RE: Steam Trap Bypass Line

Paul's right, the bypass arrangement is intended to continue condensate drainage while servicing the trap. In practice I think it's a waste of money. Assuming that a faulty trap is even detected, how long can it take to block in the trap, undo a couple of unions and install a replacement? I'm with the guy that took the bypasses out.

Richard B

-----Original Message-----
From: PipingDesign@yahoogroups.com [mailto:PipingDesign@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Bowers
Sent: October 17, 2007 8:15 PM
To: PipingDesign@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [PipingDesign] Steam Trap Bypass Line

sachin.pawar@ <mailto:sachin.pawar%40fluor.com> fluor.com wrote:

> In process of PID updation, Process Dept. deleted the By pass line
along
> with block valve.
> I went through search engine & found that there are steam traps
designed
> to work 3 in 1 (Trap, Bypass line and stop valve, 3 functions in one
unit)
>
> Probably it may be one of reason. I am interested to know more
possible
> reasons.

The bypass for a steam trap only exists so that the trap can be replaced

in case it malfunctions while the plant is still in operation. I suppose

the thinking is that the trap can be isolated and the bypass valve can be cracked open until the trap can be replaced. This will waste steam.

Almost all facilities will have replacement traps in stock, so the real issue is how much steam condensate will build up upstream before the malfunction is noticed or during the time it takes to replace the faulty

trap. In my opinion, the bypass is unnecessary but you still need up and

downstream block valves for changeout.

I'm no steam system or operations expert though, maybe someone else can correct me or add more info.

Paul

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Received on Wed Oct 17 22:37:00 2007