How do I select the right steam trap type for my application?

Selection depends on your application requirements. Use thermodynamic traps for mains drainage and tracing; mechanical traps (ball float/inverted bucket) for process applications requiring immediate condensate removal; thermostatic traps where condensate heat recovery is acceptable or beneficial. Factors include operating pressure, condensate load, air venting needs, and acceptable condensate back-up.

What is the maximum operating pressure for Spirax Sarco steam traps?

Maximum operating pressures vary by type: Thermodynamic traps handle up to 250 bar g, inverted bucket traps up to 110 bar g, ball float traps up to 80 bar g, bimetallic traps up to 70 bar g, and balanced pressure traps up to 32 bar g.

Can thermodynamic steam traps handle superheated steam?

Yes, thermodynamic steam traps are suitable for high-pressure and superheated steam applications. They are also resistant to water hammer and vibration, making them ideal for demanding environments.

What materials are available for corrosive condensate applications?

Spirax Sarco offers stainless steel construction across all steam trap types, providing high resistance to corrosive condensate. Carbon steel options are also available for standard applications.

How often should steam traps be inspected or replaced?

Steam trap inspection frequency depends on operating conditions and criticality. Regular steam trap surveys (annually or more frequently in critical systems) help identify failed traps that waste steam or cause condensate issues. Spirax Sarco thermodynamic traps feature minimal moving parts, reducing maintenance requirements.

SPIRAX SARCO · STEAM TRAPS

Spirax Sarco Steam Traps – Thermodynamic, Mechanical & Thermostatic Steam Trapping Solutions

Name: Spirax Sarco Steam Traps – Thermodynamic, Mechanical & Thermostatic Steam Trapping Solutions
Brand: Spirax Sarco

Spirax Sarco steam traps for industrial applications. Thermodynamic, mechanical & thermostatic types. Supplied by PC Engineering India.

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Overview

Steam traps are essential components in any industrial steam system, responsible for discharging condensate while retaining live steam. Proper steam trapping ensures optimal heat transfer efficiency, protects equipment from water hammer damage, and prevents product quality issues caused by temperature fluctuations.

Spirax Sarco offers a comprehensive range of steam traps designed to meet diverse application requirements across manufacturing facilities. The range includes thermodynamic, mechanical (ball float and inverted bucket), and thermostatic (balanced pressure and bimetallic) steam traps. Each type is engineered for specific operating conditions, from high-pressure mains drainage to temperature-sensitive process applications.

With over 100 years of steam system expertise, Spirax Sarco steam traps are built for reliability, energy efficiency, and long service life. Selecting the correct steam trap type for your application directly impacts plant efficiency, energy costs, and operational safety.

Key Features

Thermodynamic traps: Robust all-stainless steel construction with resistance to water hammer and vibration; single moving part (disc) for minimal maintenance
Mechanical traps (Ball Float): Continuous condensate discharge for maximum heat transfer; excellent air venting capabilities; handles fluctuating loads
Mechanical traps (Inverted Bucket): High capacity with near-continuous discharge; robust design with minimal condensate back-up
Thermostatic traps (Balanced Pressure & Bimetallic): Utilises sensible heat in condensate to reduce flash steam losses; excellent air venting for quick start-up
Wide size range from DN8 to DN100 (¼" to 4")
Pressure ratings up to PN250 / ASME Class 900 depending on type
Multiple connection options: screwed, socket weld, flanged, and swivel connections
Suitable for high-pressure, superheated steam, and corrosive condensate environments

Specifications

Parameter	Thermodynamic	Ball Float (Mechanical)	Inverted Bucket (Mechanical)	Balanced Pressure (Thermostatic)	Bimetallic (Thermostatic)
Size Range	DN8 – DN25 (¼" – 1")	DN15 – DN100 (½" – 4")	DN15 – DN50 (½" – 2")	DN8 – DN25 (¼" – 1")	DN8 – DN100 (¼" – 4")
Maximum Body Rating	PN250	PN100 / ASME Class 600	ASME Class 900	PN40 / ASME Class 300	ASME Class 600
Maximum Operating Pressure	250 bar g	80 bar g	110 bar g	32 bar g	70 bar g
Body Materials	Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel	Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel	Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Connection Types	Screwed, Socket Weld, Flanged, Swivel	Screwed, Socket Weld, Flanged	Screwed, Flanged	Screwed, Socket Weld	Screwed, Flanged

Applications

- Steam mains drainage: Thermodynamic traps recommended for robust, long-life performance - Process heating equipment: Ball float and inverted bucket traps for temperature/pressure controlled applications with fluctuating loads - Heat exchangers and dryers: Mechanical traps ensure instantaneous condensate removal for consistent heat transfer - Steam tracing lines: Thermodynamic or thermostatic traps depending on criticality - Sterilisation and autoclaves: Thermostatic traps where condensate heat recovery is beneficial - Non-critical tracing applications: Bimetallic and balanced pressure traps where condensate back-up is acceptable

Industries served: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food & beverage, textiles, refineries, paper & pulp, power generation, and general manufacturing.

Product Images

Thermodynamic Steam Trap Working Principle

Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact PC Engineering for pricing, availability, and technical support for Spirax Sarco Steam Traps. Call us or fill in our inquiry form — our engineers will respond within 24 hours.

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