Should You Insulate Your Steam Traps?
That’s a question we get asked regularly, and there seems to be some confusion about whether or not you can or should do this. The answer is simple — yes.
And no.
Let me explain. There are some types of steam traps that are perfectly safe to insulate, and steam trap insulation jackets can save you a hefty sum. Reduced heat loss from the trap means you’re getting more from your steam system, which leads to increased energy and money savings.
Alternatively, you don’t want your steam system to look like this:
Ouch!
Which could be the result of insulating certain types of steam traps.
Which types of steam traps are OK to insulate?
- Float
- Float & Thermostatic (F&T)
- Inverted Bucket
- Orifice Traps
Let’s say you’re a university that’s looking to save some energy and money. You’ve noticed that your steam traps aren’t insulated, and that you’re losing heat from them. All 500 of them. Upon closer inspection, you find out that about 200 are of the type that can be insulated. Go ahead, do your money dance, nobody’s looking.
What Steam Traps Shouldn't Be Insulated?
Of course, that leaves about 300 steam traps that should not be insulated. In this category of steam traps are:
Thermostatic (Balanced Pressure/Bimetallic)
Thermostatic traps work by opening the valve based on the temperature difference between the steam and the condensate. If you insulate these traps, it takes the condensate longer to cool and the valve won’t open as frequently. This can lead to condensate backing up into the system, potentially causing water hammering or implosions – neither of which is good.
Thermodynamic
Thermodynamic traps are similar, except they operate based on differences in pressure instead of temperature. Unfortunately, insulating these traps will have the same disastrous results as with thermostatic .
What should you do with Thermostatic and Thermodynamic steam traps?
Leave them alone and look at other areas to save heat and money – like your valves, flanges, expansion joints, heat exchangers and other commonly uninsulated systems.
Contact Thermaxx Jackets for Custom Steam Trap Insulation Solutions!
Thermaxx Jackets
Thermaxx Jackets was founded over 25 years ago with a single purpose: to help our clients save energy with removable insulation blankets when traditional stay-in-place insulation is not practical. Our dedication to this purpose has resulted in a long list of customers who have saved money thanks to Thermaxx Jackets! Combining expertise in heat loss, wireless monitoring, insulation design, and several other disciplines, we’ve become the #1 provider and fabricator of removable insulation jackets and covers. The Thermaxx Sales and Service teams are experienced and trained to provide clients with the most timely and cost-effective solution.
