TLV Co. Ltd
TLV INTERNATIONAL, INC.

881 Nagasuna, Noguchi
Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-8511, Japan
Phone: [81]-(0)79-427-1818

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Free Float Steam Traps for Main Lines

Free Float Steam Traps for Main Lines

Some typical characteristics of steam distribution mains are that the amount of condensate generated in them is quite small, their hours of operation are quite long, and they are often found in outdoor installations. Therefore the steam traps used on these mains must have only very small amounts of steam lost during condensate discharge cycles, and the traps must offer reliable, stable long-term operation. The Free Float Steam Traps for Main Lines were designed with precisely these points in mind, and are therefore ideal for use on steam distribution mains.

Features

SST lineup

Free float trap with unique 3-point float seating structure

  • Maintains a tight seal even under low condensate load conditions
  • Superior durability and reliability

Stainless steel body

  • Body is made to highly durable and corrosion resistant specifications
  • Can also be used with welded connections

Built-in bimetal air vent

  • Automatically and rapidly discharges air and cold condensate

Body is protected from radiant heat loss (option)

  • Custom insulated cover can be equipped optionally on models SS3N / SS3V

Can also be used on space-saving vertical piping

  • Models available for vertical or horizontal piping
  • Uses a universal flange (models FS3 / FS5 / FS5H)

Applications

  • Steam mains, which require energy conservation and durability
  • Steam tracer lines, etc.
  • High pressure, high temperature steam mains (SH series)

Line-up

Operating Pressure Body Material Construction Model / Specification Data Sheet
Up to 2.1 MPaG Cast stainless steel Repairable SS1NL / SS1NH / SS1VL / SS1VH
Up to 2.1 MPaG Stainless steel All-welded maintenance-free SS3N / SS3V
Up to 3.2 MPaG Stainless steel All-welded maintenance-free SS5N / SS5V
Up to 4.6 MPaG Stainless steel All-welded maintenance-free SS5NH / SS5VH
Up to 2.1 MPaG Stainless steel Universal flange FS3
Up to 3.2 MPaG Stainless steel Universal flange FS5
Up to 4.6 MPaG Stainless steel Universal flange FS5H
Up to 4.5 MPaG Cast steel Repairable SH3NL
Up to 6.5 MPaG Cast steel Repairable SH5VL | SH5NL | SH6NL
Up to 8.0 MPaG Cast steel Repairable SH5NH
Up to 10.0 MPaG Cast steel Repairable SH6NH

Free float trap with unique 3-point float seating

Free float

In free float traps, which use no levers or hinges, the float is moved by the force of buoyancy. The distance between the float and the orifice changes in response to the amount of condensate that enters the trap and the corresponding change in level of condensate, resulting in the orifice widely opening and closing with the float itself functioning as the valve.

As the free float itself - a precision-ground hollow sphere - is the valve, the entire surface of the float functions as valve sealing surfaces. This guarantees superior reliability and long service life. As the float is moved by the force of buoyancy and the level of the condensate inside the steam trap is always slightly higher than the valve orifice, the valve orifice is under a continuous water-seal, so no steam can escape.

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Float 3-point seating structure

Due to this structure, the seating of the float is stabilized for improved sealing properties. Calculated 3-dimensionally, the guide that ensures the float is able to fully close the valve orifice contains 2 seating points, and these together with the valve orifice make a total of 3 seating points for the float. With this 3-point seating structure, there is no steam (or air or gas) leakage even in cases where the condensate load is so small that a water seal is not possible.

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Steam Loss / Age Deterioration

SS1NL/SS1NH/SS1VL/SS1VH versus Typical Disc Type Trap

The combination with a precision-ground float yields superior sealing properties and long service life.

Steam Loss / Age Deterioration

Deterioration/Wear Rate Comparison

Deterioration/Wear Rate Comparison

Stainless Steel Body

The SS and FS series body and valve seat are made of stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion, yielding long service life and sustained like-new high performance levels.

Built-in bimetal air vent

Operation Animation (SS1NL / SS1NH)

In typical disc type traps, when air reaches the inlet, the disc is closed and the air cannot be discharged. In the Free Float Steam Trap Series for Main Lines, the bimetal strip reacts to the temperature and, when it is cold, holds the float up away from the orifice, automatically and rapidly discharging any air and cold condensate. This eliminates the need to open a bypass valve each time the equipment is started up, and thus saves labor.

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Venting Feature (SS1NL / SS1NH / SS1VL / SS1VH)

The built-in bimetal air vent feature rapidly discharges the initial air.

Venting Feature (SS1NL / SS1NH / SS1VL / SS1VH)

Body is Protected from Radiant Heat Loss (option)

Custom insulated cover can be equipped optionally on models SS3N / SS3V

Body is Protected from Radiant Heat Loss (option)

The cover provides freedom from the need to perform bothersome insulation measures, as the ceramic fiber insulating material offers highly effective insulation. The stainless steel exterior affords superior durability while retaining its good looks indefinitely.

Effectiveness of the insulated cover

The insulated cover minimizes the effects of wind and weather, which results in a substantial savings in energy.

Effectiveness of the insulated cover

Can Also Be Used on Space-saving Vertical Piping

Models are available for either vertical or horizontal piping

Each model in the SS1 / SS3 / SS5 series is available in both a vertical and a horizontal type. SH5VL is available only in a vertical type.

Models are available for either vertical or horizontal piping

Uses a universal flange (models FS3 / FS5 / FS5H)

The trap can be easily and economically replaced by anyone by simply removing 2 bolts. It can be installed on either horizontal or vertical piping.

Please install Flash player to view the animation.