Steam Bulletin
No. 82

Stall in Steam-Using Equipment
Restoring Condensate Flow for Reliable System Operation

Stall occurs when the pressure differential across a steam trap turns negative, stopping condensate discharge and allowing condensate to pool inside the heat exchanger.
Stall is often associated with problems such as:
- Ruptured heaters
- Water hammer
- Uneven heating temperatures
If any of these issues are present, there is a high probability that stall is occurring within the system.
Mitigating stall requires maintaining a positive pressure differential across the steam trap so condensate can continue to flow. Read on to explore practical ways to achieve this, including methods for raising the inlet pressure or lowering the outlet pressure to restore stable operation.

PowerTrap® GT Series
PowerTrap® is a mechanical pump with a built-in trap that uses motive steam or air pressure to discharge condensate from equipment when differential pressure is insufficient for a conventional trap. Its hybrid design automatically switches between trap and pump operation, while the snap-action mechanism prevents gas leakage and simplifies maintenance.
With a low filling head, stainless steel check valves, and no need for electricity, PowerTrap reliably discharges condensate and helps mitigate stall in steam-using equipment.
Product availability and delivery times vary by region.
Contact your local TLV representative for details.
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Best regards,
TLV