What Are the Types of Steam Traps?

A steam trap is a device used in steam systems to discharge condensate (water formed from condensed steam) and non-condensable gases while preventing the loss of live steam. Steam traps play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of steam-based heating systems and industrial processes.

Mechanical Steam Traps:

Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps: These steam traps use a float mechanism to open and close a valve. The float rises and falls with the condensate level, controlling the discharge of both condensate and air.

Inverted Bucket Steam Traps: These steam traps feature an inverted bucket that opens and closes the valve depending on the presence of condensate. When condensate enters, the bucket inverts, allowing the discharge of condensate.

Thermostatic Steam Traps: These steam traps operate based on temperature changes. Bimetallic elements or wax-filled capsules expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, causing the valve to open and close accordingly.

Thermodynamic Steam Traps:

Disc Steam Traps: These steam traps use the dynamic properties of liquid flow and the Venturi effect to open and close a disc valve. They are suitable for high-pressure applications.

Impulse Steam Traps: These steam traps use the dynamic pressure difference between steam and condensate to open and close a valve.

Thermostatic Steam Traps:

Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Steam Traps: These steam traps use an expanding and contracting thermostatic element to open and close the valve. During operation, the pressure on both sides of the element remains balanced.

Bi-Metallic Thermostatic Steam Traps: Similar to the bimetallic elements in mechanical steam traps, these traps use two different metals to respond to temperature changes and operate the valve.

Fixed Orifice Steam Traps:

Orifice Steam Traps: These steam traps have a fixed orifice size that restricts the flow of steam while allowing continuous discharge of condensate.

Modulating-Orifice Steam Traps: These steam traps feature a variable orifice size that adjusts according to the condensate flow rate. They are suitable for variable load conditions.

Bi-Metallic Steam Traps:

Bimetallic Disc Steam Traps: These steam traps use a bimetallic disc that responds to temperature changes, allowing the trap to open and close as needed.

Venturi Orifice Steam Traps:

Venturi Nozzle Steam Traps: These steam traps utilize the Venturi effect, where steam passes through a nozzle creating a pressure drop that opens the trap. They are typically used in high-pressure applications.

The selection of a steam trap depends on factors such as the type of application, pressure, temperature, and load variations. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the steam trap operates effectively and efficiently.

You can view detailed information about the types of steam traps produced by Unox on our page.

Venturi Effect: When the flow of a fluid is constricted, its velocity increases, creating a partial vacuum. This causes the fluid in a pipe to be drawn from a second liquid-filled pipe attached at a narrowed section before the pipe widens again. This occurs because as the kinetic energy of the fluid increases, its pressure must decrease.