatively inexpensive. For applications that require a rugged reliability and low maintenance, or are used in harsh or hazardous areas, these are an ideal solution. In addition, a high limit temperature cut out system that is self powered, is also available. These will safeguard any heating system from over-temperature and risk of scalding or product spoilage.
Pressure Powered Pumps (See Pump Animation)
Pressure powered pumps have been around for scores of years, but have only recently been used for more sophisticated process applications and complicated condensate removal problems. The range is more extensive and can be custom made to suit individual needs. At Spirax Sarco Canada we have made special units for very specific requirements with great success. No other company is able to provide the broad level of expertise needed to solve the challenges that arise with condensate removal in many process or heating installations.
The automatic steam or gas powered pumps are designed to remove condensate (or other fluids) under all operating conditions, using steam or other motive gas, independently of the process pressure. These are ideal for hazardous areas where special electrical pumps would normally be used. They can also be used where a risk of freezing or loss of heat exchange in a process can be caused by very low or vacuum process or heating system steam pressures.
Steam & Fluid Meters
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Whatever the process or system needs are, there is a suitable Spirax Sarco flow-meter. They have unrivalled reputation for accuracy and reliability, with the versatility to be suited to steam, gas and most other fluids. A comprehensive range of meters is available. The Gilflo flowmeter offers unrivalled 100 to 1 turndown ratio and can be used to measure most industrial fluids. Now available as a unit that can fit between standard flanges, thereby providing a cost effective solution to those metering applications that have to be extremely accurate and available in sizes to suite 2" up to 8" pipelines.
Spiraflo is density compensated steam meter that gives very accurate results, regardless of variations in steam pressure. For steam applications, the Spiraflo is the most cost effective meter for accurate steam usage.
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In addition to the Gilflo and Spiraflo meters, Spirax Sarco has a range of Vortex and Orifice meters, as well as a range of flow computers and other meter ancillaries.
Flash Steam Recovery Systems
All steam systems should return uncontaminated condensate to the boiler feed or deaerator tank. If condensate is fed to an atmospheric pump receiver or vented manifold, flash steam will result and be wasted to atmosphere. In these situations, condensate should be discharged into a flash vessel to remove as much flash steam as is practicable, for use in secondary heating or process applications. Considerable heat savings can be achieved, providing almost immediate payback. These systems are almost always custom designed for plant requirements.
Wafer Check Valves
Spirax Sarco has developed a range of wafer check valves specifically designed to operate under the most arduous steam and condensate conditions. These check valves are precision manufactured to give a dead shut off, while having a high Cv value for exceptional capacities. The DCV4 for example can be used for pump applications where severe service is the norm. Boiler feed pumps require such a valve to ensure maximum service life and efficient boiler operation. A Spirax Sarco check valve, fitted to a steam boiler feed pump, will ensure that the boiler water is retained in the boiler during feed pump idle periods.
Boiler Blow down Systems
All steam boilers have to be blown down to remove the concentration of solids and dissolved solids from the boiler water. Blow down can be continuous or periodic, but must always be discharged to a properly designed blow down vessel for safety and effluent temperature regulations. The Spirax Sarco blow down tanks are designed to comply with Canadian regulations.
Packaged Systems
Packages are available for just about any steam application. They include shell and tube, as well as plate and frame heat exchangers, deaerator systems, feed pump and many other types of packages. The convenience of having a custom made steam packaged system is evident by reduced installation costs, compact design and most importantly, a guaranteed solution.
Pneumatic Controls
Spirax Sarco pneumatic controls are quickly becoming the standard for industrial process applications. They are available in SG iron, steel and stainless steel in sizes from 1/2 to 4" with numerous valve Cv's. configurations and trim available. These robust controls are extremely accurate and attractively finished, to meet the highest standards of OEM (original equipment manufacturers) and end user needs. All of the latest design features have been built into this control valve range, including rolling diaphragms, single or multi-spring to open or close to provide linearity over the full stroke of the valve.
Electronic Controls
The new electrically operated range of controls uses the same valve range as the pneumatic actuators and provide an alternative solution for the applications that need to be electrically powered. If compressed air is unavailable or the control is operated by a direct power source then these controls can provide the solution. In Canada we supply a 24v actuator which can be controlled directly by the 24v signal or with an appropriate positioner from a 4-20mA or 0-10vdc signal.
Electronic & Pneumatic Positioners
These positioners complement the range of pneumatically actuated controls. They can be operated from a 3 to 15 psig control air signal or just about any other range or split range signal required. Also available are electro-pneumatics positioners to enable an electronic signal to operate the pneumatic actuator. The advantage of this installation is for small actuators to be used to close valves against high differential forces. In addition, the positioner will eliminate hysteresis and speed up actuator positioning time. A perfect solution for most steam process control requirements.
Humidifiers
Most types of humidifiers are manufactured by Spirax Sarco or Hygromatik, a division of Spirax Sarco Canada for the North American Market, and include:
- Self Generating units have a unique system for generating steam by passing an electrical current through the water contained within the cleanable cylinder. The dissolved solids and water concentration is blown down by a heavy duty pump, thereby helping to clean the cylinder. Other manufacturers retain the solids within the cylinder and offer expensive replacements. This added expense is completely eliminated by using the Spirax Sarco/Hygromatik electrical self generating humidifier.
- Direct Steam Injection humidifiers comprise a stainless steel manifold to inject boiler steam into an air duct system. If steam is readily available, then these units are extremely reliable and provide a cost effective solution.
- Panel humidifiers are another direct steam injection device to distribute boiler steam into a ducted system efficiently and within a short distance inside the air distribution duct-work or plenum. Should absorption distance be a problem and risk of steam impinging on filters or other equipment, the panel will help solve this.
- Fogging humidifiers use potable water and compressed air to atomize a fine fog into the ductwork. These are able to distribute a large amount of moisture and provide an evaporative cooling effect. Where cooling is desirable, the fogging humidifier will reduce cooling costs considerably.
- Steam to Steam Generators are used to enable boiler steam to be used to generate secondary clean or pure steam for humidification or other clean steam use. Spirax Sarco Canada are able to supply these units as part of the package of equipment.
For more information on Spirax Sarco Canada products
Please e-mail us at tvertkas@spirax.ca
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