High-capacity pump trap clears up to 9000 kg/h

Spirax Sarco has launched a high-capacity version of its APT14 automatic pump trap (APT14HC). These compact devices can remove condensate from steam heat exchangers and process plant under all operating conditions, even vacuum. The devices also offer increased trapping capacity up to 9,000 kg/h and pumping capacity up to 2800 kg/h, more than double the capacity of the traditional APT14.

All the models in the APT range can be used in condensate removal applications with insufficient differential pressure for a normal steam trap to work. The APT14HC is available as a standard unit for all steam pressures up to 13.8 bar g. This is achieved by the APT14’s patented two-stage trap orifice.

The APT14 ensures heat exchangers and other temperature controlled process equipment are kept at top operating efficiency. At low loads, heat exchangers can stall and become waterlogged, reducing their heat transfer efficiency. APTs can remove this condensate even under these conditions. They also eliminate the waterhammer, noise and excessive corrosion caused by poor condensate removal, considerably reducing maintenance costs.

The APT14HC costs far less to run than electric pumps. It also eliminates the mechanical stresses and peaks in electrical demand that can occur as electric pumps start up.

Like its predecessors, the APT14HC only operates when there is fluid to be pumped. And because its motive power can come from steam that is returned to the system, it has minimal energy costs.

How it works

Each APT is self-contained and uses plant steam as motive power to pump out condensate. In operation, condensate enters the APT’s chamber through the inlet. Normally, the condensate freely flows through the chamber into the condensate return system. However, in some circumstances, such as in a heat exchanger, low pressure can prevent condensate from leaving.

When this happens, condensate continues to flow into and fill the chamber. A mechanical float rises with the condensate level until a snap action mechanism opens a steam inlet. Steam pressure then forces out the condensate; the float falls until it re-engages the pump mechanism, which closes the steam inlet and the cycle is repeated.

Spirax Sarco
Charlton House
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL53 8ER

Tel: 01242 521361
Fax: 01242 573342

E-mail: enquiries@SpiraxSarco.com

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