Trap Cage Unit Gasket Failure

Caged Animal

Since replacing over 1300 thermostatic traps with B&J cage units, we have noticed complete obliteration of the gaskets which the cages sit on and thus steam passing around the cage unit and into our condensate system. Has anyone else noticed deterioration of the fiber gaskets supplied with the cage units in a reatively short period of time (i.e. less than 2 years)?

Steamhead (in transit)

gasket failure on B&J traps

The gasket is the weak point on all spring loaded trap repairs. We generally use Tunstall traps, esp. if the seat is removable...no gasket to blow out.

What pressure do you run your systems at? Low as possible, I hope.

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Caged Animal

Low Pressure Steam Conversion

we went from high to low during the same Energy Conservation effort. 100# to 15# with all new traps. Mfg is blaming debris in piping for trap failure, we are finding clean piping, with trap gaskets non-existent. Cage units come complete with adhered gasket; over 60% of all cage units installed have no gasket when observed.

Steamhead (in transit)

We have seen

some gasket failures, but it is usually just a channel grooved thru the gasket. We're never seen the disappearing gasket trick. You should know that the pressures we operate our systems at are in oz/in2, not pounds. 15# is very high from our point of view.

Can you lower the pressure to 2-3 psi?

You also might consider Tunstall trap elements in the future.

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