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API PLAN 62 Installation of steam traps in steam quench

The object of this technical note is to draw

attention to a design of one of the most

commonly used API Plan, the Plan 62. This

document is focused on steam quench

applications, where there are possible

cases of typical arrangement that may

generate some confusion.

eading these lines, you may thin! that

the case and solution proposed herein are

ob"ious, and indeed they are. #owe"er,

the design discussed below is present at

many facilities, commercial document$

tation, projects, etc.

What does API 682 say about this Plan?

Source: API 682 4thEdition (Figure !24"

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urfing through the internet, it is easy to

find some documents, images and other

documentation with a particular

installation for the steam trap.

The following pictures shown the steam

trap assembled in the same pipe which

pro"ides the quench to the mechanical

seal )in$line. As the steam trap pre"ents

the passage of steam through it, only

condensate, and not steam, will reach to

the seal.

#et$s see so'e e,a'les:

I'ages o- .API Plan 62 stea' /uench0 1 -ro'di--erent sources -ound through oogle I'ages!

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I'ages o- .API Plan 62 stea' /uench0 1 endor

3ra&ings!

onclusion:

The conclusion can be summed up in a

simple sentence( /Install the steam trap

properly0.

Therefore, if the steam trap installation isas indicated in the e1amples, the steam

will not reach the mechanical seal. The

Plan will not meet its purpose and its

effecti"e pre"ention of co!e built up,

solids deposit, crystalliation, polymer$

riation, etc.

Additionally if the condensate is

introduced in the mechanical seal and

contact the seal faces, it can be

responsible of early seal failures.

ecommendations(

3. team trap shall be installed in a

branch line. 4epending on piping seal

plan arrangement the installation can

be as indicated in the s!etch bellow.

2. team trap shall be located as close

as possible to seal in the lowest

location.

5. It shall be agreed with end user

where steam trap outlet is

discharged and its configuration.

API Plan 62&ith stea' /uench

ose &uis Ayala arabia,

otating 7quipment 7ngineer at Tecnicas eunidas .A.

8onalo 9arrasco 8utierre,

:echanical 7ngineer at abic