Email this pageFree Float Steam Traps (JX Series)
Steam traps for use on equipment, with continuous condensate discharge, large condensate discharge capacities, and equipped with X-element air-venting feature with powerful automatic blow-out function.
JX series steam traps can be installed on various types of equipment that uses steam as a heat source. The models in this series of steam traps cover a wide range of condensate loads, from 100’s of kg/h to 10’s of tons of kg/h, making this the mostly widely used TLV steam trap series.
In addition to offering compact size, continuous discharge of condensate and large condensate discharge capacities, these steam traps are equipped with an air-venting feature utilizing an X-element that provides a powerful automatic blow-out function for use on the most extreme of equipment.
Features
- Optimal steam traps for use on steam processes
- X-element shortens start-up times by rapidly removing both cold and hot air
- Combination of free float, with continual discharge of condensate, and X-element yields improved process heating efficiency
- Optimal traps for condensate recovery due to high allowable back pressure
Applications
- Steam processes, particularly processes with batch operation and processes from which condensate removal is difficult due to equipment configuration
- Reactor kettles, vulcanizing kettles, presses, jacketed kettles, distillers, etc.
- Hot air dryers, air conditioning equipment, absorption chillers, unit heaters, steam air heaters, heat exchangers, roll heaters, cylinder dryers, re-boilers, air preheaters, etc.
Line-up
| Model | Body Material | Maximum Discharge Capacity kg/h | Product Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| J3X | Ductile cast iron | 710 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
| JF3X | Cast iron | ||
| J3S-X | Cast stainless steel | 760 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
| J5S-X | Cast stainless steel | 1020 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
| J5X | Ductile cast iron | 1040 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
| JF5X (Screwed flange) | Ductile cast iron | ||
| JF5X (Flange) | Cast iron | ||
| J7X | Cast iron | 4000 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
| J7.2X | 9000 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) | J7.5X | 15600 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
| J8X | 25000 | Product specification data sheet (PDF) |
Necessary Features of Steam Traps for Process Use
Reduce start-up time by rapidly removing cold and hot air
When the X-element is cold, it opens the air vent valve opening a full 3.5 mm, rapidly discharging initial air with 3.7 times the performance of the former integral bimetal air vent in J3N. Additionally, it shortens equipment start-up times by also rapidly discharging hot air up to approx. 6 °C below saturation temperature, something previously not possible.
Comparison of Start-up Times
Comparison of Venting Capacities
Free float plus X-element yields improved process heating efficiency
The free float adjusts the valve opening in response to the amount of condensate flow and continually discharges condensate, preventing any accumulation of condensate inside the equipment. The X-element reacts with great sensitivity to hot air entrained during operation, and discharges it rapidly. These synergistic effects result in maximized heating efficiency.
Comparison of Heating Efficiency
Compact and high capacity
The J3X is roughly the same size as the former J3N, yet it offers a larger capacity than even the former J5N, which was one size larger.
Comparison of Flow Rates
What is an X-element?
The X-element is comprised of a valve and a diaphragm that transmits the force of a thermoliquid (temperature-sensitive fluid). When surrounded by steam, the valve is closed. When condensate, air or other non-condensable gases are present, the valve is open. It can also discharge high temperature non-condensable gases, something the bimetal type air vents are unable to do. This is possible due to the characteristics of thermoliquids.
Thermoliquid, like water, is liquid under a certain pressure and a certain temperature, and when it rises above a certain temperature, it becomes a gas and expands. The temperature at which it becomes a gas is approximately 6 °C (22 °C for air vents) lower than the temperature at which water becomes steam. So when it is surrounded by steam, the thermoliquid is a gas and the chamber containing the thermoliquid expands and pushes on the diaphragm. This causes the gap between the valve and the valve opening on the diaphragm to close.
In contrast, when the area around the X-element is at a low temperature (when it is either condensate or air), the thermoliquid is in the phase and the valve is not being pushed closed, so condensate and air are discharged from the gap between the valve and the valve opening.
Under Normal Operation
Fail Open' Feature (If Diaphragm Ruptures)
The X-element is designed in such a way that the valve remains in the open position ("fail open" feature ) if the diaphragm ruptures.
If a steam trap fails, the valve may either remain open (blowing) or it may remain closed (blocked). If the valve remains closed, condensate accumulates in any equipment that cannot be shut down in order to replace the failed trap, and this pooling of condensate impairs the equipment's heating performance. On the other hand, if the valve remains open, the supply of steam continues uninterrupted and the equipment can continue to be productive. Due to this “fail open" feature, if the diaphragm ruptures, steam and condensate continue to flow and the X-element expands, so even if the valve is in contact with the valve opening and is therefore technically in the closed position, condensate, etc. can continue to flow from the valve opening through the hole in the center of the valve even when the diaphragm has failed.
As long as primary pressure is maintained, the valve continues to be held up in the fully open position and the “fail open" status continues.
Precision Free Float Satisfies a Variety of Process Conditions
Continuous condensate discharge
The free float moves up and down in response to the amount of condensate inflow, automatically adjusting the amount of valve opening and continuously discharging condensate. This ensures that no condensate accumulates inside the equipment.
Reduced steam losses
The surface of the liquid inside the trap is maintained above a certain level and condensate is continually discharged through the orifice. Even when there is no condensate flowing into the trap, the precision free float securely seals closed the orifice. This minimizes steam losses during operation.
Ideal for condensate recovery
In free float type steam traps, the forces of the inlet pressure and the back pressure act in opposing directions, so free float traps are able to operate normally even under 90% back pressure. This makes them ideally suited for condensate recovery applications with closed recovery. In contrast, in disc type traps the pressures act in the same direction, so the allowable back pressure is only 50% to 80%.
Erosion-resistant design
Constructed with erosion-resistant measures, such as simple construction with no levers or hinges and only one moving part, the free float, an extra-large amount of surface area in the condensate discharge passage, improved thickness of passage walls from 3 mm to 5 mm (model J3X) and a selection of highly-durable materials.
Continual Discharge of Condensate, Rapid Removal of Cold and Hot Air
Operation animation
When it is cold before the steam is supplied to the equipment, the X-element is in the contracted position, so its valve opening is wide open and it is in the fully open position. When the supply of steam begins, air and condensate are released through this valve opening, and condensate is discharged through the main valve opening, which is also known as the orifice.
When the discharge of the initial air and cold condensate is finished, steam enters the trap causing the X-element to expand, and this expansion closes the valve opening in the automatic air-venting feature. The float rises in response to the inflowing condensate load, and condensate is discharged continually through the orifice.
When hot air enters the trap during operation, the X-element immediately senses the drop in temperature inside the trap and opens the valve opening of the automatic air-venting feature, rapidly discharging the air. After the air has been completely discharged, the temperature again rises and the valve opening on the automatic air-venting feature of X-element closes.
If there is no inflow of condensate, the float drops and is held tightly against the orifice, which seals off the main valve opening and the trap is now in the valve-closed position. A water seal is maintained at all times over the orifice to prevent steam leakage.
Extremely Reliable Free Float Plays an Active Role in a Variety of Industries and Applications
High precision technology gives free float traps superior reliability, and they are used in a wide variety of industries. They are used with great confidence on the processes that are the lifeblood of manufacturing.
Examples of applications by industry
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Petrochemical
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Fine Chemical
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Food
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Paper
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Rubber
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Steel Mill
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Textiles
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Printing
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Others (Power Generation / Electrical Equipment / Linen / Animal Feed / Building Materials / Building / Transportation) |
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