Spirax / Sarco

Spirax Sarco, part of Spirax Group of Cheltenham, England, has been in the steam business for over a century, with its US operations at Blythewood, South Carolina. Its float and thermostatic steam traps sit on heat exchangers, coils, unit heaters and process lines, draining condensate through a float-operated valve and venting air through a thermostatic element.

From Spirax Sarco, BoilerSupplies.com lists the FT-14, FT-15, FT-30, FT-75, FT-125, FT-150 and FT-200 steam traps, the float and thermostatic kit and the steam trap capsules. The traps differ first by the pressure class in the model number, then by size and connection type. A trap is picked by model, size, connection type and the pressure differential across it. The kit is for a trap whose body is sound but whose float mechanism or air vent has failed; the capsule is the thermostatic element for a thermostatic trap.

Key facts

• Spirax Sarco is part of Spirax Group, headquartered in Cheltenham, England.

• Spirax Sarco's US operation is at Blythewood, South Carolina.

• BoilerSupplies.com lists the Spirax Sarco FT-14, FT-15, FT-30, FT-75, FT-125, FT-150 and FT-200 float and thermostatic steam traps.

• The number after FT in a Spirax Sarco trap model is the pressure class designation Spirax Sarco assigns.

• A float and thermostatic kit rebuilds a trap whose body is sound; a capsule replaces the thermostatic element.

• In-stock small-pack orders placed before 2:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, ship the same day.

Do you carry F&T traps from Spirax Sarco?

Yes. F&T trap and FT trap both name the Spirax Sarco float and thermostatic FT series on BoilerSupplies.com. A plain float trap is a different trap with no thermostatic air vent. The FT trap drains condensate continuously through a float-operated valve and vents air through a thermostatic element. Mechanics say F&T; the model number on the trap starts with FT.

What do you need from me to quote the right Spirax Sarco trap?

The trap body or its tag carries most of it: the model, FT-14 to FT-200, the size and the connection type. Then the pressure the trap works against: inlet pressure minus the back pressure on the return line. Add what the trap drains, a coil, a heat exchanger or a main, if the tag is gone. Include those with the request.

Why does my Spirax Sarco FT trap blow steam or stop passing condensate?

A Spirax Sarco FT trap blows live steam when a worn float valve no longer seats or dirt holds the valve open. It stops passing when the float has filled and sunk, the valve is stuck shut, or the air vent has failed shut and left it air-bound. On a sound body, the float and thermostatic kit replaces float mechanism and air vent. A cracked body means a new trap.

What does the number in a Spirax Sarco FT-14 or FT-125 model mean?

The number after FT is the pressure class designation Spirax Sarco gives that model, so an FT-14 and an FT-125 are built for different pressure duties. The size and connection are separate choices on each model. Match the class to the pressure the trap will work against, then pick size and connection. BoilerSupplies.com lists the FT-14, FT-15, FT-30, FT-75, FT-125, FT-150 and FT-200.

What is a Spirax Sarco steam trap capsule?

A capsule is the replacement thermostatic element for a thermostatic steam trap. It opens for condensate and air and closes when steam reaches it. On a thermostatic trap that blows steam or stops passing, the capsule is the usual failed part, so the body stays on the line and only the capsule gets replaced. Send the model and size of the trap with the request.

Talk it through at 1-770-957-9599, toll free 1-800-780-3776, or enter the trap model, size, connection type and quantity on BoilerSupplies.com.