![]() ![]() When it is horizontal as in this installation, the float is not a float but a pendulum (See the sectional illustration to the right). It must be installed so that the bolted-on flat plate is in a vertical position. This trap is a ‘Float and Thermostatic type. What is not so obvious to the untrained eye, is that this trap is installed wrong. It is clear from the picture that this trap has been here a long time. These are real facilities that in many cases were in improper operation for a number of years prior to the audit. The following examples are common problems discovered in the course of steam system audits by Duane Hagen of Merlo Steam (see links below). If a facility has not had a thorough review of its steam distribution system by a competent expert, then there are likely many things that an audit would reveal. Some problems lead to premature failure of equipment, but it may not be obvious what the cause of the failure was. Problems with steam systems are not always obvious as equipment may continue to function, although impaired. All of these factors and more are reasons to expect that steam piping systems could be improved when the objective is better function and energy efficiency. Systems are often modified over the years equipment, pipes and valves are moved so that they no longer perform in the way they were originally intended. Systems may have not been installed according to design because of some problem in the field – either something didn’t fit, got changed or an installer thought they had a better idea. ![]() In many cases steam systems were designed long before there was any concern about energy efficiency. ![]() Just because it’s ‘been that way’ for a long time, don’t assume it’s right. ![]()
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