The steam traps are an integral part of steam systems in the chemical process industries (CPI). Steam is commonly used to add energy into a process through its latent heat (steam heat), while the resultant sensible heat (hot condensate) drains through steam trap Valve . The operation of these traps influences the entire steam system's function and reliability.

Steam trap operation has a bearing on the following:

* Process controllability

* Production capacity

* Cycle time

* Energy consumption

* Emissions (carbon footprint)

* Safety

* Downtime

There are three possible types of steam traps in process facilities: drip traps, tracer traps and process traps. Drip traps help ensure that high quality steam serves the processes through the effective draining of the mains. They also protect the distribution system by reducing the chance of water hammer. Tracer traps keep process fluids flowing properly in the transmission pipelines connecting the processes, around the process and to and from storage tanks. Process traps ensure that the process is operating both effectively and efficiently by removing the condensate as it forms without the loss of live steam. It is important that the steam trap Valve be the right type for the application and is sized properly for that application.

Process traps comprise the highest potential for losses and cost as related to the process function. When a process trap fails, it usually affects the process function, and the trap must be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Even if the failure does not affect the process, the trap could waste steam until the failure is detected and replaced. Drip and tracer traps, installed in large numbers within most systems, have the highest potential for energy loss. Since they normally do not affect the process when failed, they tend to be overlooked.