Steam tracing systems use small-bore tubing running alongside process pipes and instruments to maintain temperature. Each tracer line requires a steam trap at the condensate end. Tracing traps must be compact (to fit in confined spaces), reliable (large numbers make individual monitoring difficult), and suitable for the typically low condensate loads.
AQ Process Systems sources and exports compact tracing traps, miniature thermostatic (balanced pressure) traps that are the most popular choice for tracing, along with small thermodynamic traps for higher pressures. Multi-trap manifold systems allow multiple tracer lines to be trapped in a single location.
For tracing applications, thermostatic traps offer a key advantage: subcooled condensate discharge extracts additional heat from the condensate as it travels back through the tracer, improving tracing efficiency.
| Product | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Tracing Traps | ||
| Miniature Thermostatic Tracing Traps | 1/4", 1/2" | PN up to 17 bar | Compact body | Ultra-compact balanced pressure thermostatic traps for individual tracer lines, lightweight, freeze-proof, no adjustment needed. |
| Compact TD Tracing Traps | 1/4", 1/2" | PN up to 42 bar | Disc type | Small thermodynamic traps for higher-pressure tracing systems, compact size with reliable disc operation. |
| Manifold Systems | ||
| Multi-Trap Manifolds | 4 to 20 stations | Individual trap per tracer | Multi-station manifold blocks with individual traps for each tracer line, centralised condensate collection and monitoring. |
| Condensate Collection Headers | Manifold with sight glass and drain | Condensate collection headers for grouping multiple tracer trap discharges, with sight glass for performance monitoring. |
| Tracing Accessories | ||
| Tracer Supply Manifolds | Distribution headers | Individual isolation | Steam supply distribution manifolds with individual isolation valves for each tracer line, centralised supply management. |
Balanced pressure thermostatic traps are the most popular for steam tracing, they are compact, lightweight, freeze-proof (self-draining on shutdown), and discharge subcooled condensate which extracts additional heat as it travels back through the tracer. Thermodynamic traps are used for higher-pressure tracing or where superheat is present.
Multi-trap manifolds centralise the trapping of multiple tracer lines in one accessible location. Instead of individual traps scattered along the pipe route, all tracers are routed to a manifold where each has its own trap. This simplifies installation, monitoring, and maintenance, particularly in pipe rack installations with dozens of tracers.
Tracer line condensate loads are typically small (5-50 kg/hr per tracer). Sizing depends on the tracer tube diameter, length, steam pressure, ambient temperature, and insulation. Most standard tracing traps (1/4" or 1/2") have more than sufficient capacity. The key is selecting the correct trap type and ensuring proper installation, not capacity sizing.
Thermostatic (balanced pressure) traps are preferred for most tracing because: they are compact, they discharge subcooled condensate (extracting extra heat), they are freeze-proof, and they handle the low condensate loads of tracing well. Thermodynamic traps are used when higher pressure capability is needed (>17 bar) or when superheat is present in the tracing steam.
Individual trap checking on large tracing systems is impractical, tracing traps are typically surveyed annually using ultrasonic or temperature testing. Failed traps (stuck open or closed) are replaced. Multi-trap manifolds make surveying easier by centralising the traps. We supply monitoring equipment and replacement traps for maintenance programmes.
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