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Mechanical Steam Traps

Mechanical steam traps utilize buoyancy to open and close the valve.
Also known as 'Float Traps' or 'Bucket Traps'.
Operating Pressure Range: 0 - 120 barg
Operating Temperature Range: 0 - 530 °C
Product Selection by Application
Free Float® Steam Traps for Process Use
Free Float® Steam Traps for High Temperature, High Pressure Use
Free Float® Steam Traps for Steam Mains and Tracer Lines
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TLV Steam Traps aid refurbishment of Marshall steam engine
Free Float® Steam Trap JX/JHX series (Animation)
Free Float® Steam Trap SS series (Animation)
Subcategories
Free Float® Steam Traps (Low Pressure)
Free Float® steam traps that offer continuous discharge and are optimal for processes. Low pressure use, up to 46 barg.Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure)
Free Float® steam traps that offer continuous discharge and are optimal for processes. Mid to high pressure use, up to 120 barg. Some models for use in main lines also available.Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines
Free Float® steam traps for main lines that provide a tight seal even under low condensate load conditions.Steam Traps with Bypass Valve
Free Float® steam traps with a built-in bypass valve.Large Capacity Float Steam Traps
Large capacity steam traps with a maximum discharge capacity of 150 t/h.Clean Steam Traps
Free Float® steam traps for clean steam. Designed to allow complete condensate drainage and easy disassembly for cleaning.Benefits and Features
The operation principle of mechanical traps takes advantage of the difference between the specific gravities of condensate and steam.
Free Float® steam traps, a TLV invention, are our flagship series of mechanical steam traps. Free Float® steam traps offer the following features:
- The spherical float provides an infinite number of contact surfaces with the valve seat, ensuring long service life.
- Air venting feature for improved equipment productivity.
- Compact design with no levers or hinges.
- Large tolerance for backpressure allows for problem-free operation even where condensate is recovered.
Application Areas
Mechanical traps are suitable for use in a variety of applications, including steam main lines, heat exchangers, and insulation applications such as tracers.
Product Selection by Application
This guide shows the most suitable TLV steam traps for an array of applications.
Start by selecting an application from the drop-down menu at the top, then search for your desired operation principle, pressure category, and other special features to find the right steam trap.
Steam Mains and Steam Headers
Steam Mains and Steam Headers |
Product Features
Special Features for Pipe End Traps
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Operation Principle | Pressure Category*1 (barg) | Remark | Product Series | Further Reference |
Continuous discharge (Energy saving model) | Up to 10 | With bypass valve | J3S-X-BV, J3S-X-PB | Steam Traps with Bypass Valve |
Up to 21 | - | SS Series (SS1, SS3) | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines | |
With bypass valve | J3S-X-RV | Steam Traps with Bypass Valve | ||
Up to 32 | - | SS Series (SS5) | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines | |
JH3S-B | Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure) | |||
QuickTrap with universal connector | FS Series | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines | ||
Up to 46 | QuickTrap with universal connector | FS Series (FS5H) | ||
- | SS Series (SS5H) | |||
JH-B Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure) | |||
Up to 65 | SH Series | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines | ||
JH-P Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure) | |||
Up to 100 | JH7RH-B | |||
Up to 120 | JH7RH-P | |||
Cyclic operation (Energy saving model) | Up to 32 | - | L Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps |
QuickTrap with universal connector | FL Series | |||
Intermittent operation | Up to 13 | Inline replaceable valve module | A3N | Disc-Type Steam Traps |
Up to 46 | QuickTrap with universal connector & inline replaceable valve module | FP46UC | ||
Up to 65 | Inline replaceable valve module | P Series*2 | ||
Up to 260 | HR Series |
*1 Operating pressures vary between different models of the same series. For details please refer to individual Specification Data Sheets (SDS).
*2 Except P46S and P21S ver.C.
