Steam, Steam Traps, and Hot Water Flashcards
What is latent heat?
Heat that is released the moment steam condenses, which results in much faster heating than hot water.
Heat transfer through conduction occurs more slowly with what type of heat?
Sensible heat (hot water).
Heat transfer through conduction occurs faster with what type of heat?
Latent heat (steam).
Define steam tracing.
A system of tubing laid along the outside of piping and equipment (beneath insulation) to maintain or raise the temperature of the fluid within.
What does steam tracing help to prevent?
It prevents the fluid from becoming too cool, which can change the viscosity of the steam and can lead to solidification and stagnated flow. If not prevented, it can lead to a plant shutdown.
What is a steam trap?
A type of automatic valve that filters out condensate (condensed steam) and non-condensate gases such as air without letting steam escape.
What is a steam float trap?
A trap that utilizes a sealed spherical float.
What are the two types of steam float traps?
Lever float and free float.
What is a steam lever float trap?
A float that is attached to a lever that controls the valve.
What is a steam free float trap?
A float that is able to independently rise away from the orifice, allowing condensate to be drained free of obstruction.
What is an inverted bucket trap?
Utilizes a buoyant, cylindrical cup turned upside-down attached to a lever that opens and closes the trap valve in response to the bucket’s motion.
When is flash steam generated?
It is generated when high pressure, hot condensate is discharged through a steam trap to a lower pressure.
When is a pressure reducing valve used with steam application?
Can be used to provide precise control of downstream pressure.
What is flash evaporation?
When condensate contains too much energy (enthalpy) to remain entirely liquid, and a portion of the evaporates, causing the temperature of the remaining condensate to drop to the saturation temperature.
