Steam trapping overview

*
 s t e a m t r a p p i n g

Make your steam system safe,

efficient and sustainable
The duty of a steam trap is to discharge condensate
while retaining live steam in the system. This ensures
your steam system is able to operate efficiently, without
the detrimental effects of unwanted condensate -
essential in temperature critical applications.

Condensate in the system can lead to a number of

issues such as:

- Poor heat transfer

- Damage to system and process equipment

- Poor quality or wasted product

Selecting the right steam trapping solution helps to

avoid these problems, whilst at the same time allowing
the condensate to be recovered. Information on the
significant benefits of recovering condensate can be
found at the back of this brochure.

How can Spirax Sarco help you?

We’ve been in the business of steam solutions
for over 100 years and with our exceptional team
of specialists, we take the time to understand your
needs and work with you to find the most effective steam
trapping solutions for your applications.

Our aim is to help you meet your sustainability and

efficiency goals by ensuring your steam system operates
at its optimum level at all times. Effective steam trapping
is a key factor in achieving this objective.
spiraxsarco.com

3
An introduction to steam traps
Each steam application has its own steam trap requirements. Selecting the right steam trap for your application could have
a significant, positive impact on your process, potentially improving efficiency, reducing energy costs and giving you a safer
working environment.

For example: condensate must be removed promptly from a plant where maximum heat transfer is sought at all times. The
presence of excess condensate in an item of heat transfer equipment will reduce its efficiency, preventing it from achieving its
maximum rated output and may also reduce its service life.

However; in other applications, it may be required to hold back the condensate to extract some of its heat and thus save on
steam. Furthermore, by discharging condensate well below steam temperature, flash steam losses can be reduced or avoided
altogether.

Thermodynamic steam traps

Maintaining optimum process performance
Thermodynamic steam traps are the best choice for steam mains drainage due to their
simplicity, long life and robust construction. With a large condensate capacity for their
size, the all stainless steel construction of our thermodynamic traps offer a high degree of
resistance to corrosive condensate.

Mechanical steam traps

Maintaining optimum process performance
Mechanical steam traps are ideal for use on process applications where condensate
must be removed as soon as it forms, to safeguard against temperature fluctuation
which would lead to issues such as product spoilage and inadequate heating. Our
mechanical steam trap range is adaptable to all applications where instantaneous
removal of condensate is required.

Thermostatic steam traps

Utilising heat energy in condensate
For applications where it would be desirable to make use of the heat in the condensate
such as sterilisation, a thermostatic steam trap is an ideal solution as it will not open
until the condensate temperature drops below saturated steam temperature. This
allows the heat in the condensate to be utilised before it is drained off which in turn
reduces flash steam losses and can help to reduce energy costs.

Spirax Sarco offers a complete range of steam traps to ensure you can
select the perfect trap for your application.
 s t e a m t r a p p i n g

Spirax Sarco’s steam trap range

Steam trap
Thermodynamic Mechanical Thermostatic
operation

Thermodynamic Ball float Inverted Balanced Bimetallic

bucket pressure

Steam trap
types

• Robust design
• High capacity
giving excellent • High capacity
resistance to • Excellent
• Robust
waterhammer and air venting
design
vibration capabilities • Utilises sensible heat in the condensate,
• Near reducing flash steam losses, which saves
Main • Inexpensive • Continuous
continuous energy
discharge of
features • Positive discharge discharge of
• Excellent air venting properties for quick
condensate for
with tight shut-off condensate
maximum heat start-up
• Discharge transfer • Minimal
condensate close back-up of
• Will not back-up
to steam saturation condensate
with condensate
temperature

• Mains drainage
and all tracing • Temperature/
applications • Temperature/ pressure
• Where condensate back-up can be
pressure controlled
Typical • Some process tolerated or is required in order to remove
controlled applications
applications applications with applications with with
excess enthalpy, e.g. non-critical tracing
light loads such as fluctuating loads fluctuating
small presses and loads
cylinders

