Steam Trap

Steam trap manufacturers in USA 

SVR Global is a steam trap manufacturer based in the USA, producing ball float, bimetallic, inverted bucket, thermodynamic, and thermostatic steam traps engineered to ASME and ANSI standards. Built for power generation, oil and gas, chemical processing, and other industrial steam systems, SVR Global's traps are designed for accurate condensate removal, reduced energy loss, and long service life across varying pressure and load conditions.

What Is a Steam Trap?

A steam trap refers to a mechanical device or a type of valve that can operate by itself to drain out condensate, non condensable gas, and air from a steam system without allowing steam to escape. This happens through the detection of variations in temperature, density, or the state of matter between steam and condensate, and opening up only when condensate drainage is required.

How Steam Traps Work:

• A steam trap can distinguish between steam and condensate on the basis of temperature, density, or mechanical float and operates the discharge valve only when there is condensate or air.

• On sensing steam, the steam trap closes to avoid the escape of the steam.

• This process continues in a repeated cycle as condensate continuously forms in the pipeline network.

Types of Steam trap:

• Ball Float Steam Trap - The float moves up and down with the condensate level and opens/closes the valve, allowing for continuous venting of condensate during constant load.

• Bimetallic Steam Trap -  With a rise or fall in temperature, metal bands bend to open/close the valve.

• Inverted Bucket Steam Trap - A bucket sinks as condensate fills it, opening the valve, and rises with steam to close it. Handles pressure fluctuations well.

• Thermodynamic Steam Trap - Uses velocity/pressure differences between flash steam and condensate on a disc that snaps shut when steam passes.

• Thermostatic Steam Trap - A temperature-sensitive element opens as condensate cools and closes as steam approaches; used for air venting.

Industry Standards and Certifications:

Steam traps produced in the United States are generally manufactured to meet:

• ASME B31.1 / B31.3 - piping code compliance for power and process piping

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code - for pressure retaining components

• ANSI pressure-class ratings - for flange and fitting compatibility

• ISO 9001 - for documented quality management systems

• PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) - for manufacturers who also export

The documentation, material test certificates, and pressure testing certificates usually come with each piece of equipment, providing an easily traceable paper trail for audit, insurance, and inspection purposes.

Engineering and Testing Process Behind Steam Trap Manufacturing:

Before a steam trap reaches production, manufacturers typically go through:

1. Application review - evaluating steam pressure, condensate load, and pipeline layout

2. Material selection - choosing stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron based on condensate chemistry and temperature

3. Prototype and pressure testing - verifying set points and discharge rates under simulated operating conditions

4. Leak and seat testing - confirming the valve seals correctly under steam pressure with zero live steam loss

5. Batch traceability - recording material heat numbers and test results tied to serial numbers for future reference

Applications of Steam Traps in Industrial Systems:

1)Power Generation-Eliminates condensation in turbine cases, steam lines, and boiler feed lines to avoid damage caused by water drops getting into turbine blades.

2)Oil and Gas Refining-Applicable to process heating coils and steam trace lines to ensure flow of heavy crude oil and viscous fluids in pipelines at low temperatures.

3)Chemical Processing-Drains condensate from reactor jackets, heat exchangers, and distillation columns where temperature control affects reaction rates and product consistency.

4)Petrochemical Plants-Used on steam tracing for outdoor piping and storage tank heating, particularly for temperature-sensitive chemical handling.

5)Marine and Shipboard Systems-Supports engine room piping, tank heating coils, and fuel oil heating systems on steam-powered or steam-assisted vessels.