KSB ECOLINE Steam Traps — Overview
Steam traps are the most critical yet often overlooked components in any steam system. A failed steam trap can waste thousands of rupees in fuel costs every month by leaking live steam, while a blocked trap causes waterlogging, reduces heat transfer efficiency, and risks waterhammer damage to equipment.
KSB’s ECOLINE steam trap range covers all three major operating principles — inverted bucket, ball float with thermostatic vent, and thermodynamic — ensuring the right trap type for every application from sugar factory juice heaters to power plant steam mains.
Product Range — Three Trap Types
ECOLINE SIB-S — Inverted Bucket Steam Trap
The inverted bucket trap operates on the density difference between steam and condensate. When steam enters the inverted bucket, it floats and closes the valve. As steam condenses, the bucket sinks and opens the valve to discharge condensate. Extremely robust, handles waterhammer, and is the most durable trap type for high-pressure steam mains and drip legs. All internal components in SS 304. Optional built-in strainer available for CS models.
ECOLINE SBF-S — Ball Float Steam Trap
The ball float trap provides continuous condensate discharge — the stainless steel ball float rises and falls with the condensate level, modulating the valve opening proportionally. Includes built-in thermostatic air vent for automatic air and gas removal during startup. Optional Steam Lock Release (SLR) needle valve for additional gas venting. Ideal for heat exchangers, dryers, and process equipment where immediate condensate removal is critical.
ECOLINE STH-S — Thermodynamic Steam Trap
Compact disc-type thermodynamic trap that operates on the velocity difference between steam and condensate. Simple, robust, with only one moving part (the disc). Three material variants: stainless steel (SS, 42 bar/427°C), alloy steel WC6 (62 bar/540°C), and high-pressure alloy steel F22 (170 bar/540°C). Built-in strainer. Ideal for steam tracing lines, superheated steam applications, and anywhere a compact, low-cost trap is needed.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | SIB-S Inverted Bucket | SBF-S Ball Float | STH-S Thermodynamic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Principle | Density (mechanical) | Float level (mechanical) | Velocity (thermodynamic) |
| Discharge Pattern | Intermittent (cyclic) | Continuous (modulating) | Intermittent (rapid cycle) |
| Size Range | ½–2" | ½–2" | ½–1" |
| Max Pressure (CI) | 17.5 bar @ 260°C | 14 bar @ 210°C | — |
| Max Pressure (CS) | 42 bar @ 425°C | 32 bar @ 300°C | — |
| Max Pressure (SG) | — | 16 bar @ 260°C | — |
| Max Pressure (SS) | — | — | 42 bar @ 427°C |
| Max Pressure (WC6) | — | — | 62 bar @ 540°C |
| Max Pressure (F22) | — | — | 170 bar @ 540°C |
| Body Material | CI (A48 Cl.30) / CS (A216 WCB) | CI (A48 Cl.30) / CS (A216 WCB) / SG (GGG40) | SS (A743 CA40) / AS (A217 WC6) / AS (A182 F22) |
| Internal Components | SS 304 throughout | SS 304 float, SS 410 seat | SS 420 / Chrome steel disc |
| Air Venting | Through bucket vent hole | Built-in thermostatic vent + SLR option | Automatic (on startup) |
| End Connection | Screwed (NPT/BSP), Socket Weld (CS) | Screwed (NPT/BSP), Socket Weld (CS) | Screwed (NPT/BSP), Socket Weld |
| Installation | Horizontal (std), Vertical (on request) | Horizontal | Horizontal / Vertical |
| Strainer | Optional built-in (CS with strainer) | — | Built-in |
Choosing the Right Steam Trap Type
| Application | Recommended Trap | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Steam main drip legs | SIB-S Inverted Bucket | Handles waterhammer, durable, high-pressure capable |
| Heat exchangers & heaters | SBF-S Ball Float | Continuous discharge removes condensate immediately, maximizing heat transfer |
| Juice heaters (sugar) | SBF-S Ball Float | Continuous condensate removal prevents waterlogging, improves heating efficiency |
| Evaporators & vacuum pans | SBF-S Ball Float | Handles variable loads, air venting during startup |
| Steam tracing lines | STH-S Thermodynamic | Compact, low cost, minimal maintenance |
| Superheated steam lines | STH-S Thermodynamic (F22) | Handles 170 bar / 540°C, alloy steel construction |
| High-pressure boiler drains | SIB-S Inverted Bucket (CS) | 42 bar / 425°C, robust mechanical operation |
| Dryers & dehumidifiers | SBF-S Ball Float | Continuous discharge, thermostatic air vent |
Applications by Industry
Sugar & Ethanol Plants
Juice heaters, evaporators, vacuum pans, steam headers, pan boiling. SBF-S ball float for process heating, SIB-S inverted bucket for steam mains. Proper trapping reduces coal/bagasse consumption by 5–15%.
Power Generation
Turbine drains, feedwater heater drains, high-pressure steam mains. STH-S thermodynamic in F22 for supercritical/high-pressure applications up to 170 bar.
Oil & Gas / Refineries
Reboiler drains, heat exchanger condensate, fuel oil heating, tank heating coils. SIB-S for high-pressure, SBF-S for continuous drain applications.
Process & Chemical
Jacketed vessels, dryers, dehumidifiers, steam separators. Ball float traps prevent waterlogging and ensure maximum heat transfer efficiency.
Key Design Features
- All-stainless (SS 304) internal components across all trap types for corrosion resistance and long service life
- Inverted bucket (SIB-S): handles waterhammer, resists dirt and scale, field-adjustable orifice sizing via interchangeable valve/seat
- Ball float (SBF-S): continuous modulating discharge matches condensate load in real time — no condensate backup
- Ball float built-in thermostatic air vent automatically purges air and non-condensables during startup
- Steam Lock Release (SLR) needle valve option on SBF-S for manual air/gas venting during commissioning
- Thermodynamic (STH-S): only one moving part (the disc) — minimal maintenance, no adjustment needed
- STH-S available in three metallurgies: SS for general service, WC6 for intermediate, F22 for extreme pressure (170 bar)
- CS models available with socket weld ends for welded piping systems
- Built-in strainer on SIB-S CS and all STH-S models to protect internals from pipeline debris