DN8 – DN25 DN15 – DN100 DN15 – DN50 DN8 – DN25 DN8 – DN100
Size (¼”– 1”) (½" – 4") (½" – 2") (¼"– 1") (¼"– 4")

Maximum PN100 and PN40 and

PN250 ASME 900 ASME Class 600
body rating ASME Class 600 ASME Class 300

Maximum
operating 250 bar g 80 bar g 110 bar g 32 bar g 70 bar g
pressure

5
t h e r m o d y n a m i c s t e a m t r a p s

Thermodynamic steam traps

How a thermodynamic steam trap works 1 2

1. On start-up, incoming pressure raises the disc and cooled
condensate, and air is immediately discharged.

2. Hot condensate flowing through the trap releases flash

steam. High velocity creates a low pressure area under the
disc and draws it towards the seat.
3 4
3. At the same time there is a pressure build-up of flash steam
in the chamber above the disc which forces it down against
the pressure of the incoming condensate until it seats on the
inner ring and closes the inlet. The disc also seats on the
outer ring and traps pressure in the chamber.

4. Pressure in the chamber is decreased by condensation of the

flash steam and the disc is raised. The cycle is then repeated.

Features and benefits:

• Positive condensate discharge with clean tight shut-off

• Discharges condensate at very close to steam temperature that

ensures maximum plant efficiency

• Just one moving part, a disc, ensures reliable operation and minimal
maintenance without having to remove from the line

• Compact and light weight, reducing installation costs

• Hardened disc and seat for long life

• One trap covers a wide range of operating pressures making selection and
replacement simple

• Insulating cover for low ambient temperature or wet environments

• Thermodynamic traps can be used on high pressure and superheated steam and
are not affected by waterhammer or vibration.
 spiraxsarco.com

Thermodynamic steam traps - product range

Sizes
Maximum
Recommended
Material operating Connection DN8 DN10 DN15 DN20 DN25 installation
pressure ¼" " ½" ¾" 1"

TD42S2
42 bar g Socket weld Horizontal
TD42S2LC
Carbon steel
Screwed
46 bar g Socket weld TDC46M Horizontal
Flanged

10 bar g Screwed TD10 Horizontal

UTD26LY / UTD26L
26 bar g Swivel UTD26HY / UTD26H Universal
(universal connection)
UTD30L
30 bar g Swivel UTD30H Universal
(universal connection)

TD32F
32 bar g Flanged Horizontal
TD32FLC
Stainless
steel TD42
TD42LC TD42
TD42LC TD42H
TD 259 TD42H TD42H
42 bar g Screwed TD42L TD42L Horizontal
TD52M TD42L TD42L
TD52M TD52M
TD52M TD52M
TD52MLC

46 bar g Swivel UTDS46M Universal

Screwed
46 bar g Socket weld TDS46M Horizontal
Flanged

Screwed
TD62M
62 bar g Socket weld Horizontal
TD62LM
Flanged
Alloy steel
Socket weld
250 bar g Butt weld TD120M Horizontal
Flanged

Stainless Screwed BTD52L Horizontal

steel
10 bar g
(Clean
steam) Clamp
BTD52L Horizontal
Tube end

7
m e c h a n i c a l s t e a m t r a p s

Mechanical steam traps

Ball float mechanical steam traps
Ball float (FT) mechanical steam traps have an integral air vent as standard and the options of a manually adjustable
needle valve (SLR - steam lock release mechanism) and drain cock tapping, the FT range is adaptable to all applications
where ball float traps are recommended and instantaneous removal of condensate is required.

How a ball float steam trap works

1. On start-up a thermostatic air vent allows air to bypass
the main valve (1) which would otherwise be unable to 1 2
escape (a condition known as ‘air-binding’).

2. As soon as condensate reaches the trap, the float is

raised and the lever mechanism opens the main valve.
Hot condensate closes the air vent but continues to flow
through the main valve.

