Steam Trap

Steam traps discharge condensate and air from steam lines and equipment while preventing live steam from escaping. This category includes ball float, thermodynamic, thermostatic and inverted bucket steam traps, together with a liquid drain for air systems, an air vent for liquid systems and a boiler water sample cooler. The traps come with threaded and flanged connections in sizes from 1/2″ to 2″ (DN15–DN50).

Models

How Does It Work?

Ball float

At start-up the thermostatic air vent is open and discharges air; it closes when steam arrives. As condensate enters, the float rises and opens the main valve. When steam reaches the trap, the float drops and closes the main valve.

Thermodynamic

Condensate lifts the disc and is discharged. When steam arrives, velocity under the disc increases, pressure drops and the steam trapped in the control chamber above presses the disc closed. When that steam condenses and the pressure falls, the cycle repeats.

Thermodynamic, stainless

Condensate lifts the disc and is discharged. When steam arrives, velocity under the disc increases, pressure drops and the pressure in the control chamber closes the disc.

Thermostatic

When the system is cold, the capsule is open and air and cold condensate are discharged quickly. As condensate approaches steam temperature, the capsule expands and closes. It discharges continuously or intermittently depending on the condensate load.

Inverted bucket

When the bucket is full of steam it floats and closes the outlet. As condensate enters, the steam in the bucket condenses, the bucket sinks and opens the outlet to discharge condensate. When steam fills the bucket again, it rises and closes.

Liquid drain for air systems

When water collects in the body, the float rises and opens the outlet. After the water is discharged the float drops and closes the outlet, so no compressed air is lost.

Air vent for liquid systems

When the body is full of liquid, the float is up and the air outlet is closed. When air gathers at the top, the liquid level falls, the float drops and the outlet opens to release the air.

Sample cooler

Boiler water passes through the cooling coil and is cooled by the cooling water in the body. This stops part of the sample flashing to steam and keeps the measurement accurate.

Applications

• Tanks
• Heat exchangers
• Heating coils
• Ovens
• Hot water boilers
• Irons and ironing presses
• Steam tracing lines
• Drying units
• Pressing units
• Steam-jacketed pipes
• Air venting in steam lines
• Filling and draining vessels
• Liquid circuits
• Compressed air receivers
• Compressed air lines
• Steam boilers
• Steam generators

Related categories: Steam Separators, Vacuum Breakers.

For steam trap types and selection, read our steam trap types guide; see all models on our steam traps page.