1.

Discuss at least five types of steam traps that are generally used in
boilers today.

A steam trap's most important job is to quickly discharge condensate that has formed
in steam distribution lines, steam tracers, and in steam-using equipment. A steam trap
must also be able to save energy by preventing steam leaks and by discharging non-
condensing gases such as air.

There are several types of steam traps used in boilers today. Here are five common
types:

1. Mechanical Steam Traps: These are also known as "density traps" and include
Free Float, lever float, and inverted bucket steam traps. Mechanical traps operate
by using the difference in density between steam and condensate to open and
close a valve.
2. Thermostatic Steam Traps: These traps use temperature to separate steam and
condensate. When steam enters a thermostatic trap, the heat causes a capsule in
the trap to expand, closing off the drain valve. As more cooled condensate fills the
trap, its lower temperature causes the capsule to shrink again, opening the drain
valve back up.
3. Thermodynamic Steam Traps: Thermodynamic traps operate by utilizing the
difference in kinetic energy between high-velocity steam (a gas) and slower-
moving condensate (a liquid). They are not the most energy-efficient solution,
since they can leak steam when they operate, and they generate a lot of
intermittent noise, which can be bothersome in a work environment.
4. Inverted Bucket Steam Traps: These traps use an inverted bucket to open and
close the valve. When steam enters the trap, it fills the bucket, causing it to
become buoyant and rise, which opens the valve. As the bucket fills with
condensate, it becomes heavier and sinks, closing the valve.
5. Float Steam Traps: These traps use a float to open and close the valve. When
steam enters the trap, it fills the float chamber, causing the float to rise and open
the valve. As condensate fills the chamber, the float sinks, closing the valve.
6. Bi-Metallic Steam Trap: Bi-metallic traps use the expansion and contraction of
two dissimilar metals to open and close a valve. They are well-suited for low to
medium-pressure systems and adept at handling variable loads.
7. Impulse Steam Trap: Impulse steam traps are a type of mechanical steam trap
used to efficiently remove condensate from steam systems. These traps operate
based on the principle of momentum difference between steam and condensate.
Inside the trap, there is a small orifice or nozzle through which steam flows at a
high velocity. When condensate accumulates in the trap, it obstructs the orifice,
causing a pressure drop. This pressure drop allows the trap to discharge the
condensate while retaining the high-velocity steam.

8. Venturi Orifice Steam Trap: Venturi orifice steam traps are specialized
mechanical steam traps designed to efficiently remove condensate from steam
systems. These traps employ the Venturi effect, which creates a pressure
difference by narrowing the flow path of steam and condensate. As steam flows
through the Venturi orifice, it accelerates, creating a high-velocity flow that
carries condensate away with it. When the steam slows down, due to the widening
of the flow path, the condensate separates and is discharged.
It's important to note that the choice of steam trap depends on various factors,
including the specific application, condensate load, and system requirements. Each type
of steam trap has its advantages and limitations, and selecting the right one is crucial for
ensuring efficient and trouble-free operation in a boiler system. Additionally, regular
maintenance and monitoring of steam traps are essential to prevent energy loss and
system inefficiencies.

Different Types of Steam Traps | WARE (wareinc.com)

Types of Steam Traps | Steam Class | Ayvaz

Applications of Different Types of Steam Traps | TLV

2. Illustrate and discuss at least 3 basic designs of check valves.

Check valves are essential components in piping systems that prevent backflow
and protect equipment from damage. There are various types of check valves available in
the market, each with its design, operation, and applications. Here are four basic designs
of check valves with their design, operation, and applications:

1. Swing Check Valves: Swing check valves consist of a valve body, a bonnet, and
a disk that swings on a hinge or trunnion. When the fluid flows in the forward
direction, the disk swings open to allow the flow. When the fluid flows in the
reverse direction, the disk swings closed to prevent backflow. Swing check valves
have an unguided disc that moves into a fully open position when the pressure
from the flow is applied. They come in several sizes and designs to fit different
applications.

