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Steam Traps
Last Updated on Wed, 08 Jun 2022

Steam-supply systems commonly are used in industrial facilities as a general heat source as well as a heat source in pipe and vessel
tracing lines used to prevent freeze-up in non�ow situations. Inherent with the use of steam is the problem of condensation and the
accumulation of noncondensable gases in the system.

Steam traps must be used to automatically purge condensable and noncondensable gases, such as air, from the steam system. However,
a steam trap should never discharge live steam. Such discharges are dangerous as well as costly.

Con�guration
Five major types of steam traps commonly are used in industrial applications: inverted bucket, �oat and thermostatic, thermodynamic,
bimetallic, and thermostatic. Each type of steam trap uses a different method to determine when and how to purge the system. As a
result, each has a different con�guration.

Inverted Bucket
The inverted-bucket trap, shown in Figure 15-1, is a mechanically actuated steam trap that uses an upside down, or inverted, bucket as a
�oat. The bucket is connected to the outlet valve through a mechanical link. The bucket sinks when condensate �lls the steam trap, which
opens the outlet valve and drains the bucket. It �oats when steam enters the trap and closes the valve.

As a group, inverted-bucket traps can handle a wide range of steam pressures and condensate capacities. They are an economical
solution for low- to medium-pressure and medium-capacity applications, such as plant heating and light processes. When used

Figure 15-1 Inverted-bucket trap.

for higher-pressure and higher-capacity applications, these traps become large, expensive, and di�cult to handle.

Each speci�c steam trap has a �nite, relatively narrow range that it can handle effectively. For example, an inverted-bucket trap designed
for up to 15-psi service will fail to operate at pressures above that value. An inverted-bucket trap designed for 125-psi service will operate
at lower pressure, but its capacity is so diminished that it may back up the system with unvented condensate. Therefore, it is critical to
select a steam trap designed to handle the application's pressure, capacity, and size requirements.

Float and Thermostatic

The �oat-and-thermostatic trap shown in Figure 15-2 is a hybrid. A �oat similar to that found in a toilet tank operates the valve. As
condensate collects in the trap, it lifts the �oat and opens the discharge or purge valve. This design opens the discharge only as much as
necessary. Once the built-in thermostatic element purges noncondensable gases, it closes tightly when steam enters the trap. The
advantage of this type of trap is that it drains condensate continuously.

Like the inverted-bucket trap, �oat-and-thermostatic traps as a group handle a wide range of steam pressures and condensate loads.
However, each individual trap has a very narrow range of pressures and capacities. This makes it critical to select a trap that can handle
the speci�c pressure, capacity, and size requirements of the system.

The key advantage of �oat-and-thermostatic traps is their ability for quick steam-system startup because they continuously purge the
system of air and other noncondens-

Figure 15-2 Float-and-thermostatic trap.

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able gases. One disadvantage is the sensitivity of the �oat ball to damage by hydraulic hammer.

Float-and-thermostatic traps are an economical solution for lighter condensate loads and lower pressures. However, when the pressure
and capacity requirements increase, the physical size of the unit increases and its cost rises. It also becomes more di�cult to handle.

Thermodynamic or Disk Type

Thermodynamic, or disk-type, steam traps use a �at disk that moves between a cap and seat (see Figure 15-3). On startup, condensate
�ow raises the disk and opens the discharge port. Steam or very hot condensate entering the trap seats the disk. It remains seated,
closing the discharge port, as long as pressure is maintained above it. Heat radiates out through the cap, thus diminishing the pressure
over the disk, opening the trap to discharge condensate.

Wear and dirt are particular problems with a disk-type trap. Because of the large, �at seating surfaces, any particulate contamination, such
as dirt or sand, will lodge between the disk and the valve seat. This prevents the valve from sealing and permits live steam to �ow through
the discharge port. If pressure is not maintained above the disk, the trap will cycle frequently. This wastes steam and can cause the device
to fail prematurely.

The key advantage of these traps is that one trap can handle a complete range of pressures. In addition, they are relatively compact for the
amount of condensate

Figure 15-3 Thermodynamic steam trap.

they discharge. The chief disadvantage is di�culty in handling air and other noncon-densable gases.

