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%.