"Does THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM® work under varying loads and what makes it preferable to a flat plate orifice device?"

- Maintenance Engineer
Major Midwestern University

Yes, it does and no, not at all.

1THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM® covers a wide range of pressures, temperatures and condensate loads with its numerous nozzle configurations. In addition, STEAMGARD® condensate removal devices can be engineered in parallel to provide extended capacity, while limiting steam losses. Capacity follows the load lines of the connected equipment.

2As pressure increases, condensate capacity of the STEAMGARD® unit increases. Negative back pressure (vacuum) increases condensate capacity; positive back-pressure decreases condensate capacity. Click here for a graph showing STEAMGARD's® operating capacity under varying loads.

3Typical flat plate orifice steam traps have limitations: They create excess steam due to their flow characteristics. Their sharp edges can cause "wire draw" effect, especially at higher pressures, which can cause the orifice to enlarge and distort in the direction of flow. They're subject to plugging. Backside eddy currents allow contaminants in the steam to settle on the backside of the orifice and eventually plug the flow.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

• What's the difference between a flat plate orifice and THE STEAMGARD SYSTEM®?
  
• Where can STEAMGARD® be used?
  
• Will STEAMGARD® work only on constant load applications?
  
• Will STEAMGARD® plug up if my system is dirty?
  
• Can STEAMGARD® be used on a distribution line when ambient conditions change?
  
• Will STEAMGARD® work on a vacuum return system?
  
• Can STEAMGARD® be applied in a return system with backpressure problems?
  
• How does STEAMGARD® vent air, CO2 and other non-condensables?
  
• Will a trap replacement program require a large number of different STEAMGARD® models?
  
• Will it be difficult to select the correct STEAMGARD® model sizes?