What kind of trap is this

Jimbabwe

This is a trap I’m unfamiliar with, located in a boiler room in Chicago. One pipe steam system. Just looking for some info on what type of trap this is, approximate age maybe and what the internals are. Thanks gents. 

Steamhead

That's a rather large float-&-thermostatic trap. It's made by Sterling, a.k.a. Sterlco, an old name in the steam business, which believe it or not still exists:

https://www.sterlcosteam.com/

The float mechanism is in the bulbous main body of the trap. The smaller portion that looks like a radiator trap acts as the air vent.

How is the trap hooked up? Is that a below-floor condensate return reservoir and pump next to the trap?

Jimbabwe

Yes, it drains into what I would describe as a condensate “pit” in the boiler room floor. Looks essentially the same as a sump pit to me but obviously a very different purpose. 

Thank you for the info, I thought it had to be some type of float style trap based on the body design. All of the other F&Ts are the standard Hoffman style. This one always catches my eye. I love to see interesting and different old components still doing their jobs lo these many years later. 

mvickers

The Ol Canonball trap

Lance

I believe Sterlco says it thusly: F&T traps operate in response to rising and falling condensate
levels and rising and falling temperatures near the thermostatic
vent, as follows:
• Condensate initially fills the trap body to a predetermined
level, which is sufficient to seal the valve seat opening.
• As the condensate level continues to rise, the float will rise
causing the valve to pull away from the seat.
• Condensate will then be discharged into the return line
through the trap outlet. The rise and fall of condensate level
causes a continuous discharge which is typical of F&T traps.
• Air entering the trap is discharged through the thermostatic
vent. The opening and closing of the vent is dependent upon
the temperature surrounding the thermostatic element.
• As the element cools with more air accumulating, it opens to
allow the air to vent to the atmosphere

Mr Steam

That is an old Sterling #FT-80-15 2" F&T. Originally made in Milwaukee, WI. The trap is no longer made, but the rebuild kit is available. It is part #693.00542.00.

I can't see the rest of the piping, but it looks like in may be a "master trap" which is a very bad idea. If it is, remove it.

Jackmartin

I agree totally if it is Infact a master trap, they have no business on single pipe steam. However, the first thought I had was the rush of condensate back to the tank is of course part condensate and partially water at flash point. Perhaps, the trap was installed to prevent super heated condensate flashing to steam as soon as it hits atmosphere. This could have been a way to keep steam blooms out of the condensate tank. Whoever, installed it was using their head they introduce atmosphere into below atmosphere condensate negating the " flash" that would occur otherwise. I am heartened to see someone long ago that actually thought, I am presented daily with ideas that just will not work. All they have to do is get Dan's books or Myrons book, or Frank Gerrity they would actually enjoy the trade more if they understood what they were doing, ignorance is bliss until you go back four times and look like a fool. Stay Well and Hug your kids, we ainted getting no younger Cheers Jack

Jimbabwe

This is why this is the best forum around for our trade. The wide array of knowledge, experience and willingness to share and help is invaluable. I was delighted to see that this made the wall this morning and all of your feedback is greatly appreciated. And yes, looking at it again it certainly does resemble a cannonball. And Jack may be on the mark as this feeds directly into a floor pit and could be there to negate the flash. I love you guys. Keep doing the good work. 

Kageey

I came across this in Parsippany, NJ. 2 pipe system in residence. Would someone please explain the operation of these components.
No condensate tank present.
Utica PEG-300.  TIA