Dual-Venturi Steam Trap for Flash Steam Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam traps are prone to mechanical failure, lead to steam loss, and result in energy loss due to the release of flash steam into condensate recovery systems, which complicates condensate recovery and can cause plant failures.
Innovation Solution
A steam trap design featuring a first venturi orifice to restrict live steam and a second venturi orifice downstream to manage flash steam, reducing energy loss by staged pressure drops across multiple orifices, minimizing flash steam production and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single venturi orifice is used to drain condensate, then condensate removal is achieved, but flash steam is released into the condensate recovery line causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The single venturi orifice is segmented into two separate venturi orifices arranged in series. The first venturi orifice handles the primary condensate drainage function, while the second venturi orifice specifically addresses flash steam separation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain condensate removal efficiency while preventing flash steam from entering the condensate recovery line, thereby eliminating energy loss.
2Reliability
If mechanical steam traps are used to drain condensate, then condensate removal is achieved, but the traps are prone to mechanical failure and steam loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical steam trap mechanism is replaced with a purely fluid dynamic system using venturi orifices. The first venturi orifice uses steam pressure to force condensate through without moving parts, eliminating mechanical failure risks. The design inherently prevents steam loss through proper fluid dynamics rather than relying on mechanical sealing components that can fail.
3Loss of substance
If excessive pressure drop is applied across the venturi orifice, then condensate flow is restricted, but flash steam production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure drop function is segmented between two venturi orifices. The first orifice creates a controlled pressure drop sufficient for condensate drainage, while the second orifice further reduces pressure to minimize flash steam generation. This staged pressure reduction approach prevents excessive single-stage pressure drops that would generate excessive flash steam, thereby reducing both water loss and energy loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design significantly reduces energy loss, minimizes water loss, and improves condensate recovery efficiency by reducing flash steam production, leading to lower emissions and reduced wear on equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow restriction defined by a first venturi orifice to pass condensate therethrough while restricting the flow of live steam
Implementation Method 2
The pressure drop in the venturi nozzle downstream of the orifice causes flash steam to form from the saturated condensate
Implementation Method 3
a second flow restriction, downstream of the first flow restriction, the second flow restriction being adapted to allow condensate flow therethrough while restricting the flow of flash steam
Data Source
AI summary
A steam trap includes a body having a flow passageway therethrough between an inlet connectable to a steam pipeline and an outlet connectable to a condensate drain line. The flow passageway has a first flow restriction defined by a first venturi orifice to pass condensate therethrough while restricting the flow of live steam, and a second flow restriction, downstream of the first flow restriction. The second flow restriction is adapted to allow condensate flow therethrough while restricting the flow of flash steam.