Traps reduce steam consumption

Metered tests carried out on Thermal Energy International's GEM steam traps by Italcables, producer of wire strands for prestressed concrete and post-tensioned structures, have shown steam savings of up to 30% compared to mech - anical traps. Now, Italcables has fitted GEM traps to its steam baths and kettle boiler used for 'pickling' and treating iron wire strands within production process.

The mechanical traps fitted to the steam baths and kettle boiler were replaced by the GEM venturi design and steam meters used to test their performance. The results showed that the GEM traps were reducing steam consumption by between 20 and 30%.