Float and thermostatic steam traps provide continuous, modulating condensate discharge, the ball float rises and falls with the condensate level, opening and closing the valve proportionally. A separate thermostatic air vent provides rapid air and CO₂ removal at start-up and during operation.
AQ Process Systems sources and exports FT traps in cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel for pressures up to 46 bar. Available in sizes from 1/2" to 3" with threaded, socket-weld, and flanged connections. FT traps are the preferred choice for process heat exchangers, coil heaters, and any application requiring continuous condensate discharge.
The continuous discharge characteristic of FT traps ensures no condensate waterlogging, critical for maintaining maximum heat transfer efficiency in process equipment. The separate air vent handles large volumes of air at start-up without affecting condensate discharge.
| Product | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard FT Traps | ||
| Float & Thermostatic Traps (Low Pressure) | 1/2", 2" | PN up to 10 bar | CI or CS body | Low-pressure FT traps for heating coils, unit heaters, HVAC systems, and low-pressure process equipment. |
| Float & Thermostatic Traps (Medium/High Pressure) | 1/2", 3" | PN up to 46 bar | CS body | Medium-to-high pressure FT traps for process heat exchangers, reboilers, dryers, and steam-heated process equipment. |
| Float & Thermostatic Traps (Stainless Steel) | 1/2", 2" | All-SS | Clean/corrosive service | Stainless steel FT traps for corrosive condensate, clean steam, pharmaceutical, and food processing applications. |
| Specialty FT Traps | ||
| High-Capacity FT Traps | 2", 3" | Up to 20,000 kg/hr condensate | Large-capacity float traps for high condensate loads, large heat exchangers, evaporators, and drying cylinders. |
| FT Traps with Steam Lock Release | Anti-steam-lock feature | Process applications | FT traps with steam lock release mechanism preventing steam locking in modulating pressure applications, ensuring continuous drainage. |
A hollow ball float inside the trap rises as condensate accumulates, a lever connected to the float opens the discharge valve proportionally. Condensate flows continuously as long as it is present. A separate thermostatic element (bimetallic or balanced pressure) vents air and non-condensable gases that accumulate at the top of the trap body.
FT traps provide continuous condensate discharge, condensate is removed as fast as it forms, preventing waterlogging and maintaining maximum heat transfer. The modulating action matches the discharge rate to the condensate production rate. The separate air vent handles start-up air and CO₂ without affecting condensate flow. This combination is ideal for temperature-sensitive process equipment.
Steam lock occurs when flash steam or live steam enters the trap body and surrounds the float, preventing condensate from reaching the float and blocking discharge. Some FT traps include a steam lock release mechanism (a small bypass or auxiliary valve) that breaks the steam lock and allows condensate to reach the float. This is important in applications with modulating pressure control.
FT traps are more sensitive to water hammer than thermodynamic or inverted bucket traps, the ball float can be damaged by severe water hammer impact. Proper installation (gradual pipe runs, no sudden direction changes, water hammer arrestors) and correct sizing reduce the risk. For applications with known water hammer, consider inverted bucket or thermodynamic traps.
The main maintenance items are the thermostatic air vent element (replacement every 2-5 years), the float valve and seat (wear inspection), and the float itself (checking for leaks, a waterlogged float sinks permanently). Internal components are accessed through the bolted cover. FT traps with clean steam and proper straining typically need servicing every 3-5 years.
Share your application, steam pressure, condensate load, equipment type, we respond within 24 hours.