Spirax Sarco Balanced Pressure Steam Traps

Balanced pressure thermostatic steam traps are designed to automatically adjust to changing steam pressures and temperatures. They operate by responding to the temperature difference between steam and condensate, opening when cooler condensate is present and closing tightly as steam reaches the trap. This makes them particularly effective for applications with fluctuating loads or pressures, such as tracing lines and heat exchangers. Their ability to adapt ensures fast air venting at start-up and efficient condensate discharge during operation, helping maintain consistent system performance while preventing energy loss.

Key Features

Key features and benefits of these Steam Traps.
1

Key Features

Balanced pressure steam traps automatically adjust to changing pressures and temperatures, ensuring reliable operation across fluctuating loads. This makes them ideal for tracing lines, heat exchangers, and variable-demand applications.
2

Key Features

These traps open quickly on start-up to discharge air and cold condensate, allowing steam to reach operating temperature faster. This reduces warm-up time and improves overall system efficiency.
3

Key Features

By closing tightly in the presence of live steam, they prevent unnecessary steam loss. This maintains stable system performance while reducing energy waste and operating costs.

Spirax BCP Series

The BC Series of Spirax Sarco Balanced Pressure Steam Traps delivers precise, dependable condensate control across virtually every steam application. Carbon steel models such as BPC32 and BPC32Y provide rugged performance for general process duties, while integrally flanged variants like BPC32F and BPC32YF simplify installation on flanged lines. For space-critical applications, the compact BPM21L is ideal, offering balanced pressure performance in a small footprint. Stainless steel options, including BPS32 and BPS32Y, deliver corrosion resistance for demanding environments, while brass models such as BPT13, BPT13T, and BPT13TGX offer flexible solutions for tracing and lighter-duty systems.

Spirax BT Series

For maintainable clean-steam duties, the BTM7 and BTM7 Food+ models offer full serviceability with multiple connection options including tube-ended, sanitary clamp, and screwed variants. The standard BTM7 is suited to chemical-free clean steam, while the BTM7 Food+ is fully compliant with food-contact regulations, making it ideal for hygienic production lines and regulated environments. Both operate close to steam temperature and are engineered in 316L stainless steel with minimal crevices.

Spirax IBP / BP / MST Series

The IBP Series of Spirax Sarco Balanced Pressure Steam Traps is designed for plants that demand both precision condensate control and real-time system insight. Variants including IBPC32CV and IBPS32CV add an integrated check valve, making them ideal for condensate return lines where backpressure is present. The MST21 is engineered for small condensate volumes typically found in instrument and process tracing lines, while the higher-capacity MST21H extends the range for more demanding applications.

The Smart Way to Control Steam

Spirax Sarco Balanced Pressure Steam Traps adapt in real time to the conditions inside your system, opening only when condensate is present and sealing instantly when steam arrives. This intelligent response keeps heat exactly where it’s needed, protects equipment from damage, and eliminates wasted energy—delivering consistent performance across everything from tracing lines to critical process plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

A balanced pressure steam trap uses a temperature-sensitive capsule to distinguish between steam and condensate. It opens when cooler condensate is present and closes tightly as steam reaches the trap, preventing energy loss.

They respond to temperature differences between steam and condensate. The internal capsule expands as steam arrives, closing the valve, and contracts when condensate cools, allowing discharge.

They are commonly installed on tracing lines, heat exchangers, steam mains, and process equipment. They are ideal for applications with variable loads or frequent start-ups.

Balanced pressure traps are a type of thermostatic trap that self-adjust to changing steam pressures. This allows them to operate close to steam temperature across a wide pressure range.

Yes. They prevent live steam loss while ensuring fast condensate removal, reducing fuel consumption and improving overall system efficiency.

They automatically adapt to changes in steam pressure and temperature. This makes them ideal for systems with fluctuating operating conditions.

Popular models include BPC32, BPS32, BPM21L, MST21, IBPC32, IBPS32, BTS7, and BTM7. Each is designed for specific duties and environments.

Many models are fully maintainable, allowing internal components to be replaced without removing the body. This reduces downtime and long-term operating costs.

They should be inspected at least once per year, with critical systems checked more frequently. Regular monitoring prevents hidden steam loss and system damage.

If it fails open, live steam is wasted. If it fails closed, condensate builds up, causing poor heat transfer, corrosion, and water hammer.

Yes. Spirax Sarco offers sanitary versions such as BTS7.1, BT6B, and BTM7 Food+ for clean and pure steam applications in food and pharmaceutical plants.

They combine precise control, long service life, and proven reliability. With a full range of part codes for every application, they provide consistent, energy-efficient condensate management across the entire plant.

FAQ

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Spirax Sarco Balanced Pressure Steam Traps