From a hospital maintenance supervisor:

Q: "How can I improve the efficiency of my sterilizer?"

A: Three ways:
1.  It is important that steam coming to the unit is of the highest quality. Install a steam separator to insure that process steam is as dry as possible.

2.  The steam trap draining this particular type of process equipment should have good air-venting capability and should not tee subject to air binding. Use Thermostatic or F&T traps on small to medium units. Use F&Ts on large units.

3.  Quick start-up is achieved by utilizing a thermostatic vent to remove air from the top of the chamber.

From a Maintenance Supervisor at a major chemical company:

Q: "How can I solve a coil corrosion problem in my unit heaters?  A balance thermostatic trap is draining the temperature-controlled units and condensate is lifted to overhead return lines by steam pressure alone.

A: It is probable that this hook-up was a cost-cutting contract job and for that reason a balance pressure thermostatic trap was used. The corrosion is a function of the condensate back-up from the trap's normal operation. Because of the lift, corrosion will also occur if the pressure is turned off. A bellows thermostatic trap with the lift after it will also suffer damage due to repeated back-flow surges from lifting. The easiest and most cost efficient solution is to replace the trap with an F&T type resulting in minimum back-up during running operation. The proper way is to gravity drain the condensate from the unit heater or install a pump to lift the condensate to the overhead lines.

We welcome the opportunity to make your steam system trouble-free and efficient.  Your questions can contribute to helping others with similar problems.  Let's hear from you!

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