Bristol, UK-based Thermal Energy International, a clean technology company, has installed 85 steam traps throughout the process plant, achieving a 20% energy saving in just 18 months.
The healthcare company had already installed GEM Venturi steam traps at another of its European sites and asked Thermal Energy International to conduct a survey of its mechanical traps, which were regularly failing open, partly open and closed.
Thermal Energy International found that approximately 20% of the steam traps on the site were failing open, resulting in 7,568 tonnes of steam being lost each year at a cost of £36,000. This not only increased energy and maintenance costs, but also reduced production time and created 1,067 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Thermal Energy International explained that by replacing the existing traps with the GEM Venturi orifice design, blocked steam traps could be prevented from having an impact on production, and energy savings would be achieved by efficiently returning condensate back to the boilers. Over the next 12 months all 85 mechanical traps were replaced with GEM steam traps.
Instead of using a valve mechanism to close off steam for maximum energy and water conservation, the GEM steam traps use the Venturi orifice design to drain condensate from the steam system. Because the steam traps have no moving parts to wedge open or fail, they provide the ultimate in reliability and require only minimal maintenance.
Available in a range of sizes for a cross section of applications, the GEM steam traps are made from corrosion resistant stainless steel and are guaranteed for 10 years.
