Steam Traps

A steam trap is an automatic valve, designed to discharge condensate (water) without the loss of live steam. It functions by having the ability to differentiate between Steam, Air/Gas and Condensate via the difference in density between Steam as a gas & Condensate a liquid. Also through temperature difference or via Thermodynamic principles. The intention is to discharge condensate and hold back steam.

There are three main types of steam traps. THERMODYNAMIC, MECHANICAL & THERMOSTATIC
Thermodynamic Steam Traps combine reliability, simplicity and efficient operation. Functioning efficiently utilising the common laws of thermodynamics. With just one moving part, a hardened stainless steel disc, they give a blast discharge with clean, tight shut-off. They are able to withstand superheat, water hammer, corrosive condensate, freezing and vibration. Due to the implementation of some clever attributes resulting from continuous R&D Some Thermodynamic traps are also very efficient at the removal of air and other gase from the steam system. The TD trap is the first choice for removal of condensate from steam distribution systems.
Mechanical - Float Type Steam Traps utilising a lever, fulcrum and pin design for operation, they work efficiently on both light and heavy condensate loads. Discharge capacity is high and continuous, when required ensuring maximum heat transfer and equally efficient on light loads. One drop in one drop out. Ball float steam traps are the best choice for draining any process/heat transfer plant, with automatic temperature control. An integral air vent is fitted as standard and a steam lock release can also be utilised, while some also have multi directional installation ability. A very versatile steam trap.
Mechanical - Inverted Bucket Type Steam Traps, as the name suggests, use the buoyancy of an inverted bucket within the trap; it is attached to a lever that opens and closes the trap valve in response to the bucket's movement. When steam or air flows into the underside of the inverted bucket and condensate surrounds it on the outside, the steam causes the bucket to become buoyant, rise upwards and close the valve. During normal operation, they have almost continuous discharge at steam temperature depending on demand.They come in a variety of sizes, materials and capacities, with excellent tolerance to water hammer and can, when installed correctly be used on superheated steam. NOTE: All mechanical traps usually require specific internals to match the steam system operating pressure/differential pressure.
Thermostatic Balanced Pressure Type Steam Traps are small and inexpensive with a large capacity for their size. They are excellent Excellent air vents and Readily pass air and non-condensable gases. They operate by utilising encapsulated temperature sensitive fluid trapped within a membrane housing. It is selected to evaporate and or condense as pressures/temperature changes within the steam trap body. The membrane is attached to a valve which moves up and down to open and close the discharge of condensate when a change in temperature is sensed.

This really depends upon the environment and the quality of your steam that the steam trap operates with. The installation of strainers is highly recommended to reduce the amount of dirt and other impurities from entering the steam trap internals. A correctly selected and sized Steam Trap with a good maintenance regime, should perform for many years. Obviously it should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and it is highly recommended that regular inspection of the steam trap is carried out at least once a year and if found to be faulty it should be cleaned and or repaired as required. This will give the valve the best opportunity to continually operate satisfactorily for many years. When a steam trap does fail it can lead to a loss of production and or a waste of energy through leaking steam, fuel bills will increase. Depending on the quality of your steam, It is a rule of thumb that 10/15% of steam traps will fail annually, so it is vitally important that regular checks for correct operation are carried out often.

It is vitally important when selecting and sizing any type of steam trap, that certain criteria is met. Such as the operating pressure/temperature, the duty required, the application, back pressure etc. There is no such thing as a universal trap or one size fits all; each trap must be selected to suit the application. Steam Traps should always be installed in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and in accordance with good steam fitting practice. In Particular always insure. Correct direction of flow. Correct orientation. Leave clear access for general maintenance and repairs.They can have various end connections such as flanged, threaded, socket weld etc so installation will need to take this into account. Always take into consideration the discharge of a steam trap and if it is going to the atmosphere, ensure it is discharging to a safe place, not to cause noise issues, damage to the environment or injury to animals and humans. Where practical, It is highly recommended that all condensate be returned to the boiler due to the high level of energy stored within the hot condensate. Steam condensate is also very clean/pure and will require less chemical treatment, another cost saving reason to return to the boiler.

When saturated steam gives up its energy to any colder surface it condenses and condensate is formed. This condensate is usually a hindrance to heat transfer efficiency and a potential danger to the safe operation of any steam system in general. There are many applications for steam traps and many varied reasons why and where a steam trap may be required for any particular application. It is vitally important that those charged with selecting, sizing and installing a steam trap are also very familiar with steam and condensate system design and good steam fitting practice. The results of poor selection and installation can be catastrophic. Property has been damaged and humans have been injured and even killed as a result of poor condensate drainage from a steam system. Typical uses for steam traps are in general, mains line drainage at regular intervals, all low points in steam systems where condensate can collect, In application where efficient heat transfer is required for production processes, as upstream protection to pressure and temperature control valves etc etc. If you are unsure please contact us for more detailed sizing and selection support.

This depends upon where you are based and the freight method chosen. If the express freight option is selected it is usually next day delivery to metropolitan areas in Australia for under 5kg. If free freight has been selected it will go by road freight which can be anywhere from 1 to 10 days depending upon your location. It usually averages 3 days.

All of our products come standard with a 12 month warranty. The good news is we have very strict quality controls and all steam traps that leave our warehouse are tested (full material and testing certificates are available) and inspected so there are rarely any issues.