3. When steam arrives the float drops and closes off the
3 4
main valve, which remains at all times below the water
level, ensuring that live steam cannot be passed.

4. As the steam condenses, the float rises allowing

condensate to be released.

Features and benefits:

• Immediate condensate discharge with clean, tight shut-off. No backup

of condensate ensures maximum plant efficiency

• Works efficiently on both heavy and light loads with no passage

of live steam

• Not affected by wide and sudden fluctuations of pressure

or flowrate

• Stainless steel internals that can tolerate corrosive

condensate

• Integral air vent to ensure rapid warm-up of plant

• Robust construction to guarantee long life against

waterhammer and vibration
 spiraxsarco.com

Ball float steam traps - product range

Sizes
Maximum
Material operating Connection DN15 DN20 DN25 DN32 DN40 DN50 DN80 DN100 Installation
pressure ½" ¾" 1" 1¼" 1½" 2" 3" 4"

FT43
FT43 FT43 Horizontal
FT53
13 bar g Flanged
FT43V
Cast iron FT43V Vertical down
FT53V

14 bar g Screwed FT14 Horizontal

FT14 Horizontal
Screwed
14 bar g FT14V Vertical down

Flanged FT14 Horizontal

SG iron
21 bar g Screwed FT14HC FT14 Horizontal

FT47 FT47
Flanged Horizontal
FT57 FT57
32 bar g
Flanged FT47V FT47V Vertical down

Screwed FTGS14 Horizontal

ENP coated
SG iron 14.6 bar g
cover and Flanged FTGS14 Horizontal
stainless
steel body
17 bar g Screwed FTGS14HC Horizontal

23 bar g Flanged FTC23 Horizontal

FTC32 FT450* Horizontal

Screwed
Socket weld
FTC32V Vertical down

32 bar g FTC32
FT44 FT44 FT44
FT44 Horizontal
Carbon steel FT54 FT54 FT450*
FT54
Flanged
FTC32V
FT44V FT44V
FT44V Vertical down
FT54V FT54V
FT54V
Socket weld
FTC80 Horizontal
Flanged
80 bar g Screwed
Socket weld FTC62 Horizontal
Flanged

23 bar g Flanged FTS23 Horizontal

Screwed FTS14 Horizontal

19 bar g Socket weld
Flanged FTS14V Vertical down
Stainless
steel 25.5 bar g Flanged FT46 FT46 Horizontal

32 bar g Swivel UFT32 Universal

Screwed
65.8 bar g Socket weld FTS62 Horizontal
Flanged

Stainless FTS14-4.5 Horizontal

steel
4.5 bar ΔP Clamp
(Clean
steam) FTS14V-4.5 Vertical down

* not PED approved

9
m e c h a n i c a l s t e a m t r a p s

Mechanical steam traps

Inverted bucket mechanical steam traps
Our inverted bucket steam traps employ a well-proven principle which relies on the difference in density between steam (a
vapour) and condensate (a liquid). They have a robust design and incorporate a simple density sensitive bucket and lever
mechanism.

How an inverted bucket steam trap works

1 2
1. As condensate reaches the trap it forms a waterseal
inside the body. The weight of the bucket keeps the valve
off its seat. Condensate can then flow around the bottom
of the bucket and out of the trap.

2. When steam enters the underside of the bucket it gives

it buoyancy and the bucket rises. This positions the lever
mechanism such that the main valve ‘snaps’ shut due to 3 4
flow forces.

3. The bucket will lose its buoyancy as the enclosed steam

condenses due to radiation losses and steam escapes
through the vent hole. Once this happens the weight of the
bucket will pull the valve off its seat and the cycle is then
repeated.

4. Any air reaching the trap will also give the bucket buoyancy and close the valve preventing condensate flow. The
small vent hole positioned at the top of the bucket will lead air into the top of the trap. Because the vent hole at the top of
the bucket is small in diameter it will vent air very slowly. Where the venting of air may be a particular problem, this can
be overcome simply by fitting an external air vent in parallel.

