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Venturi Steam Traps

The Solution is a Revolution

Engineers have taken for granted the inherent problem of mechanical steam traps - at last there is a proven permanent solution.

History - since the 1800s traps have relied on mechanically operated valves to close off against live steam. Operating continuously, millions of times each year, it is not surprising that they regularly fail; either
- open leaking precious steam (makers say a 15mm trap can blow 50kg/hr!)
or
- closed backing up condense causing operating problems.
This is fine for mechanical trap manufacturers as users have to constantly test and refurbish / replace traps. BUT they don't pay the fuel and water bills!

Background

Function - the job of a Steam Trap, or condense drain in other languages, is to drain condense out of the steam system whilst holding, or trapping, steam back for maximum energy and water conservation. It is important to drain this condense as it forms for maximum heat transfer and system safety as backing up of condense can cause waterhammer / explosions.

Problem

In 1964 excessive steam losses through their ships' traps caused the US Navy to try orifice plate traps - their ships were on a 'go slow'. They were a resounding success but required manual drains for start up as 'plates' have a relatively fixed discharge capacity. As most steam systems and their components are constantly stopping, starting and varying in capacity, the fixed capacity was a major disadvantage.

Requirements

With ever rising fuel costs, increasing environmental pressures (i.e. Climate Change Levy in the UK), and reduced manpower and resources, what was needed was an orifice trap with a varying capacity.

Solution

In 1995 the 'GEM' Venturi Steam Trap was launched onto the UK market and as recognition of its achievements in saving steam and the environment whilst improving safety, it has won a series of awards:

Advantages of GEM Steam Traps

As they cannot jam open and have no moving parts, all GEM Traps come with a TEN YEAR GUARANTEE, and they typically out last the systems they serve.

Improved control due to:
No trap valves opening and closing - altering exchanger output independently of control valve.

Constant, rather than intermittent drainage also gives increased exchanger output from thinner condensate film, t1 > t2 and smaller condense pipework.

Increased production from:

• Ultimate reliability = less downtime
• Faster warm-up = quicker batch times t1 > t2
• Improved condensate drainage - no back pressure from failed traps.
• Faster/more controlled warm-up.
• Less thermal shock giving extended plant life from less waterhammer.

Minimal maintenance:

• No endless maintenance or spares or kits to stock and fit.
• No endless trap surveys or test equipment and devices required.
• Simple periodic cleaning of strainer and easy-to-clean bodies.

MECHANICAL TRAPS

GEM TRAPS

According to a recent independent survey of GEM Trap users, nearly half of all customers had never needed to service their GEM Traps. We recommend annual inspection, the precise period depending on water treatment.

Short paybacks

All these savings translate into short payback periods - typically under 2 years and usually between one month and a year.

Disadvantages:
GEM Traps require more accurate sizing than mechanical traps but we take on the responsibility of sizing and guarantee every trap's performance. If for any reason the trap is under or over sized we will exchange it free of charge for another size.

There is no repeat sales or spares market with GEMs, which is why mechanical trap manufacturers actively discourage the use of orifice traps.

For more informatiocontact:

GEM
Gardner Energy Management
1 Taylors Court
Broad Street
Bristol, BS1 2EY UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 117 9177 010
F ax: + 44 (0) 117 9177 011
Email: info@gemtrap.com
Web: www.gemtrap.com

process directory.com
Redstone Media, Tedco Business Works, Henry Robson Way, South Shields, NE33 1RF. UK

Fax: +44 (0) 191 427 4648

email: