ABSTRACT
Steam traps are subject to harsh operating conditions and like all mechanical devices, their moving parts are subject to wear, corrosion and eventual failure. A typical trap may open and close several million times a year and some wear, malfunction and outright failure is inevitable. Steam losses conservatively exceed 15 billion dollars annually. Steam trap leaks are a form of invisible steam leak. Rather than arrive at the point of use, the steam escapes to condensate return system without accomplishing useful work. All steam traps are designed to distinguish between condensate and steam. To be effective they must stop or trap the steam and release condensate. The physical differences between steam and condensate have lead to a variety of approaches to steam trap design. The bypass line enables plant personnel to bypass the entire steam trap station if necessary. Bypass valves are usually opened when there is a suspected problem with trap or to assist with drainage during cold startup.