Features and benefits:

• Near continuous condensate discharge with tight shut-off. Minimal

back-up of condensate ensures maximum plant efficiency

• Deep water-seal to protect against the possibility of steam loss

• Suitable for superheat conditions when fitted with internal inlet check valve

• Simple and robust construction to guarantee long life against waterhammer

and vibration

• Stainless steel internals are attached to the cover for ease of maintenance

• Integral strainer (HM, HM34 and SCA models only)

• Optional blowdown valve (only for HM and HM34)

 spiraxsarco.com

Inverted bucket steam traps - product range

Maximum Sizes
Material operating Connection DN15 DN20 DN25 DN40 DN50 DN80 Installation
pressure ½" ¾" 1" 1½" 2" 3"

Screwed S
13 bar g Horizontal
Flanged SF

Screwed
Cast iron 14 bar g HM Horizontal
Flanged

Screwed
22 bar g 200 Vertical
Flanged

Screwed
32 bar g Socket weld HM34 Horizontal
Flanged

Screwed
Carbon
41 bar g Socket weld SCA Horizontal
steel
Flanged

Screwed
IBV Series C
116 bar g Socket weld Vertical
IBV Series C-LDF2
Flanged

Screwed
SIB30
Socket weld Horizontal
SIB30H
Flanged
30 bar g

UIB30
Swivel Universal
UIB30H
Stainless
steel
Screwed
60 bar g SIB45 Horizontal
Flanged

63 bar g Swivel UIB46 Universal

Screwed
Alloy steel 123 bar g Socket weld IBV Series Z Vertical
Flanged

11
t h e r m o s t a t i c s t e a m t r a p s

Thermostatic steam traps

How a balanced pressure thermostatic steam trap works 1

1. On start-up, cold air and condensate enter the trap. As the

capsule is also cold, the valve is open and the air and condensate
are discharged.

2. The capsule warms up as the condensate approaches steam

temperature. Its liquid filling boils, and the resultant vapour
pressure acting on the diaphragm pushes the valve head towards 2 3
the seat, fully closing at the selected discharge temperature
before any steam is lost.

3. As the condensate within the trap cools, the vapour filling

condenses and the internal capsule pressure falls. The valve
reopens, discharges condensate and the cycle repeats.

Features and benefits:

• Condensate is discharged at below steam saturation temperature, utilising sensible heat in the condensate
and reducing flash steam losses

• Automatically discharges air and other incondensable gases to aid rapid warm-up of plant

• It automatically adjusts itself to variations of steam pressure up to its maximum

operating pressure and can tolerate superheat up to 70°C

• Discharge temperature set by capsule selection - no requirement to adjust

on site

• Manufactured using advanced technology to exacting

quality standards

• All stainless steel internals extend working life and

reduce plant maintenance

• The BPC32 and BPS32 series has a two bolt cover

design for ease of maintenance
 spiraxsarco.com

Balanced pressure thermostatic steam traps - product range

Sizes
Maximum
Recommended
Material operating Connection DN8 DN10 DN15 DN20 DN25 DN40 installation
pressure ¼" " ½" ¾" 1" 1½"

BPT13S
Horizontal
BPT13US
Brass 13 bar g Screwed
BPT13A
Angle
BPT13UA

Screwed BPM21L Horizontal

21 bar g

Socket weld BPM21L Horizontal

Carbon
steel Screwed BPC32
Horizontal
Socket weld BPC32Y

32 bar g BPC32
BPC32F
Flanged Horizontal
BPC32Y
BPC32YF
MST21
Screwed MST21 MST21H MST21H Vertical down
TSS21
21 bar g
Sandwich
between BPW32 Vertical down
flanges
Screwed
Stainless
30 bar g Socket weld SBP30 Horizontal
steel
Flanged
Screwed
BPS32
Socket weld Horizontal
BPS32Y
Flanged
32 bar g

