TLV International, Inc.

TLV History Vol.4 In 1982, TLV developed a simple yet effective valve mechanism to solve the problem of steam leakage at low condensate loads - the three-point seat. This groundbreaking technology maintains a tight seal to prevent steam loss, and has been especially effective on traps for steam distribution lines. This technology is featured in our SS1N series steam traps, which have been verified by Japan's Environment Ministry's "Environmental Technology Verification" (ETV) program as minimizing steam loss associated with condensate discharge. Discover more about TLV's innovative history on our company profile! https://lnkd.in/gg9RNp49

Water hammer in equipment and piping is often induced by high levels of accumulated condensate. This type of water hammer can also occur during steady operation, not just during start-up or shutdown. Ensuring proper equipment construction and layout is key to preventing water hammer. Small oversights, such as issues with heat exchanger construction or pressure-balancing lines, improperly installed steam traps and piping, or poorly maintained condensate return lines, can create the conditions for water hammer to occur. This is equally true for condensate return piping, where incorrect setups can cause water hammer, damaging your system over time. Interested in learning more about water hammer in equipment and piping? Read our article for here: https://lnkd.in/gaQjBFjK

After the success of the A3 disc trap in Japan, TLV set its sights on global expansion. Towards that aim, we developed new facilities in Kakogawa, including a large-scale factory, research labs, and offices. These would form the basis of our current global headquarters. From these new facilities, a world-changing product was born: our iconic Free Float® steam trap. The Free Float® was the first mechanical steam trap to use a freely floating valve. It allowed for constant discharge of condensate, and prevented steam leakage by creating a water seal over the orifice. It also offered a long service life thanks to its sturdy body and single moving component, the ball valve, which rotates to prevent concentrated wear. The spirit of the first J series steam trap released in 1968 lives on in all of our current Free Float® traps, and its innovative technology epitomizes our company policies of “Quality First” and “Incomparable Originality.” With Free Float® technology, new facilities, and an expanded manufacturing capacity, we set out into the world. Stay tuned for the next edition of TLV History!

Equip your equipment with the right steam trap. When steam-using equipment is slow to heat up, the productivity of the production line decreases and batches produced at start-up can be ruined. Two common causes of slow equipment start-up are condensate and air trapped within the equipment reducing the heating efficiency of steam. To reduce equipment start-up time and increase heating efficiency, install steam traps that discharge condensate continuously and vent air at start-up, such as TLV’s JX series Free Float® traps. Learn which types of steam traps are best suited to each application in this article: https://lnkd.in/gNpPkenw

Are you located in the Middle East and looking to optimize your steam system's performance? TLV is excited to offer a complimentary one-day steam system survey tailored specifically for businesses in the region for a limited time this winter. We will visit your facility, conduct a thorough assessment, and report with actionable insights to help you: ✅ Improve energy efficiency ✅ Enhance system reliability ✅ Reduce maintenance costs ✅ Maximize productivity Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in your industry! Sign up to secure your free survey and take the first step towards a more efficient and reliable steam system. https://lnkd.in/g8FFQTnZ

How long does the average steam trap last under normal operating conditions? There is no single answer because it depends on a number of factors, including the type of trap, application, pressure, condensate load, and the quality of the steam. Generally speaking, most steam traps will last for several years if they are properly maintained. It is important to perform regular inspections and maintenance, including cleaning, to help keep the trap population in good health and last as long as possible. Trap failure can result in a number of problems, including decreased system performance, increased energy costs, and reduced production capacity. So if a trap does fail prematurely, it is important to identify the cause so that it can be corrected and the steam trap promptly replaced or repaired. By establishing a good steam trap management program, you can help ensure that your traps are running efficiently and delivering value for as long as possible.

After the success of the A3 disc trap in Japan, TLV set its sights on global expansion. Towards that aim, we developed new facilities in Kakogawa, including a large-scale factory, research labs, and offices. These would form the basis of our current global headquarters. From these new facilities, a world-changing product was born: our iconic Free Float® steam trap. The Free Float® was the first mechanical steam trap to use a freely floating valve. It allowed for constant discharge of condensate, and prevented steam leakage by creating a water seal over the orifice. It also offered a long service life thanks to its sturdy body and single moving component, the ball valve, which rotates to prevent concentrated wear. The spirit of the first J series steam trap released in 1968 lives on in all of our current Free Float® traps, and its innovative technology epitomizes our company policies of “Quality First” and “Incomparable Originality.” With Free Float® technology, new facilities, and an expanded manufacturing capacity, we set out into the world. Stay tuned for the next edition of TLV History! Find out more at our corporate profile page: https://lnkd.in/gg9RNp49

Let your disc traps breathe. Air binding is a common problem in disc traps. It occurs when air is trapped in the disc chamber at start-up. As air does not condense like steam, it locks the valve shut, preventing condensate discharge. This can lead to equipment flooding, water hammer, and other issues. Prevent air binding by installing disc traps with built-in thermostatic air vents, like TLV’s PowerDyne series. These traps have a thermostatic element that holds the disc off the seat until air is discharged. The disc does not need an air leakage pathway, and so can seal steam as tightly as possible. Learn more about how disc traps discharge air and condensate in this article: https://lnkd.in/gP3yebnz

In this edition of TLV History, we’re going back to 1955, and the release of our revolutionary A3 thermodynamic steam trap. The A3 was the world's first steam heating, condensate cooling thermodynamic steam trap. It featured an innovative double steam jacket to protect it from adverse weather conditions. With only one moving part, it offered 10 times the service life of previous products, and quickly became a best-seller. The popularity of the A3 helped our founder Katsuji Fujiwara to incorporate “Fujiwara Manufacturing” in 1958, and expand his business across Japan. The technology of the A3 lives on in our current A3N model, a refined version of the trap with an integrated air-vent feature. The A3 may have been the first, but it certainly wasn’t the last revolutionary product that TLV would develop. Don’t miss the next edition of TLV History, covering the 1960s and the birth of our seminal Free Float® technology. Find out more at our corporate profile page: https://lnkd.in/gg9RNp49

Stop the bleeding. There are multiple reasons why plant operators choose to open “bleed lines” and release a portion of supply steam. For example, - to boost heat exchangers’ heating efficiency; - to improve product consistency or line fluidity; - to drain condensate and prevent water hammer in equipment. Whatever the reason, however, steam bleeding is usually not recommended. Steam bled is steam wasted, and steam wasted is energy and money wasted. Rather than bleeding steam, plant operators should identify why there is excess steam, and seek to rectify that problem. This may involve reducing the steam supply, and/or installing a pump to improve equipment drainage. To learn how to avoid steam bleeding and optimize condensate discharge locations, read this article by Jim Risko of TLV CORPORATION published in Chemical Engineering. https://lnkd.in/guhYDt37