GEM™ Trap Retrofit Provides 20 Years of Reliability
This group employs 24,000 people across 14 countries and is a leading producer of graphic papers and supplier of magazine, newsprint and fine papers.
Their papermill in Scotland is the only UK producer of high-quality Light Weight Coated (glossy) paper and was looking to minimise downtime and maintain production levels.
The repeated failure of the site’s Thermostatic steam traps on the plant’s High Temperature Treatment (HTT) system was leading to a drop in heat output which was impacting operation. In addition, a mechanical float trap regularly failed causing water logging and disrupting output heat. As a result of this, water hammer was also a feature at the site. This has the potential to wear away pipework and has health and safety implications.
Following a detailed site survey, Thermal Energy International identified a significant saving through the installation of low maintenance, high efficiency GEM™ Steam Trap technology.
The Fibre / Utilities Superintendent said,
We’ve had the traps in place and operating for over 20 years now. The only maintenance required is a strainer clean every now and then which is a testament to their reliability.
GEM™ Traps use an orifice and multi-staged throat design to manage variable condensate flow rates. With no parts to break or wear, GEM™ Traps cannot fail closed, eliminating the risk of water logging. Each trap is calibrated based application. This sizing process in turn prevents live steam loss – a major problem associated with failed mechanical traps. This results in a lower fuel usage saving energy and money, while maintaining vital heat processes on site.
GEM™ Traps have been engineered to be easily serviceable and come with a 10-year performance guarantee. This minimises the time and resources required to monitor and maintain a system, reducing a location’s maintenance bill.
