Editorial Technical Reference

Steam Trap

This page explains how Steam Trap is classified within Repair and Installation of Machinery and Equipment. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A device that automatically discharges condensate and non-condensable gases from steam systems while preventing steam loss.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Steam Trap

Definition
A steam trap is a component used in steam distribution systems to automatically remove condensate, air, and other non-condensable gases from steam lines and equipment. Its primary function is to maintain system efficiency by ensuring that steam is not lost, while also preventing water hammer and ensuring proper heat transfer. The trap operates by sensing the presence of condensate or non-condensable gases and opening to discharge them, then closing to prevent steam from escaping. Common types include thermodynamic, thermostatic, and mechanical (float) traps, each relying on differences in density, temperature, or phase change between steam and condensate. This product is typically installed in steam distribution networks, process equipment, and heating systems. It is available in materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel, with body material grades like WCB (carbon steel) and CF8 (stainless steel) per ASTM A216/A351. Nominal diameters range from 15 to 50 mm (ISO 6708), with operating pressures from 1.0 to 1.6 MPa and a maximum allowable pressure of 2.5 MPa. Maximum operating temperature is 220°C, minimum -10°C. Capacity ranges from 100 to 2000 kg/h at 0.5 MPa differential pressure, with a leakage rate not exceeding 0.5% of rated capacity. Connections can be flanged or threaded, and weight varies from 2 to 10 kg depending on size and material. These values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the manufacturer for the specific model and application. Standards listed are for procurement and verification, not certification.
Working Principle
The steam trap operates based on differences in density, temperature, or phase change between steam and condensate. In a thermodynamic trap, the dynamic effect of flash steam closes the disc. In a thermostatic trap, a temperature-sensitive element expands or contracts to open or close the valve. In a mechanical float trap, a float rises with condensate level to open the valve. When condensate or non-condensable gases accumulate, the trap opens to discharge them, then closes to prevent steam loss. The choice of trap type depends on operating conditions and system requirements.
Common Materials
Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Carbon Steel
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Nominal Diameter15–50 mmMatches pipe size; larger sizes require different trap types.ISO 6708
Maximum Allowable Pressure2.5 MPaExceeding may cause body failure.
Maximum Operating Temperature220 °CAbove this, sealing materials degrade.
Minimum Operating Temperature-10 °CBelow this, ice formation may occur.
Capacity100–2000 kg/hAt 0.5 MPa differential pressure.ISO 6708
Leakage Rate≤0.5 % of rated capacityHigher leakage wastes steam.ISO 5208
Body MaterialWCB/CF8WCB for carbon steel, CF8 for stainless.ASTM A216/A351
Connection TypeFlanged/ThreadedFlanged for high pressure, threaded for small sizes.ISO 6708
Weight2–10 kgDepends on size and material.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Valve Body
    Main housing containing internal mechanisms and providing connection points
    Material: Cast Iron/Stainless Steel
  • Disc/Valve Mechanism
    Opens to discharge condensate and closes to prevent steam loss
    Material: Stainless Steel
  • Thermostatic Element Part
    Temperature-sensitive component that controls valve operation in thermostatic traps
    Material: Stainless Steel/Bellows
  • Float Part
    Buoyancy-based mechanism that controls valve in mechanical traps
    Material: Stainless Steel

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Vacuum to 450 bar (depending on design)
flow rate: 0.1 to 50,000 kg/h condensate capacity
temperature: -20°C to 600°C (depending on trap type and materials)
slurry concentration: Not recommended for slurries >5% solids by volume; solids handling requires specialized designs
Media Compatibility
✓ Saturated steam systems ✓ Superheated steam systems ✓ Compressed air systems with condensate
Unsuitable: Highly corrosive chemical environments without appropriate material selection
Sizing Data Required
  • Condensate load (kg/h) at operating pressure
  • Operating pressure differential (bar)
  • Safety factor for startup/peak loads

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Wear and erosion
Cause: Continuous exposure to high-velocity steam and condensate, particularly in applications with high cycling rates or impurities, leading to gradual material loss and eventual failure of internal components.
Stuck open or closed
Cause: Accumulation of dirt, scale, or corrosion products within the trap mechanism, preventing proper valve operation and resulting in either steam loss (open) or condensate backup (closed).
Maintenance Indicators
  • Continuous steam discharge or no discharge when condensate is present (audible hissing or visible steam plume)
  • Abnormally hot or cold downstream piping (thermal imaging or touch detection indicating improper operation)
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular ultrasonic testing and thermal imaging inspections to detect early-stage failures before catastrophic steam loss or water hammer occurs.
  • Install strainers upstream and ensure proper steam quality to prevent particulate ingress, and follow manufacturer-recommended blowdown procedures for float-type traps.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 6552: Steam traps - Definition of technical terms and classification ANSI/FCI 85-1: Steam trap standard - testing and rating DIN EN 27841: Industrial valves - Automatic steam traps

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Seat flatness: 0.025mm maximum deviation
  • Body wall thickness: +10%/-5% of nominal thickness
Quality Inspection
  • Hydrostatic shell test at 1.5 times maximum working pressure
  • Steam loss performance test per ISO 6948

Manufacturers of Steam Trap

4 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Jianen Sanitary
Wenzhou, Zhejiang, CN
Founded 2009
3A CE ISO9001 SGS
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Kosen Valve
Zhejiang, CN
Also makes: Knife Gate Valve, Plug Valve, Ball Valve and 9 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Risen Metal
Cangzhou, Hebei, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
SAFVAL
Shandong, CN
Also makes: Butterfly Valve, Gate Valve, Check Valve and 6 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
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Inspection readiness
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a steam trap?

The primary function is to automatically discharge condensate and non-condensable gases from steam systems while preventing steam loss, thereby maintaining system efficiency and preventing water hammer.

What are the common types of steam traps?

Common types include thermodynamic, thermostatic, and mechanical (float) traps. They operate based on density, temperature, or phase change differences between steam and condensate.

What materials are available for steam traps?

Materials on file include stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel. Body material grades may be WCB (carbon steel) or CF8 (stainless steel) per ASTM A216/A351.

What are the typical operating parameters?

Nominal diameter ranges from 15 to 50 mm, operating pressure from 1.0 to 1.6 MPa, maximum allowable pressure 2.5 MPa, maximum temperature 220°C, minimum -10°C, capacity 100-2000 kg/h at 0.5 MPa differential, leakage ≤0.5% of rated capacity. Always verify with the manufacturer.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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