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Evaluating Steam Trap Performance
Abstract
Laboratory tests were conducted on several
types of steam traps at Holston Defense
Corporation in Kingsport, Tennessee. Data from
these tests, which determined their relative
efficiencies, were used in performing economic
analyses to determine their equivalent uniform
annual cost (EUAC).
The comparison was made using a computer
program written for the Apple II computer to
evaluate overall steam trap economics. This
program calculates the EUAC for any steam trap
based on 12 input variables including capital,
maintenance and steam costs, interest rate and
trap life. After determinIng the EUAC, the
program will perform sensitivity analyses on any
of the twelve variables. (This computer program
is available from the author.)
This study shows that inverted bucket traps
have lower EUAC's under more conditions than
other types of traps. Also, this study shows
that live steam loss is the heaviest contributor
to the annual operating cost of any steam trap
and that maintenance frequency and repair cost
are also more important than a trap's first cost.
Subject
Steam TrapsEquivalent Uniform Annual Cost (EUAC)
Inverted Bucket Trap
Live Steam Loss
Maintenance Frequency and Repair Costs
Collections
Citation
Fuller, N. Y. (1986). Evaluating Steam Trap Performance. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /93092.