Swivel UBP32 Universal

BTM7 BTM7
Screwed Vertical down
BTS7 BTS7

BTM7
Stainless 7 bar g Clamp BTS7 Vertical down
steel BTS7.1
(Clean
steam) BTM7
Tube end Vertical down
BTS7

Clamp BT6-BH
6 bar g Vertical down
Tube end BT6-BL

13
t h e r m o s t a t i c s t e a m t r a p s

Thermostatic steam traps

How a bimetallic thermostatic steam trap works

1

1. On start-up, the bimetallic element is relaxed and the valve is open. Cooled
condensate, plus air, is immediately discharged.

2. Hot condensate flowing through the trap heats the bimetallic element causing it to
pull the valve towards the seat.

3. As the hot condensate is discharged and approaches 2 3

steam saturation temperature the bimetallic element
closes the valve. When there is no flow through the trap
the condensate surrounding the element cools causing
it to relax and the upstream pressure opens the valve.
Condensate is discharged and the cycle repeats.

Features and benefits:

• Condensate is discharged at below steam saturation temperature,

utilising sensible heat in the condensate and reducing flash steam
losses

• Automatically discharges air and other incondensable gases to aid

rapid warm-up of plant

• The bimetal elements can work over a wide range of steam

pressures without any need for on-site adjustment

• Resistant to waterhammer and freezing

• The SMC32 series has a two bolt cover design for ease
 spiraxsarco.com

Bimetallic thermostatic steam traps - product range

Sizes
Maximum
Recommended
Material operating Connection
DN8 DN10 DN15 DN20 DN25 DN40 DN50 DN80 DN100 installation
pressure
¼" " ½" ¾" 1" 1½" 2" 3" 4"

Socket weld
21 bar g Butt weld SP80 SP100 Horizontal
Flanged

Screwed
SMC32
Socket weld Horizontal
SMC32Y
Butt weld
Carbon 32 bar g SMC32
steel
SMC32F
Flanged Horizontal
SMC32Y
SMC32YF
Screwed
Socket weld
45 bar g HP45 Horizontal
Butt weld
Flanged

17 bar g Screwed T3 Vertical down

21 bar g Swivel USM21 Universal

Stainless
steel
Swivel USM32 Universal

32 bar g
Screwed
Socket weld PBX Horizontal
Flanged
Screwed
Socket weld
45 bar g SM45 Horizontal
Butt weld
Flanged
Alloy steel

Socket weld
70 bar g HP70 Horizontal
Butt weld

15
s t e a m t r a p p i n g

Reducing production running costs Universal steam traps for use with pipeline

Spirax Sarco can supply fabricated steam trap stations and

a range of ‘quick-fit’ solutions that will allow rapid steam
UTD26L, UTD26LY and UTDS46M
UTD26H, UTD26HY up to 46 bar g*
trap replacement and significantly reduce labour costs.
up to 26 bar g
Thermodynamic
Thermodynamic steam trap
steam trap

Pipeline connectors

Key features: PC10HP PC20 PC30 series

up to 62 bar g* up to 32 bar g up to 62 bar g*
• A simple two-bolt connector
design allows quick and
simple maintenance of a
steam trap - Reducing system
downtime and maintenance
costs compared to traditional
trapping stations

• Single permanent in-line

component for ease of
specification and installation

• Prefabricated construction
minimises on-site fabrication
and the welded joints eliminate
potential leak paths

• All stainless steel construction

for maximum system life
 spiraxsarco.com

connectors for a ‘quick fit’.