Bimetallic
A bimetallic steam trap, shown in Figure 15-4, operates on the same principle as a residential-heating thermostat. A bimetallic strip, or
wafer, connected to a valve disk bends or distorts when subjected to a change in temperature. When properly cali-

Figure 15-4 Bimetal trap.

brated, the disk closes tightly against a seat when steam is present and opens when condensate, air, and other gases are present.

Two key advantages of bimetallic traps are their compact size relative to their condensate load-handling capabilities and immunity to
hydraulic-hammer damage.

Their biggest disadvantage is the need for constant adjustment or calibration, which usually is done at the factory for the intended steam
operating pressure. If the trap is used at a lower pressure, it may discharge live steam. If used at a higher pressure, condensate may back
up into the steam system.

Thermostatic or Thermal Element

Thermostatic, or thermal-element, traps are thermally actuated using an assembly constructed of high-strength, corrosion-resistant
stainless steel plates seam-welded together. Figure 15-5 shows this type of trap.

On startup, the thermal element is positioned to open the valve and purge condensate, air, and other gases. As the system warms up, heat
generates pressure in the thermal element, causing it to expand and throttle the �ow of hot condensate through the discharge valve. The
steam that follows the hot condensate into the trap expands the thermal element with great force, which causes the trap to close.
Condensate that enters the trap during system operation cools the element. As the thermal element cools, it lifts the valve off the seat and
allows the condensate to discharge quickly.

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Figure 15-5 Thermostatic trap.

Thermal elements can be designed to operate at any steam temperature. In steam-tracing applications, it may be desirable to allow
controlled amounts of condensate to back up in the lines in order to extract more heat from the condensate. In other applications, any hint
of condensate in the system is undesirable. The thermostatic trap can handle either condition, but the thermal element must be properly
selected to accommodate the speci�c temperature range of the application.

Thermostatic traps are compact, and a given trap operates over a wide range of pressures and capacities. However, they are not
recommended for condensate loads over

When properly selected, installed, and maintained, steam traps are relatively trouble free and highly e�cient. The critical factors that affect
e�ciency include capacity and pressure ratings, steam quality, mechanical damage, and calibration.

Each type and size of steam trap has a speci�ed capacity for the amount of condensate and noncompressible gas that it can handle. Care
must be taken to ensure that the proper steam trap is selected to meet the application's capacity needs.

As discussed previously, each type of steam trap has a range of steam pressures that it can handle effectively. Therefore, each application
must be carefully evaluated to determine the normal and maximum pressures that will be generated by the steam system. Traps must be
selected for a worst-case scenario.

Steam quality determines the amount of condensate to be handled by the steam trap. In addition to an increased volume of condensate,
poor steam quality may increase the amount of particulate matter present in the condensate. High concentrations of solids directly affect
the performance of steam traps. If particulate matter is trapped between the purge valve and its seat, the steam trap may not properly
shut off the discharge port. This will result in live steam being continuously exhausted through the trap.

Inverted-bucket and �oat-type steam traps are highly susceptible to mechanical damage. If the level arms or mechanical links are
damaged or distorted, the trap cannot operate properly. Regular inspection and maintenance of these types of traps are

Steam traps, such as the bimetallic type, must be periodically recalibrated to ensure proper operation. All steam traps should be adjusted
on a regular schedule.

Installation of steam traps is relatively straightforward. As long as they are properly sized, the only installation imperative is that they be
plumb. If the trap is tilted or cocked, the bucket, �oat, or thermal valve will not operate properly. In addition, a nonplumb installation may
prevent the condensate chamber from fully discharging

Steam traps are designed for a relatively constant volume, pressure, and condensate load. Operating practices should attempt to maintain
these parameters as much as possible. Actual operating practices are determined by the process system, rather than

The operator should periodically inspect them to ensure proper operation. Special attention should be given to the drain line to ensure that
the trap is properly seated

A common failure mode of steam traps is failure of the sealing device (i.e., plunger, disk, or valve) to return to a leak-tight seat when in its
normal operating mode. Leakage during normal operation may lead to abnormal operating costs or degradation of the process system. A
single 3/4-in. steam trap that fails to seat properly can increase operating costs by $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Traps that fail to seat
properly or are constantly in an unloading position should be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. Regular inspection and
adjustment programs should be included in the standard

Continue reading here: Inverters

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