Steam traps are an essential component of steam heating systems to eliminate condensate and non-condensable gas in industrial facilities and processing plants’ steam lines. Steam traps are used for tracer lines, tank heating coils, steam-heated equipment, and power-drive equipment to discharge condensate while eliminating live steam losses.

Using steam traps on steam lines to avoid unwanted condensate from entering a system is necessary. The traps allow steam to reach its destination remaining as dry and clean as possible. Condensate entering the steam system can result in inefficient operation, reducing the heat transfer area and heater performance which can be economically damaging due to corrosion, water hammer, and accumulated dirt.

Conventional steam traps cause expensive live steam losses, ranging from 2 lbs/hour to over 5 lbs/hour, gradually increasing over time. They can also cause temperature variations on piping, affecting the processes they supply. ThermOmegaTech’s thermostatic steam traps, HAT and TV/HAT, completely eliminate these costly issues.

Thermostatic steam trap valves operate based on temperature to prevent live steam loss by only draining condensate that has fallen well below the saturated steam temperature. When there is a heat loss in the steam space, the condensate temperature will decrease, and the thermostatic trap will allow condensate through. However, as the steam reaches the trap, the temperature increases, signaling the trap to close. This reduces total steam usage, improves heating efficiency, and saves a significant amount of money.

ThermOmegaTech’s HAT and TV/HAT valves automatically sense the condensate temperature. They will open to allow flow only when the temperature is below the valve’s set-point, well below saturated steam temperature. HAT valves are available in NPT, and the TV/HAT valves have tube fitting connection ends.

These self-actuating, thermostatic steam trap valves modulate open and closed to maintain a constant temperature discharge in dozens of commercial or industrial heating systems.