UFT32 UIB30 / UIB30H  UBP32 USM21

up to 32 bar g up to 30 bar g up to 32 bar g up to 21 bar g
Ball float steam trap UIB45 Balanced pressure USM32
up to 63 bar g* steam trap up to 32 bar g
Inverted bucket Bimetallic steam trap
steam trap

The pipeline connectors require 2 bolts for

connection with a steam trap.
*subject to limitation of pipeline connector

Steam trapping station

PC3000 series PC40 series PC4000 series STS17.2

up to 62 bar g* up to 62 bar g* up to 62 bar g* up to 17.5 bar g
Steam trapping station

Downstream
Upstream
isolation valve
isolation valve

Check valve

Pipeline connector with an

integral strainer screen

* Subject to pressure limits of trap selected

17
s t e a m t r a p p i n g

Steam tracing using our compact Key features:

dual duty manifold
• Minimises on-site fabrication and testing
Steam tracing is used principally to maintain a reasonable
product temperature and viscosity in order to simplify • Lower cost than conventional welded design
pumping, avoid freezing, solidification and stagnation.
Although the rates of condensate are relatively small, trap • Shortens project lead times
populations will be large since all tracer lines should be
• Space saving with standardised design
individually trapped. For ease of design and layout, the
condensate from the traps is collected in a manifold. The • Lightweight to support and easy to install with
steam to the tracers can be distributed utilising a similar optional mounting kit
manifold arrangement.
• Easy to maintain
Our forged MSC series manifold minimises on-site
• Optional insulation jacket for energy conservation
fabrication and testing.

Number DN Tracer connections Options

EN 10204 3.1.B
Manifold type of tracer
certification Insulation Mounting
connections 15 20 BSP NPT SW
jacket kit
MSC04 4 ● ● ● ● ● Standard ● ●
MSC08 8 ● ● ● ● ● Standard ● ●
MSC12 12 ● ● ● ● ● Standard ● ●

Steam main

Condensate main

Product line

To tracer lines From tracer lines

MSC steam MSC condensate

distribution manifold collection manifold
We will advise on the
best steam trap type for
your requirements
Typical applications for steam traps

Mains drainage Vulcaniser application

Condensate main
Steam
to
Steam main jacket

Steam
into
chamber
Condensate Condensate
from jacket to from
condensate chamber to
system waste

Hot plate process

Hotplates

Steam in

Condensate out Condensate in

19
 spiraxsarco.com

Process equipment Turbine drainage

Steam in Steam out

Condensate
out

Air vent

Condensate

Drainage of a separator

Secondary flow

Steam

Condensate

Condensate
 spiraxsarco.com

The benefits of effective steam trapping

Spirax Sarco are focused on helping our customers achieve process efficiency, increased production output and
energy savings, and we know the importance of effective steam trap management in achieving this. A healthy
steam trap population allows condensate to be removed from the steam system effectively which means it can be
re-used. We call this ‘condensate recovery’ and it saves energy and cost in a number of different ways:

Reduced fuel costs

Normally, condensate will contain around 25% of the usable energy of the steam from which it came. Returning
this to the boiler feedtank can save thousands of pounds per year in energy alone.

Energy saving
Condensate returned to the feedtank reduces the need for boiler blowdown, which is used to reduce the
concentration of dissolved solids in the boiler. This therefore reduces the energy lost from the boiler during the
blowdown process.

Reduced water charges

Returning and re-using condensate reduces the requirement for fresh replacement water.

Reduced chemical treatment costs

Re-using as much condensate as possible minimises the need for costly chemicals to treat raw water.

Reduced effluent costs

In many countries there are restrictions on releasing effluent at elevated temperatures so it must be cooled if
discharged which incurs extra costs.

Spirax Sarco are always on hand to advise you about the best ways to manage your steam system and to help
ensure you continue to reap these benefits.

For more information about our

steam trapping solutions, or any
of our other solutions and services
please visit spiraxsarco.com.
 spiraxsarco.com

Operating Companies Manufacturing Sites Sales Offices Distributors

Spirax-Sarco Limited, Charlton House, Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire, GL53 8ER, UK
T +44 (0)1242 521361
F +44 (0)1242 573342
E [email protected]

© Copyright 2020 Spirax Sarco is a registered trademark of Spirax-Sarco Limited.

Some products, services or solutions may not be available in certain markets.
SB-GST-33 ST Issue 7