2. Lift Check Valves:

Lift check valves are similar to globe valves and consist of a valve body, a
bonnet, and a disk that lifts to allow flow in the forward direction. Lift check
valves have a guided piston that lifts when the flow enters the check valve. The
seat has a barrel design and is screwed on and sealed. The opening to the check
valve is the same as the same size as the inlet and outlet.

3. Ball Check Valves: Ball check valves feature a spherical ball positioned within
the valve body and their operation hinges on the direction of fluid flow. As fluid
moves in the forward direction, the force of the flow pushes the ball away from its
seat, facilitating the passage of the fluid. However, when the fluid attempts to
reverse its course, the ball swiftly returns to its seat, effectively halting any
 backflow. These valves find widespread utility in industries like chemical, food
processing, and pharmaceuticals due to their ability to maintain unidirectional
flow and prevent unwanted reversals.

4.
Tilting disc check valves: Tilting disc check valves, often referred to as swing check
valves, belong to the category of check valves featuring a disc hinged or mounted
on a pivot. This disc swings open when subjected to inlet pressure, and
conversely, it swings closed when the inlet pressure diminishes or when there is a
reverse flow. The design of tilting check valves is an improvement over
traditional swing check valves, which have been widely used. They are
engineered to address some of the limitations associated with swing check valves,
specifically their tendency to remain open during low-velocity flows and their
ability to promptly close when the flow ceases. These tilting disc valves excel in
applications characterized by high fluid velocities.

Overall, selecting the right type of check valve for a specific application is crucial
to ensure proper operation and prevent backflow. Factors such as the type of fluid,
pressure, and temperature should be considered when selecting a check valve for a
specific application.

Check Valve: What is it? How Does It Work, Types Of (iqsdirectory.com)

Microsoft Word - RB_DesignSelectionCV_3-29-18 (valmatic.com)
Types of Check Valves - A Thomas Buying Guide (thomasnet.com)
Check Valves Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications | GlobalSpec

3. Illustrate and discuss the two basic kinds of relief valves

Relief valves are the most common type of valve found in a hydraulic system.
Their purpose is to prevent high pressure in the hydraulic circuit from damaging the
system components. Relief valves are normally closed; whenever one is open, it is
converting the pressure energy of the hydraulic system directly to heat.
Two Basic Kinds of Relief Valves:
1. DIRECT ACTING RELIEF VALVES
A direct-acting relief valve is most simply understood as a poppet held on a seat
by a spring. The pressure setting is adjusted by pre-tensioning the spring to the desired
setting. The other side of the poppet is exposed directly to the high-pressure oil. When
the pressure is high enough to start pushing the poppet off the seal, we have reached
cracking pressure. As the pressure continues to rise the poppet is pushed farther and
farther off the seat until all the pump flow is going to the tank. This is full-flow pressure.
Direct-acting relief valves tend to be very fast to respond to changes in system pressure.
Relief speed is typically found in the literature provided by the valve manufacturer. It is
measured in milliseconds (ms). There are 1000 ms in 1 second so it is a very short
amount of time. Direct-acting reliefs can be as fast as 2ms, but typically they are 5-10ms.
The other thing to know about direct-acting reliefs is that they tend to be much noisier
than pilot-operated relief. When you hear a relief valve squealing it is most likely a direct
acting relief.

2. PILOT OPERATED RELIEF VALVES

Pilot-operated relief valves are also referred to as balanced relief. These relief
valves use a pressure balance to control a larger internal spool. Adjacent to the spool is a
very small direct-acting relief sensing the system pressure. When the internal direct-
acting relief cracks open, it upsets the balance holding the spool in position, which causes
the spool to move, opening an oil path to the tank. Pilot-operated relief valves tend to be
much slower than direct-acting reliefs because it takes time for the spool to move once
the balance is lost. Typically, this time to react is around 100ms, 10X longer than a
direct-acting relief. The advantage is once the balance is lost the valve opens to full flow
at a very small pressure differential. Crack to full flow pressure with a pilot-operated
relief valve is typically 50-100 PSI.
This configuration provides accurate pressure regulation, rendering pilot-operated
relief valves well-suited for situations where maintaining precise pressure levels is
essential, as seen in industries like chemical processing, oil and gas, and power
generation.
 Direct Acting VS.
Pilot Operated Relief Valves - Hydraulic Specialty Inc.
Cross Section of a Pilot Operated Relief Valve | Download Scientific Diagram (researchgate.net)

