DOLLAR LOSS TABLES

INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS

Steam Cost @ $6/1000

Inverted bucket traps are generally found on higher-pressure steam systems. However, many like the long lasting characteristics of the trap and install them where one might normally find float and thermostatic traps. Due to the many different orifice sizes in the many different models of inverted bucket traps the guide below is a really "rough" estimate of the potential steam loss. For example: An Armstrong model 883, 3/4" bucket trap made for 15 psig steam will utilize a 1/2" orifice for high condensate capacity applications; whereas a model 881, 3/4" bucket trap for 15 psig steam will utilize a 1/4" orifice. The differences in potential steam loss between the two are significant. Therefore, we have tried to be very conservative when assigning the orifice size in the table below. The actual dollar loss may be significantly different depending upon the specific model of the trap.

The orifice sizes in the table below are referenced from the following Armstrong model numbers: 1/2" pipe size = Model 881; 3/4" pipe size = Model 882; 1" pipe size = Model 883. Order Armstrong Bulletin # 301-H which contains a complete guide to the orifice sizes in the different Armstrong bucket traps.

FAILED STEAM TRAP DOLLAR LOSS TABLE FOR RADIATOR TRAPS

Steam Cost @ $6.00/1000 lbs.

Pressure balanced thermostatic radiator traps are most commonly found on low pressure (25 psig and under) steam heating systems. Located on radiators, convectors and other radiant heat units, there may be literally hundreds of these scattered throughout larger facilities. The operating unit within the trap, a pressure-balanced disc or bellows, is filled with a distilled liquid to respond to the changes in temperature (i.e. pressure) within the trap. The disc or bellows will generally "fail open" after three to five years of hard work (after five years it has opened and closed hundreds of thousands of times). The orifice sizes (*) shown, for all the steam traps, are conservative estimates of the average size found in these traps. Actual dollar loss may be more or less than shown.

DOLLAR LOSS TABLE FOR FLOAT AND THERMOSTATIC TRAPS

Steam cost @ $6.00/1000 lbs.

Float & Thermostatic (F&T) traps are found where higher levels of condensate are produced (Unit heaters, end-of-mains, heat exchangers, etc.) The modulating control provided by the float allows for continuous discharge of condensate when necessary. The air vent in this trap will generally "fail open" after three to five years of hard work. The mechanism and float assembly, which allows the condensate to discharge, may operate efficiently for eight to ten years, and will normally "fail closed" after this time. However, sludge and debris accumulation may cause the assembly to fail open and waste "big bucks" as shown. Actual dollar loss may be more or less than shown.