What are the functions of steam traps in thermal power plants

The steam trap in a thermal power plant still plays a significant role. Simply put, it is to remove the condensate water in the pipeline to prevent damage to the turbine, pipeline, valves, etc. What are the hazards of condensate water in the pipeline of a thermal power plant? Weitai Industry will explain to you:

Condensate water in the steam system will reduce thermal efficiency

After steam conducts heat to the object, it turns into condensate water. Condensate water contains far less heat than steam, which will greatly reduce the efficiency of heat conduction. Therefore, the condensate water needs to be discharged from the steam system promptly.

Ii. Emissions of air and carbon dioxide

When the equipment starts up and during the boiler water replenishment process, there will be dissolved air in the water. In addition, the boiler water supply may contain carbonate components, which decompose to produce carbon dioxide and air adhering to the inner walls of the pipes, reducing the heat conduction efficiency. Moreover, when the steam contains air, it will cause the saturation temperature to drop, resulting in low thermal efficiency. The carbon dioxide will change into corrosive acidified substances. Corrode pipelines and heat exchangers. Therefore, it is essential to remove these non-compressed gases from the pipeline.

Iii. Prevent water hammer

In the pipeline, condensate water accumulates at the bottom of the pipeline and is driven by the high-speed flowing steam. If condensate water is not drained in time, it will form waves at the bottom of the pipe, gradually rising to the top of the pipe. At this time, it will be pushed forward by the high-speed flowing steam and hit the valve or the curved part of the pipe, creating a huge impact sound. We call this phenomenon water hammer. Water hammer not only generates noise but also causes pipe joint bending, leakage, valve damage and other situations. It is crucial to prevent the discharge of water hammer condensate.

Therefore, steam traps are generally installed at various key parts of the steam-water system, such as the inlet and outlet of superheaters and reheaters, as well as the inlet of economizers, etc. This means that no matter at which stage steam condenses, the steam trap can respond promptly to eliminate potential hazards.