4. Differentiate direct operated regulator and pilot operator regulator

Design:
  Direct-operated regulators are uncomplicated and compact, consisting of a valve,
diaphragm, and spring components. They are often used for low-pressure settings (less
than 1 psi).
 Pilot-operated regulators have a more complex design, often incorporating an auxiliary,
large-capacity pilot to speed up changes in loading pressure. They are available in larger
sizes, allowing for higher capacity and more accurate pressure control.

Function:
 Direct-operated regulators control the pressure by directly sensing the downstream
pressure and adjusting the valve opening accordingly. They have a faster response
speed compared to pilot-operated regulators.
 Pilot-operated regulators use a pilot system to sense the downstream pressure and
control the main valve. They offer higher accuracy and capacity compared to direct-
operated regulators, with essentially all of their flow capability being usable.

Accuracy:
 Direct-operated regulators tend to have lower accuracy compared to pilot-
operated regulators because the control element's response is influenced directly
by changes in pressure. They may be less stable in situations where the inlet
pressure is variable or where precise control is needed.
 Pilot-operated regulators generally offer higher accuracy and better control
stability compared to direct-operated regulators. They are capable of providing
precise and consistent pressure control, making them suitable for critical
applications.

Application:
 Direct-operated regulators are suitable for applications where flow or accuracy
requirements can be met with their moderate accuracy and limited flow capacity.
They are commonly used in processes that require simple and cost-effective pressure
control, such as small-scale industrial applications and residential gas systems.
 Pilot-operated regulators are suitable for applications with larger capacities and where
high accuracy is required. They are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas,
chemical processing, and power generation, where precise pressure control is
essential.

In summary, direct-operated regulators are simple, compact, and suitable for low-
pressure settings, while pilot-operated regulators are more complex, offer higher accuracy
and capacity, and are used in applications with larger capacities and more demanding
pressure control requirements.

Differences Between Direct & Pilot-Operated Regulating Valves - Jordan Valve

Direct Acting VS. Pilot Operated Gas Regulators | Norgas (norgascontrols.com)

5. Illustrate the basic boiler room valves identification symbols

 Gate Valves - Gate valves control the flow of fluids by raising or lowering a gate or
wedge inside the valve body. They are primarily used for on/off applications and offer
minimal resistance when fully open.
Globe Valves- Globe valves regulate fluid flow by moving a plug or disc up and down
within the valve body. They are suitable for precise control and throttling applications.
Angle Valves - Angle valves are primarily used for regulating and controlling the flow of
fluids within a piping system. They can be partially opened or closed to adjust the flow
rate, making them suitable for applications where precise control is necessary.
Ball Valves - Ball valves use a rotating ball with a hole to control fluid flow. They are
known for quick operation and low pressure drop when fully open or closed.
Butterfly Valves - A butterfly valve is composed of two semicircular plates hinged on a
common spindle, used to permit flow in one direction only. They control flow using a
disk-shaped element that pivots in the center.
Check Valves - Check valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing
backflow. They are crucial for maintaining system integrity and preventing damage.
Plug Valves - Plug valves are primarily used for on/off service and flow control in boiler
room systems. They are capable of providing a tight shut-off when fully closed and low
flow resistance when fully open.
Diaphragm Valves - Diaphragm valves control the flow of fluids by using a flexible
diaphragm that can be raised or lowered to allow or block the passage of the fluid. They
are often used for on/off and throttling applications.
Safety Relief Valve - Safety relief valves are designed to automatically open and release
excess pressure from a system to prevent catastrophic failure. They are a critical safety
feature in boiler room systems and other pressure vessels.

The Most Common Control Valve Symbols on a P&ID | Kimray