Inverted BucketSteam trap

Steam system operators need to know that steam traps are doing their job, and select the right size and type based on load levels (min, max, and consistency), cycling requirements, process requirements, longevity, and a plethora of other factors.  For the rest of us, the hope is that we are now armed with enough knowledge to dissuade any cavemen we know from lighting more fires – and, more importantly, understand a critical component of systems that play a huge role in our lives in the modern world.

The ‘Heatizon’ electric snow and ice melt system for pedestal supported decks requires no boilers, pumps, gas connections or complicated networks of pipes, valves and manifolds. It doesn’t need engineers to design the layout, piping and system specs. and no certified installers are needed for installation except to connect the system to the controller.

The ‘Heatizon’ electric snow melt system can efficiently snow melt practically any pedestal supported paver installation. It can be installed under most porcelain, concrete or stone pavers on terraces, patios, roof decks, walkways or exterior paved areas. This electric snow melt system just requires a minimum 1 3/4” clearance under the pavers to accommodate the aluminum tray and polyurethane insulation and allow for adequate drainage under the pavers.

Radiator steam trapreplacement

The excellent properties of steam for energy generation do NOT apply to water! Condensate (water) is inevitable when a steam system is doing work. But, it needs to be taken out of the system so that steam can continue doing its job.  Water also has negative side effects, like corrosion and water-hammer that we won’t get into here – suffice to say, it’s not wanted in a steam system.

To install, aluminum support brackets 4” wide are firstly positioned on the pedestal heads to span adjacent pedestals. A aluminum tray with V shaped channels for the heating element and a polyurethane foam sheet adhered to the undersideis is placed over the brackets. The heating cable is laid in the channels, run the full length of area to be heated and returned to a common electrical connection point.

Radiator steam trapinstallation

Thermaxx Jackets insulate and protect pipes, valves and machinery in all types of environments, dramatically reducing energy costs.

Simply send us a sketch of your elevated deck indicating the dimensions and designating all pavers or regions on the deck you want to be snow free.

Thermodynamicsteam trap

The ‘Heatizon’ electric snow melt system for pavers simply runs insulated electrical heating cables along channels in aluminum panels laid under the paving slabs.

We’re all familiar with the tried and true method of generating energy, pioneered by our ancient ancestors...FIRE. Fast forward a few thousand years and fire’s still a top choice, but along the way people realized that lighting fires everywhere can create a host of problems. Maintaining a single fire in a controlled, isolated environment is a lot easier – but you can’t send fire down a tube to where it’s needed!  That’s where steam comes into play.

A steam trap is a device that removes condensate from a steam system.  A typical steam system will have many steam traps – typically placed at 50-150’ after in straight pipe, after every heat exchanger (where the work gets done), and at every location where there is a change of elevation or pressure.

Bestradiator steam trap

Radiator steam trapaustralia

Finally, the heating cable is connected to a control box with timer for manual activation or switch to activate heating when moisture is detected and the ambient temperature is below a selectable set point.

Steam has many great properties that make it ideal for generating energy. It can hold a lot of energy, can travel down a tube, and transfers heat in a uniform fashion.  The fire takes place in a boiler, which heats water to a boil, converting it into steam.  That steam is distributed to where it’s needed and then some of that energy created in the boiler is harnessed to do work – in components like radiators, water heaters, industrial kettles, sterilizers, turbines, etc.

Steam trapvalve

There are many types of steam traps (Learn  about the four primary ones here), but they all serve to keep steam in the “steam loop” while extracting condensate (and air) and redirecting it to the “condensate loop.” The condensate loop usually feeds into a tank, and from there the water is either processed and returned to the boiler or cooled and discharged as waste.

Condensate is the ‘sweat’ of steam that’s been put to work.  In other words, it is what results when steam releases its energy through work and turns it back into water. When steam energy is used, some of the steam condenses.  For those in the know, you can forget about technicalities like conductance, latent heat, sensible heat, saturated steam, and convection for a minute and bear with this analogy.

Radiator steam trapkit

Great News! Thermaxx completed a NYPA funded project with results exceeding expectations! Installing thermal blankets throughout the campus will save us thousands of dollars make our ME rooms safer. SUNY New Paltz congratulates Thermaxx on a job well done!

The basic installation of this electric snow melt system does not require specialized contractors. Only the final connection of the heating cable to the cold leads and connecting to the control box requires a certified electrical contractor.

We have been using Thermaxx insulated jackets on our Hydro-Vac trucks for 8 years and have not had any issue with hoses freezing in outside operating temperatures that have reached below -45°F.I would recommend that if anyone is looking for a proven and durable insulated jacket, Thermaxx Jackets will have you covered.

You can learn more about insulation solutions for steam traps here or by contacting us or requesting a heat loss survey today!

Thermaxx Jackets was founded over 25 years ago with a single purpose: to help our clients save energy with removable insulation blankets when traditional stay-in-place insulation is not practical. Our dedication to this purpose has resulted in a long list of customers who have saved money thanks to Thermaxx Jackets! Combining expertise in heat loss, wireless monitoring, insulation design, and several other disciplines, we’ve become the #1 provider and fabricator of removable insulation jackets and covers. The Thermaxx Sales and Service teams are experienced and trained to provide clients with the most timely and cost-effective solution.

There are no restrictions on the minimum or maximum area for installation (other than electrical supply considerations). The heated paver area can easily be confined to specific zones within a paved area or just a section of a 24” × 24” paver if required. Most installations just require access to the electrical supply and a location to mount the electrical control box.

Panel size:  23.5” x 23.5” (other sizes on request) Profile height:  1 5/16” including insulation Material:  Aluminum sheet with polyurethane insulation Heating element:  Mineral insulated resistance cable Power consumption (typical):  40W per sq. ft.

Steam systems are designed to put raw energy to work, and steam traps are a critical part of that system. Truly understanding steam traps requires a little bit of knowledge of steam and condensate, so let's start with the basics.