Equipment and Processes
Equipment and Processes |
Product Features
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End-usage | Pressure Category*2 (barg) | Remark | Series | Further Reference | |
Heating |
|
Up to 10 | With bypass valve | J3S-X-BV, J3S-X-PB | Steam Traps with Bypass Valve |
Up to 22 | - | SJFX Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Low Pressure) | ||
Up to 21 | JX Series | ||||
With bypass valve | J3S-X-RV | Steam Traps with Bypass Valve | |||
For sterile processes | LV6 | Clean Steam Traps | |||
SS5P | |||||
Up to 32 | For small size equipment | L Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | ||
- | JH-X Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure) | |||
Vaporization |
|
Up to 46 | - | JH-B Series | |
Up to 400°C | SJH Series | ||||
Up to 65 | - | SH Series | |||
JH-P Series | |||||
Up to 100 | JH7RH-B | ||||
Up to 120 | JH7RH-P | ||||
Drying |
|
Up to 32 | - | JL Series | Large Capacity Float Steam Traps |
Up to 46 | JL15 Series | ||||
Up to 400°C | SJH Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Low Pressure) | |||
|
Up to 22 | - | SJFX Series | ||
Up to 21 | JX Series | ||||
Up to 32 | For small size equipment | L Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | ||
- | SJHX Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure) | |||
*1 Depending on the operation condition, the indicated equipment may be subject to "stall" (see *3 below). In such cases, GT Series PowerTraps are required. GT Series PowerTraps are steam traps that feature a pump function. | GT Series | PowerTraps |
*2 Operating pressures vary between different models of the same series. For details please refer to individual Specification Data Sheets (SDS).
*3 "Stall" is a phenomenon where the internal pressure of an equipment falls below the back pressure on the outlet side, resulting in back-up of condensate that cannot be discharged by conventional steam traps. "Stall" can cause damage such as uneven/incomplete product heating, corrosion and waterhammer.
Heat Exchangers and Air Conditioning
Heat Exchangers and Air Conditioning |
Product Features
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End-usage | Pressure Category*2 barg | Remark | Series | Further Reference |
|
Up to 10 | With bypass valve | J3S-X-BV, J3S-X-PB | Steam Traps with Bypass Valve |
Up to 22 | - | SJFX | Free Float® Steam Traps (Low Pressure) | |
Up to 21 | JX Series | |||
With bypass valve | J3S-X-RV | Steam Traps with Bypass Valve | ||
Up to 32 | For small size equipment | L Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | |
- | SJHX Series | Free Float® Steam Traps (Medium / High Pressure) | ||
*1 Depending on the operation condition, the indicated equipment may be subject to "stall" (see *3 below). In such cases, GT Series PowerTraps are required. GT Series PowerTraps are steam traps that feature a pump function. | GT Series | PowerTraps |
*2 Operating pressures vary between different models of the same series. For details please refer to individual Specification Data Sheets (SDS).
*3 "Stall" is a phenomenon where the internal pressure of an equipment falls below the back pressure on the outlet side, resulting in back-up of condensate that cannot be discharged by conventional steam traps. "Stall" can cause damage such as uneven/incomplete product heating, corrosion and waterhammer.
Trace and Tank Coils
Trace and Tank Coils |
Product Features
Special Features for Measurement Instruments
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End-usage | Control Temperature Category | Remark | Series | Further Reference |
Insulation jackets | - | - | SS Series | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines |
L Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | |||
A3N | Disc-Type Steam Traps | |||
P Series | ||||
QuickTrap with universal connector | FS Series | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines | ||
FL Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | |||
FP46UC | Disc-Type Steam Traps | |||
Pipe trace heating | Controlled temperature above 80°C | - | SS Series | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines |
L Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | |||
A3N | Disc-Type Steam Traps | |||
P Series | ||||
QuickTrap with universal connector | FS Series | Free Float® Steam Traps for Main Lines | ||
FL Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | |||
FP46UC | Disc-Type Steam Traps | |||
Controlled temperature up to 80°C | Utilizes sensible heat | LEX3N-TZ | Temperature Control Steam Traps | |
Instrumentation trace heating | Controlled temperature above 80°C | - | P21S ver.C | Disc-Type Steam Traps |
P46S | ||||
LV Series | Thermostatic Steam Traps | |||
Controlled temperature up to 80°C | Utilizes sensible heat | LEX3N-TZ | Temperature Control Steam Traps |