TLV Free Float Steam Trap

Steam Traps have been in use in various forms since the early 1800s when the first Bucket Trap was used, that was followed by the first Bimetal Steam Traps in the 1860s, and then came pulse traps, thermodynamic steam traps and early float traps. One of the most significant advances in steam trap development after the first steam traps has to be the TLV free float steam trap in 1966, this highly efficient and ingenious piece of process steam technology was decades ahead of its time and has changed the face of many heat transfer processes, replacing the old norms very quickly and efficiently.

The TLV Free Float Steam Trap offers many advantages for process and line drain applications over some older steam trap technologies such as the faithful but dated bucket trap and in this blog, we will do our best to make specific comparisons based on our own experiences with process steam systems, please take the time to read the rest of this blog by clicking read more or contact our sales team to discuss your specific requirements.

TLV Free Float Steam Trap for Corrugators

Over the past 20 years worked with many corrugating plants and supplied many a TLV free float steam trap, in recent years we have worked with one specific plant supplying the SJ5FNX-14 TLV free float steam trap and have also closely monitored these units for the past 2 years, keeping the system they are part of working at peak efficiency. We learned over this period the value of using TLV lock release valve technology in conjunction with the existing TLV free float steam trap, by using lock release valves to prevent steam locking within the system we saw better temperature outcomes and as a consequence of working so closely with our customer developed a greater understanding of their process needs.

In addition according to our colleagues at TLV UK we have become the leading authority in the use of lock release technology in the United Kingdom, we can supply and set lock release valves fitted to TLV free float steam trap units suitable for the purpose. Please note that lock release valves function by leaking small amounts of live steam, which does prevent steam locking in roller-type steam heat exchangers, for more information please contact us today.

TLV Free Float Steam Trap Line Drains

These latest additions to the TLV free float steam trap family have revolutionised condense removal from process steam systems; we have already supplied significant amounts of these in the guise of the SS1 and SS3 range of the line drain TLV free float steam trap. Both of these units are supplied with integral strainers and bimetallic air release offering rapid air and condense removal on start-up and are available in threaded, socket weld and flanged options from 15mm (1/2”) to 25mm (1”) nominal bore.

They both are offered in an all-stainless steel construction, maximum operating pressure of 21 bar and the unique three-point seating ensures steam-tight seating even under no load conditions. They are available in vertical and horizontal formats and for low and high-temperature applications. Compared to the thermodynamic style steam trap they offer a virtually leak-free service life and can significantly reduce water hammer on sites where shallow dirt pockets are an issue. For higher pressure applications we offer the SS5 range of TLV free float steam traps available in 32 and 46 bar models with a maximum operating temperature of 425°C.

We first supplied this type of steam trap in 1999 for a textile business in Huddersfield that had water hammer issues due to shallow dirt pockets. Other circumstances on this site compounded the water hammer issue which included condense collecting at a low point in the steam system, this was resolved by fitting two off TLV LEX3N-TZ bimetal-type temperature control steam traps which drained the lines overnight while the steam system was shut down. For more information on the TLV free float steam trap or the ingenious LEX3N-TZ please contact us for more information or follow the highlighted link to download a datasheet.

TLV Free Float Steam Trap Stainless Steel Process Range

The stainless steel TLV free float steam trap range has increased in recent years and from our perspective is now replacing the SG iron version of the J3X TLV free float steam trap as we now offer the stainless JS3X TLV free float steam trap at the same price as the SG iron threaded version in 15mm and 20mm sizes, the 25mm size is at a lower price than the SG iron trap. These stainless steel steam traps are manufactured to the highest possible quality and ensure an even longer service life than their SG iron cousins, here at Besseges (Valves, Tubes & Fittings) Ltd we have stock available in 15mm, 20mm and 25mm threaded versions with the orifice to suit the differential pressure required. Orifice sizes available from stock are 2, 5, 10 and 14 bar and on a longer lead time a 21 bar orifice.

If you’re unsure of the differential pressure required for your process please discuss your requirement with our excellent technical sales team or to download a data sheet click the highlighted link for the J3SX TLV free float steam trap. If you want to replace an SG iron Spirax FT14 series steam trap this range of steam traps are manufactured to the same face-to-face dimensions and will slot in the exact space you remove your Spirax trap from. The big difference in our opinion and experience will be the improvement to your process and the longer service life associated with replacing an iron trap with a stainless steel equivalent.

The J3SX range of TLV free float steam trap has a maximum operating pressure of 21 bar with a discharge capacity of 50 to 500kg/hr. This excellent TLV product with free float technology offers a smooth and constant condense discharge at low velocity with three-point seating, and a precision ground float with a constant water seal ensuring a tight steam seal, even under no load conditions. The TLV thermostatic capsule X Element offers rapid air removal and will vent air until close to steam temperature is reached, this unit fails to open ensuring air removal continues under failed conditions, for more information on the TLV X Element please talk to our sales team who will be more than happy to discuss this or any other TLV products. Other great features included in this TLV free float steam trap are the integral strainer, easy access for maintenance while in situ, the cover gasket is Fluorine Resin PTFE and inset into the steam trap body so this does not have to be replaced each time it is removed for cleaning or maintenance. We have been told by TLV that the steam trap cover can be opened around seven times before the cover gasket requires replacing and even then this may not be the case.

TLV Free Float Steam Trap Summary

Our experience with the TLV free float steam trap has been positive since we became a distributor in 1999, we were one of the first distributors for TLV Engineering UK Ltd and we have seen our business in this area grow year on year. Besseges (Valves, Tubes & Fittings) Ltd as far as we are aware carry the largest stock of TLV products in the North of England and is trusted by our process steam customer base. We have aided end users, contractors and consultants in achieving great results for process steam installations new and old, improving processes and in many cases reducing energy costs. Much of this has been achieved by supplying the correct TLV material, but some of our work has just been down to changing pipework configurations to improve process outcomes. We believe that there are very few businesses in our sector that can match our ability and understanding of the TLV free float steam trap or process steam systems in general. We look forward to hearing from your business via our excellent sales team now and in the future.