That's not a F&T

AMservices

Working in a school with balance problems.
Looking it over I found these steam traps where I would expect to see F&T's.






Am I wrong in saying that these need to be replaced?
I found 10 of them and there's 30 radiators that haven't had trap services for as long as the schools maintenance man can remember.

Intplm.

Those look like wye strainers to me. No steam traps are in the pictures. Unless that "SS male by female adapter" is some sort of trap that I am not familiar with. If it is. It is probably too small for the installation. That is just from looking at the pipe size from here.

cashheatandactech1

you need to research orifice traps , i am sure that is what that is. several companies make them . they are popular for schools and such. i believe the idea is less maintenance at the cost of a little more steam , i have heard that if designed correctly orifice size verses flow needed , that some people love them. i think some research and some history is what you need first. then you can make a better decision.

AMservices

@cashheatandactech1 thank you. That's probably what they are.
I think I'll offer to just replace radiator traps and open up those orifices to see if there clean.

Steamhead

Correct. Orifice traps after y-strainers. From what I understand they clog easily, so that might be why the strainers are there.

ISTR a study some years ago that concluded orifice traps don't work too well.

Sailah

Orifice traps or venturi traps are sold as a magical cure all. The reality is that in the vast majority of systems they don't work well. Esp heating systems that need high air extraction. Which is why you typically see FT traps there since the air vent can process way more air than the tiny orifice.

As noted they clog easily.

And worse, if they arent sized exactly right they get overrun with condensate and cause water hammer.

Ive spoken with 1 facility out of many that liked them, everyone else chocked it up to a learning experience and replaced them.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Orifice traps are not right for that application. Easy to pipe and install. Clogging is one problem I have had them hang up and not seat.

I believe they are also prone to passing flash steam.

Rip and replace wit F & T