F&T steam traps

ykovatchki

Few New 3/4 Hoffman F&T traps are not working properly. My low 5 psi steam pressure system run on -6 in Hg. Condensate return is to high 190-200 F. This season all new steam traps in whole building. Yordan-(716) 622-6907.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@ykovatchki

You need some trap testing equipment:

Infrared thermometer
temperature sticks
ultrasonic tester are available

to find the bad trap(s)

Be advised that all traps will let a little flash steam pass

Steamhead

What is this system used for? Heating a building?

ykovatchki

This is a High School Building.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@ykovatchki

No one has a crystal ball or x-ray vision. We would be glad to help but you have to give out some more information on what the problem is

Steamhead

So, why are you running the steam pressure that high?

I'd bet you're seeing "flash steam". This is where hot condensate from a higher-pressure area is discharged into atmospheric pressure, which causes some of it to flash back to steam. According to the chart in "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", going from 5 PSIG to atmospheric pressure means roughly 1.7 pounds of condensate per 100 pounds of condensate will flash back to steam, even with traps operating perfectly.

Crank it down. Try running it at 2 PSIG and see if that helps. If some parts of the building don't heat well, check those areas for bad traps or inadequate air venting. And, lower steam pressures mean lowered fuel consumption, so you'll look like a hero unless your boss has some connection to your fuel supplier.

Where are you located?

JUGHNE

F&T pass condensate water that is near the temp of steam.
Little cooling happens as it does with rad traps.

ykovatchki

I can’t lower the steam pressure because I have a low and high fire gas valves.

The problem is solved.

The yoke and the seed on the float ball needs to be adjusted. Doesn’t matter if the traps are new. On the new F&T 3/4 - (series - I and H) traps there is a gap between the yoke and the lever assembly and the ball on the float control does not close perfectly the seat because is moving side ways gust enough to stuck open.

The factory should do this important adjustment !

Thank you All.

ykovatchki

Correction: my steam pressure is set for max. 3 PSI because, I have a low and high fire gas valves.

JohnNY

Your operating steam pressure and high-low fire burner have effectively no connection.