Thglimited - Heavy Industries

A steam trap releases condensate (liquid) and most also purge air. The type of steam trap (inverted bucket, float and thermostatic, impulse, thermodynamic, thermostatic, etc.) will determine the effectiveness of air venting. Steam traps basically close to prevent steam from passing, and open to allow condensed steam (condensate) to pass.

An air trap is most often used on an air compressor system. This type of trap is usually a simple float-type trap that purges condensed air (condensdate) and closes to prevent loss of air.

There is one type of trap that will perform both functions with one simple modification. An F&T trap, or float and thermostatic trap, will purge steam condensate and air. The same trap less the thermostatic element (now called a float trap) will purge condensate only.