Process equipment demands steam traps that can handle variable condensate loads, rapid start-up air removal, and modulating pressure conditions. The correct trap selection ensures maximum heat transfer efficiency, minimum steam waste, and reliable equipment operation.
AQ Process Systems sources and exports process-grade steam traps by AQ Process Systems, float & thermostatic (FT) traps for continuous discharge on heat exchangers, inverted bucket traps for robust operation on variable loads, and thermodynamic traps for drip legs and superheated steam drains.
We provide application engineering support, recommending the correct trap type, size, and installation arrangement for your specific process equipment, condensate loads, and operating conditions.
| Product | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Exchanger Traps | ||
| FT Traps for Heat Exchangers | 1", 3" | Flanged | High capacity | Float & thermostatic traps specifically selected and sized for shell & tube, plate, and jacketed heat exchangers, continuous drainage. |
| IB Traps for Process Equipment | 1", 3" | Flanged | Variable load | Inverted bucket traps for process equipment with variable condensate loads, robust operation through load changes. |
| Dryer & Cylinder Traps | ||
| Dryer Cylinder Traps | Rotary joint compatible | Siphon drainage | Steam traps designed for rotating dryer cylinders, handling siphon-drainage condensate with entrained air and flash steam. |
| Multi-Coil / Multi-Bay Traps | Large orifice | Handles stall conditions | Process traps for multi-coil air heaters and multi-bay dryers, designed to handle stall conditions and variable backpressure. |
| Special Process Traps | ||
| Traps for Modulating Service | Anti-steam-lock | Handles pressure fluctuation | Steam traps with steam lock release for temperature-controlled process equipment where steam pressure modulates with control valve action. |
| Clean Steam Traps | SS 316L | Electropolished | Pharma/food | Clean steam traps for pharmaceutical, biotech, and food processing, SS 316L construction, electropolished surfaces, suitable for CIP/SIP. |
Float & thermostatic (FT) traps are usually the best choice for shell & tube heat exchangers, they provide continuous condensate discharge (preventing waterlogging and reduced heat transfer), modulate with varying condensate loads, and include rapid air venting for start-up. For high-pressure or water-hammer-prone installations, inverted bucket traps are an alternative.
Calculate the condensate load from the equipment duty (heat transfer rate / latent heat of steam), then apply a safety factor: 2x for steady-state operation, 3x for applications with variable loads or temperature control. Also consider the differential pressure across the trap (steam pressure minus backpressure). We provide sizing assistance, send your equipment datasheets.
Steam locking occurs when live or flash steam enters the trap body and prevents condensate from reaching the operating mechanism. It commonly happens in temperature-controlled applications where the control valve throttles and steam pressure drops close to or below the backpressure. Traps with steam lock release mechanisms, or inverted bucket traps (inherently resistant to steam locking), are recommended.
Generally, one correctly sized trap per condensate drainage point is preferred, it simplifies installation and monitoring. Multiple traps in parallel are used when the condensate load exceeds the capacity of the largest available trap, or for redundancy in critical applications. Avoid manifolding multiple equipment drains into a single trap, each piece of equipment should have its own trap.
Yes. We supply clean steam traps in SS 316L with electropolished surfaces, sanitary connections (tri-clamp), and materials of construction compatible with clean-in-place (CIP) and sterilise-in-place (SIP). These traps are designed specifically for clean/pure steam systems in pharmaceutical, biotech, and food processing facilities.
Share your application, steam pressure, condensate load, equipment type, we respond within 24 hours.