KSB Ball Float Steam Trap SBF-S — Continuous Discharge

ECOLINE SBF-S with continuous condensate discharge for modulating steam loads. Integral thermostatic air vent for efficient air removal. Cast iron up to 14 bar / 210°C, ductile iron up to 16 bar / 260°C, cast steel up to 32 bar / 300°C. Sizes ½″ to 2″. Ideal for heat exchangers, process heaters, and jacketed vessels.

Ball Float Steam TrapCI 14 bar / SG 16 bar / CS 32 barSizes ½″ to 2″

Specifications

ParameterSpecification
SeriesECOLINE SBF-S
Body MaterialCast Iron (ASTM A48 Class 30), Ductile Iron (EN-GJS-400-18), or Cast Steel (ASTM A216 WCB)
Size Range½″ to 2″ (DN 15 to DN 50)
Max Pressure (CI)14 bar @ 210°C
Max Pressure (SG)16 bar @ 260°C
Max Pressure (CS)32 bar @ 300°C
Max Temperature (CI)210°C
Max Temperature (SG)260°C
Max Temperature (CS)300°C
Design StandardKSB Manufacturer Standard
End ConnectionsScrewed (NPT/BSP); Socket Weld (CS only)
ConstructionBall float mechanism with integral thermostatic air vent (continuous immediate discharge)
Trim / InternalsSS 304 ball float with lever, S.S 410 valve seat, SS 304 thermostatic element
OptionsSLR (Steam Lock Release) needle valve for air and gas removal during startup
✓ KSB proprietary

Material & Applications

Why Multi-Material Ball Float: The ball float mechanism provides immediate, continuous condensate discharge at steam temperature — as soon as condensate enters the trap, it is discharged. Unlike inverted bucket or thermodynamic traps that discharge intermittently, ball float traps respond instantly to condensate load changes. The integral thermostatic air vent handles air and non-condensable gases that would otherwise form insulating layers on heat transfer surfaces. This combination makes ball float traps the preferred choice for heat exchangers where efficient heat transfer is the primary concern.

Typical applications: Heat exchangers, shell-and-tube condensers, process heaters, jacketed vessels, humidifiers, unit heaters, and any application with modulating (variable) steam loads where immediate and continuous condensate removal is critical for heat transfer efficiency.

Multi-Material Ball Float Steam Trap FAQs

When to use ball float vs inverted bucket?
Ball float: for modulating/variable loads where continuous, immediate discharge is critical. Best for heat exchangers, process heaters, and jacketed vessels. The ball float responds to condensate load changes within seconds. Inverted bucket: for steady loads, dirty condensate, higher pressures (up to 42 bar in cast steel vs 32 bar for ball float in cast steel), and applications prone to water hammer. Inverted bucket is more rugged but discharges intermittently.
What is the thermostatic air vent?
A bimetallic or wax element in the top of the trap body that opens when air or non-condensable gases are present and closes when steam arrives. This vents air during startup and continuously during operation. Without it, air pockets would form in heat exchangers, dramatically reducing heat transfer efficiency.
Can ball float traps handle water hammer?
Ball float traps are more sensitive to water hammer (sudden pressure surges) than inverted bucket traps. The float can be damaged by severe water hammer. If your system is prone to water hammer, consider inverted bucket traps or install water hammer arrestors upstream of the ball float trap.

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