Armstrong Float & Thermostatic Steam Traps

Armstrong Float & Thermostatic Steam Traps

Armstrong is one of the most trusted pump manufacturers in America. At National Pump Supply we stock numerous Armstrong pumps including their Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps. Steam Traps are automatic valves that allows the air, condensate, or any other non-condensate gases to be discharged from the steam system to escape, while trapping the steam within the system. These traps are especially useful when the steam pressure varies from the maximum steam supply pressure to vacuum. Several kind of steam traps are available in the market, of which the Float and thermostatic steam traps is commonly used for heat transfer systems.

Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps have a float connected to the valve plug by a linkage. This float helps to discharge the condensate from the system. The whole system operates on both density and temperature principles. The float is responsible for the discharge of condensate. When the liquid reaches a certain level, the float rises with it and opens up an orifice that drains out the condensate. A water seal forms due to the condensate and it prevents the loss of steam.

The discharge of the air and other non-condensates are achieved through the thermostatic principles. The discharge valve cannot discharge these because it remains under water. So, when enough air and non-condensate accumulates, it causes a significant drop in temperature. This temperature drop causes a thermostatic valve at the top to open and discharges all the air and non-condensates. This thermostatic discharge gives the F&T traps excellent air discharging capacities and hence are beneficial during system start-ups when large amounts of air are present in the system.

Armstrong A Series and B series F&T Steam Traps:

While the A Series Steam traps from Armstrong are for Industrial use, (from 0 to 175 psig), the Bseries is commonly used for heating services, (from vacuum to 30 psig). Armstrong A Series F&T traps are designed for service on heat exchangers, where the pressure fluctuations caused by an intermittent drainer cannot be tolerated and for low to medium pressure steam mains.

Why Choose Armstrong Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps?

• Corrosion Resistant: The valves of Armstrong F&T Thermostatic Steam Traps are made of stainless steel, thus eliminating the possibilities of corrosion. Galvanic corrosion and float failures are avoided by heliarc welding the floats that prevents the introduction of dissimilar metals.
• Water Sealed Valve: The steam cannot reach the condensate discharge valve because the valve always remains under water.
• Reliable operation even under back pressure: Unlike other traps, Armstrong F&T steam traps will not stop functioning when there is a back pressure in the return line. This is because the whole trap operates on the condensate level of the trap.
• Reliable Operation on Modulating System Pressure: The main word here is modulating – which means the pressure in the heat exchange system can vary anywhere between the maximum supply pressure to vacuum. The Armstrong F&T steam traps works reliably on both extremes as well as anywhere in the middle.
• Long Life: Armstrong F&T Steam Traps are made out of high quality ASTMA48 Class 30 cast iron or astm A216 WCB cast steel, thus making them unique in their superheavy duty construction.
• Easy Installation: The F&T pumps are designed keeping the customer in mind and as such the installation and detachment can be done quite easily. If any of the internal mechanisms fail, it can easily be replaced without removing the piping.

How does an Armstrong F&T Steam trap benefit you?

Automatic air vending in the Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps reduces the warm up time of the heat transfer system, thus increasing their efficiencies. Moreover, continuously modulated discharge eliminates steam space pressure variations for closer temperature control. While most other F&T Steam traps are designed for low-pressure, modulating service, Armstrong has designed their F&T Steam Traps based on actual measurements of traps handling hot, flashing condensate. Most Steam trap manufacturers utilise theoretical values to manufacture traps which may or may not work for you. Armstrong on the other hand tests the steam traps in their own steam lab under extreme conditions to make sure the traps can handle those extremes. If the trap fails, it could lead to water hammer, corrosion and even heat exchanger damage.

If the pressure in your system fluctuates widely, you should buy an Armstrong F&T steam trap. To know more about the different models of Armstrong Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps we have in store, visit National Pump Supply today. You can also call us today to know which Armstrong Float and Thermostatic steam trap is best suited for your business or to order one. At National Pump Supply we also stock replacement parts for different Armstrong Float and Thermostatic Steam Traps.