When should I use an automatic pump trap instead of a standard steam trap?

Use an automatic pump trap when gravity drainage is not possible—such as when condensate must be lifted to an overhead return line, when the system operates under vacuum, or when backpressure in the return line exceeds the process pressure (stall conditions).

What motive steam pressure is required to operate the APT14?

The motive steam pressure must exceed the total backpressure (static head + return line pressure + friction losses). The APT14 accepts motive pressure up to 13.8 bar g. For sizing, consult Spirax Sarco or PC Engineering with your specific installation parameters.

Can the APT14 handle vacuum conditions?

Yes. The APT14 is specifically designed to remove condensate from equipment operating under vacuum, such as modulating heat exchangers during light-load or stall conditions.

What is the difference between APT14, APT14HC, and APT14SHC?

The APT14 is the standard model with DN40 inlet. APT14HC is a higher-capacity version (DN50 inlet, 8 litres per cycle). APT14SHC offers the same capacity as APT14HC but with a carbon steel body for higher-duty or corrosive environments.

Is IBR certification available for the APT14 series?

Certification to EN 10204 3.1 is available. For IBR or other specific certifications, requirements must be stated at the time of order. Contact PC Engineering for details.

SPIRAX SARCO · STEAM TRAPS

Spirax Sarco APT14 Automatic Pump Trap – Steam-Powered Condensate Removal for Vacuum & Pressure Applications

Name: Spirax Sarco APT14 Automatic Pump Trap – Steam-Powered Condensate Removal for Vacuum & Pressure Applications
Brand: Spirax Sarco

Spirax Sarco APT14 automatic pump trap for condensate removal in vacuum & pressure systems. PN16 rated, steam-operated. Get quotes from PC Engineering

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Overview

The Spirax Sarco APT14 series automatic pump traps are steam-operated displacement receivers designed to handle condensate removal under varying pipeline conditions—including vacuum, low-pressure, and positive-pressure scenarios. Available in three variants (APT14, APT14HC, and APT14SHC), these units automatically switch between trapping and pumping modes based on system pressure, eliminating the need for external power or complex controls.

The APT14 is ideal for process plants where gravity drainage is insufficient or where condensate must be lifted against backpressure. The unit uses motive steam to discharge collected condensate, making it a reliable solution for heat exchangers, dryers, and other process equipment. The shell is designed to A.D. Merkblätter / ASME VIII standards, and EN 10204 3.1 certification is available on request.

The APT14HC and APT14SHC variants offer higher capacity for larger condensate loads, with the SHC model featuring a carbon steel body for more demanding service conditions.

Key Features

Dual-function operation: Automatically traps or pumps condensate depending on line pressure
Vacuum-capable: Removes condensate even under vacuum conditions without external power
Steam-operated: No electrical supply required; uses plant motive steam
Flanged or screwed connections: Available in multiple international standards (EN, ASME, JIS, KS, BSP, NPT)
Robust construction: SG iron or carbon steel body rated to PN16
Sight glass included: Enables visual monitoring of condensate level and pump cycling
Low maintenance: Simple mechanical design with stainless steel internals

Specifications

Parameter	APT14 (SG Iron)	APT14HC (SG Iron)	APT14SHC (Carbon Steel)
Inlet / Outlet Size	DN40 x DN25 (Flanged) or 1½" x 1" (Screwed)	DN50 x DN40 (Flanged)	DN50 x DN40 (Flanged)
Flange Standards	EN 1092 PN16, ASME B16.5 150, JIS 10, KS 10	EN 1092 PN16, ASME B16.5 150, JIS 10, KS 10	EN 1092 PN16, ASME B16.5 150, JIS 10, KS 10
Body Material	SG Iron (EN JS 1025 / ASTM A395)	SG Iron (EN JS 1025 / ASTM A395)	Carbon Steel (EN 1.0619+N / ASTM A216 WCB)
Pressure Rating	PN16	PN16	PN16
Max Allowable Pressure (PMA)	16 bar g @ 120°C	16 bar g @ 120°C	16 bar g @ 120°C
Max Operating Pressure (PMO)	13.8 bar g @ 198°C	13.8 bar g @ 198°C	13.8 bar g @ 198°C
Max Motive Inlet Pressure	13.8 bar g	13.8 bar g	13.8 bar g
Max Backpressure (Standard)	5 bar g	5 bar g	5 bar g
Max Operating Temperature	198°C (saturated steam)	198°C (saturated steam)	198°C (saturated steam)
Min Operating Temperature	-10°C	-10°C	-10°C
Pump Discharge per Cycle	5 litres	8 litres	8 litres
Max Trapping Capacity*	4,000 kg/h	9,000 kg/h	9,000 kg/h
Max Pumping Capacity*	1,100 kg/h	2,800 kg/h	2,800 kg/h
Recommended Filling Head	0.3 m (above pump base)	0.3 m	0.3 m
Weight (Approx.)	45 kg	65 kg	105 kg

Applications

The Spirax Sarco APT14 automatic pump trap is used across a wide range of industries and applications:

- Process heat exchangers operating under vacuum or stall conditions - Pharmaceutical and chemical plants requiring reliable condensate drainage - Textile dryers and calendars with fluctuating steam loads - Food & beverage processing equipment with modulating control valves - Paper mills and other continuous process industries - Any application where condensate must be lifted or pumped against backpressure without electrical power

Frequently Asked Questions

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