A steam trap is a special purpose
valve that opens when condensate is present and closes when steam tries to pass through it. The ultimate purpose of the steam trap is to allow the Condensate (water formed when steam condenses) and air to be discharged from the steam system while preventing the loss of live steam.
CONDENSATE (water): Any time steam releases its latent heat energy, the steam converts back into liquid. This water is referred to as condensate. This transformation of steam to condensate will occur in a radiator heating a room, a heat exchanger making hot water, a pipe transferring steam over long distances or any other process that uses steam.
AIR: Before the steam is turned on, and the system is cold, air will exist in all of the pipes and process equipment, such as radiators and heat exchangers. This air must be removed from the entire system to allow the steam to enter and reach its intended points of use.
Thermodynamic Steam Traps
Thermodynamic steam traps are most commonly used for drip applications. They are extremely compact and rugged with only a single moving part. Models available with strainer, in-line repairable options, and ultra-high pressure.
Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps
Float & Thermostatic steam traps are most commonly used in process applications such as heat exchangers, jacketed kettles, and air exchangers. They discharge condensate immediately as they form and have excellent air venting capability.
Inverted Bucket Steam Traps
Inverted Bucket traps are primarily used in drip applications. Rugged and simple design is less susceptible to failure from dirt and scale with long service life. They can be used on process applications where air venting is not required by the steam traps.
Universal Style Steam Traps
These steam traps can be replaced in minutes without having to unthread piping. An open-end or socket style wrench is used to remove and replace the trap.
Clean Steam Traps
These traps are made from highly polished 316SS and used in clean or sanitary steam applications primarily found in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, and the Food and Beverage industries.
