STEAMGARD® helps
reduce your energy
consumption 8-20%
now – with immediate
gains in productivity


STEAMGARD®: With no
moving parts, you're
assured of long-term
performance – plus
guaranteed reliability


STEAMGARD's® 5-year
product warranty
saves money – there's
no need to inventory
spare parts, repair kits





www.steamgard.com
STEAMGARD, LLC
730 Forest Edge Drive
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
847-913-8400
800-258-6771

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM® and its successful applications in a wide range of industries, institutions and facilities:


What's the difference between a flat plate orifice and THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM®?


Orifice steam traps are subject to several limitations. If incorrectly engineered, they can create excess steam. Sharp edged orifices are subject to "wire draw effect", particularly at higher pressures; this causes the orifice to distort in the direction of flow and become larger. Orifice traps are subject to plugging due to eddy currents present on the backside of the orifice. The eddy currents allow contaminants in the steam to settle on the back of the orifice and eventually plug the flow.


THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM's® two-phase flow technology enables the denser condensate to throttle the nozzle to keep steam from escaping. Condensate is being created continuously, so THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM® continuously chokes the nozzle to prevent steam loss while continuously removing condensate.

 

Where can STEAMGARD® be used?

Virtually anywhere steam is used. STEAMGARD® can be used on a variety of applications in many different types of facilities, including: saturated steam distribution lines; superheated steam distribution lines (up to 3000 psig and 950° F); steam tracing; tank heating; radiators/convectors; plating coils/degreasers/embossed coils; steam heated dry cans/cylinders; humidifiers; flash tanks; sterilization equipment; and cooking kettles.

STEAMGARD® also can be used on applications that utilize a modulating control valve: Air handling coils; shell/tube heat exchangers; domestic water heating tanks; instantaneous water heaters; batch process tanks; steam absorption chillers; and process heating equipment.

 

Will STEAMGARD® plug up if my system is dirty?

While any type of steam trap or condensate removal device can plug up, extensive studies have shown that "plug up" rates on THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM® are a fraction of similar rates with mechanical traps. STEAMGARD® minimizes plugging in two ways: First, the unit is installed in conjunction with a special 40 mesh stainless steel screen within the strainer, designed to trap particles or contaminants before they reach the drain nozzle. We recommend blowing down or cleaning this strainer as often as you would clean the strainers in front of existing steam traps or control valves. Second, the drain nozzle in all STEAMGARD® units is manufactured with a staged discharge. This design, which is totally different from the "simple" orifices found in many mechanical steam traps and orifice plates, facilitates the continual discharge of contaminants usually found in condensate. This continual discharge allows CO2, air and non-condensables to be passed continually, unlike "sub-cooling" or "intermittent discharging" traps.

 

Can STEAMGARD® be used on a distribution line when ambient conditions change?

Yes. STEAMGARD® units are in service on outside distribution lines all over the world. Click here for an engineer's discussion.

 

Will STEAMGARD® work on a vacuum return system?

Yes. STEAMGARD® is a popular replacement for steam traps on vacuum return systems. STEAMGARD® cannot fail "open" as conventional steam traps usually do. This failure frequently results in the introduction of an excessive amount of live steam into the vacuum return, which can cause vacuum loss and pump failure. By eliminating the excessive live steam losses inherent in conventional steam traps, STEAMGARD® helps to maintain consistent condensate return temperatures and a level vacuum. STEAMGARD®'s continuous and complete condensate discharge dramatically reduces heat up times in systems utilizing a vacuum return system.

 

Can STEAMGARD® be applied in a return system that is experiencing back pressure problems?

Yes. Click here for an engineer's discussion.

 

Does STEAMGARD® vent air, CO2 and other non-condensables?

Yes. Continuous venting of air, CO2 and other contaminants is an important requirement of any steam trap -- and it's most effective when it's continuous and results in complete condensate removal. Unlike steam traps that operate "intermittently", STEAMGARD's continuous discharge allows continuous air venting, even at low pressure. STEAMGARD's complete discharge also results in no "sub-cooling", a characteristic of many steam traps that introduce an upstream water seal. This can result in a dangerous CO2 build-up that can lead to the formation of carbonic acid that causes serious corrosion problems.

 

Will a trap replacement program require a large number of different STEAMGARD® models?

No. Even though STEAMGARD® is engineered for each specific application, our applications experience has proven that many large facilities require a surprisingly limited number of STEAMGARD® models. A major Midwestern refinery standardized on two different STEAMGARD® models to complete a 300 trap conversion of its existing steam traps.

 

Will it be difficult to select the correct STEAMGARD® model sizes?

No. Selecting the appropriate STEAMGARD® models requires a basic knowledge of the lines and equipment to be trapped. Proper sizing is imperative and our field engineers gather appropriate sizing information for each application.