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How to Choose the Right Steam Trap for your Applications

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Choosing the right steam trap can be a challenge, as there is no one-size-fits all solution. Whether you are looking for new steam equipment or replacing an old trap model, selecting the right steam trap is necessary to save energy and discharge condensate quickly. Choosing the right one depends on what construction and operation principles best fit your system. There are three major types of steam traps: mechanical, thermodynamic, and thermostatic.

  1. Mechanical Steam Trap (Free Float®, Inverted Bucket)

  Mechanical_Free_Float

Free Float® Steam Trap:

 

  • First choice for steam-using equipment, steam distribution lines, and high temperature tracing applications
  • Offers protection from external factors such as wind and rain
  • FF prevents condensate build-up and reduces the risk of water hammer in steam distribution line
  • Highly energy efficient- a constant water seal covers the discharge orifice, preventing steam from leaving the trap body
  • Increased operating efficiency- traps enable steam to contact the entire heat transfer surface area
  • Significantly reduced localized valve wear

Inverted Bucket Trap

 

  • Removes a limited amount of air- the weep hole prevents significant steam loss but not air loss, which can hinder system startup or heat transfer on equipment.
  • Responds slower than the Free Float®
  • Must maintain a suitable water seal at the bucket bottom to prevent freezing damage

  1. Thermodynamic Disc Steam Trap 

 Thermodynamic Steam Traps

  • Compact and suitable for a wide pressure range- ideal for a wide variety of tracing, drip, and certain light stream process applications 
  • Commonly used for extreme high-pressure steam mains drainage service--discs can be used at a pressure level of up to 26MPaG
  • Highly resistant to damage from freezing
  • Sensitive to environmental conditions- rain and cold air can lead to no load actuation

  1. Thermostatic Steam Traps (bi-metal, balanced pressure, and expansion thermoplastic traps) 

Thermostatic Steam Traps

  • Commonly used as air vents in steam systems
  • High operational efficiency
  • Helpful conserving energy in tracer lines
  • Reduced discharge temperature- by sub-cooling and backing up condensate into the line preceding the trap

 

Steam traps are essential for your applications, and there are many options to choose from to meet your needs. Contact an MCE specialist to help you discover which steam trap works best for you.