Thermostatic Steam Trap

What is a Thermostatic Steam Trap?

Thermostatic steam trap is a type of plumbing device used to prevent the flow of air or gas through the piping system. It is designed to maintain a constant temperature, which helps prevent the formation of condensation and the formation of water droplets in the piping system.

How Does a Thermostatic Steam Trap Work?

Thermostatic Steam Trap are commonly used in steam heating systems to prevent steam from escaping through vents, as well as in process piping systems to prevent heat or pressure loss. They work by using a temperature sensitive element such as a bimetallic strip or wax pellet to open or close a valve in response to temperature changes. When the temperature in the piping system rises above a certain level, the thermostatic element expands, opening the valve, allowing steam or other gases to escape. When the temperature drops below this level, the element shrinks and the valve closes, blocking the flow of air or gas.

They are an important component of many piping systems as they help maintain the efficiency of the system and prevent energy loss. They are also used to protect equipment and prevent the risk of accident or injury from the release of steam or other gases.

General Features

• Body and Cover: Stainless Steel
• Thermostatic Capsule: Hastelloy
• Max. Operating Pressure: 45 Bar
• Max. Operating Temperature : 250°C

Usage Areas

Thermostatic steam traps are suitable for use when and conditions are desired to benefit from the heat of the condensate. It can be used in irons, tracking lines, pressing units, drying units, steam jacketed pipes and steam systems.

Thermostatic steam traps remove condensation through the temperature difference of the vapor and liquid phase. The trap is operated by expansion and contraction of an element exposed to heat from steam or condensate. These traps take a temperature drop below the saturation curve to open and remove the condensate. These traps can be realized with the help of filled element, bellows or bimetal element.

• Situations where condensate temperature is desired to be used for heating.
• Deaerator applications in steam systems.

How Does the Thermostatic Steam Trap Work?

Thermostatic steam traps operate on the temperature difference of the steam from the cooled condensate and air. The steam increases the pressure inside the thermostatic element, causing the trap to close. As condensate and non-condensable gases accumulate in the cooling leg, the temperature begins to drop and the thermostatic element contracts, opening the valve.

The amount of condensate backed up in front of the siphon depends on the load conditions, steam pressure and size of the pipes. It is extremely important to consider that non-condensable gases can accumulate behind the condensate.

NOTE: Thermostatic traps can also be used to evacuate air from a steam system. As air collects, the temperature drops and the thermostatic air vent automatically vents air slightly below steam temperature over the entire operating pressure range.

What Does a Thermostatic Steam Trap Do?

Thermostatic traps are one of the types of traps that are used to remove the condensate from the system. These steam traps, which increase the working life of the installed installation, also ensure maximum heat transmission. If it is exposed to high condensate, the condensate discharge process starts, and when the steam comes, it expands and closes the valve.

Thermostatic Steam Trap Types

Liquid Expansion Thermostatic Trap: It is the simplest steam trap model. In order to prevent the passage of steam, the part with the oil in the trap is heated and expanded, thus closing the valve and preventing the passage of steam.

Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Trap: The operating temperature is affected by the vapor pressure in the environment. The capsule element is made of metallic by mixing with liquid water and alcohol, which has a lower saturated temperature value than water.

Bimetallic Thermostatic Trap: It is formed by welding and combining two different metals. When the metal strips are exposed to heat, when they expand and bend under the influence of heat, they close the valve, thus preventing the passage of steam.

Thermostatic Steam Trap Prices

Thermostatic steam trap prices vary according to models and brands. The material used, the general performance of the trap, the type of use, the pressure and temperature values to be used are among the factors that affect the thermostatic trap prices. Various factors such as steam trap supplier rates, market sector and profit rates also continue to affect prices.

You can watch our video to have more detailed information about steam traps.