Spirax Sarco FT 43 Series User manual

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 1
1. Safety information
2. General product
information
3. Installation
4. Commissioning
5. Operation
6. Maintenance and
Spare parts
© Copyright 2017
Printed in India
IM-IBR17-49IN
Issue 1
FT43 and FT44
Ball Float Steam Traps
Installation and Maintenance Instructions

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 12
1. Safety information
Safe operation of these products can only be guaranteed if they are properly
installed, commissioned, used and maintained by qualified personnel (see Section
1.11) in compliance with the operating instructions. General installation and safety
instructions for pipeline and plant construction, as well as the proper use of tools
and safety equipment must also be complied with.
1.1 Intended use
Referring to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, name-plate and Technical
Information Sheet, check that the product is suitable for the intended use / application.
The products listed below comply with the requirements of the Indian Boiler
Regulations, 1950.
i) Check material suitability, pressure and temperature and their maximum and
minimum values. If the maximum operating limits of the product are lower than
those of the system in which it is being fitted, or if malfunction of the product
could result in a dangerous overpressure or overtemperature occurrence, ensure
a safety device is included in the system to prevent such over-limit situations.
ii) Determine the correct installation situation and direction of fluid flow.
iii) Spirax Sarco products are not intended to withstand external stresses that may
be induced by any system to which they are fitted. It is the responsibility of the
installer to consider these stresses and take adequate precautions to minimise
them.
iv) Remove protection covers from all connections and protective film from all
name-plates, where appropriate, before installation on steam or other high
temperature applications.
1.2 Access
Ensure safe access and if necessary a safe working platform (suitably guarded)
before attempting to work on the product. Arrange suitable lifting gear if required.
1.3 Lighting
Ensure adequate lighting, particularly where detailed or intricate work is required.
1.4 Hazardous liquids or gases in the pipeline
Consider what is in the pipeline or what may have been in the pipeline at some
previous time. Consider: flammable materials, substances hazardous to health,
extremes of temperature.
1.5 Hazardous environment around the product
Consider: explosion risk areas, lack of oxygen (e.g. tanks, pits), dangerous gases,
extremes of temperature, hot surfaces, fire hazard (e.g. during welding), excessive
noise, moving machinery.

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 3
1.6 The system
Consider the effect on the complete system of the work proposed. Will any proposed
action (e.g. closing isolation valves, electrical isolation) put any other part of the
system or any personnel at risk?
Dangers might include isolation of vents or protective devices or the rendering
ineffective of controls or alarms. Ensure isolation valves are turned on and off in
a gradual way to avoid system shocks.
1.7 Pressure systems
Ensure that any pressure is isolated and safely vented to atmospheric pressure.
Consider double isolation (double block and bleed) and the locking or labelling of
closed valves. Do not assume that the system has depressurised even when the
pressure gauge indicates zero.
1.8 Temperature
Allow time for temperature to normalise after isolation to avoid danger of burns.
1.9 Tools and consumables
Before starting work ensure that you have suitable tools and / or consumables
available. Use only genuine Spirax Sarco replacement parts.
1.10 Protective clothing
Consider whether you and / or others in the vicinity require any protective clothing
to protect against the hazards of, for example, chemicals, high / low temperature,
radiation, noise, falling objects, and dangers to eyes and face.
1.11 Permits to work
All work must be carried out or be supervised by a suitably competent person.
Installation and operating personnel should be trained in the correct use of the
product according to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions.
Where a formal 'permit to work' system is in force it must be complied with. Where
there is no such system, it is recommended that a responsible person should know
what work is going on and, where necessary, arrange to have an assistant whose
primary responsibility is safety.
Post 'warning notices' if necessary.
1.12 Handling
Manual handling of large and/or heavy products may present a risk of injury. Lifting,
pushing, pulling, carrying or supporting a load by bodily force can cause injury
particularly to the back. You are advised to assess the risks taking into account
the task, the individual, the load and the working environment and use the appropriate
handling method depending on the circumstances of the work being done.

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 14
Cast Iron is a brittle material. If the product is dropped
during installation and there is any risk of damage the
product should not be used unless it is fully inspected and
pressure tested by the manufacturer.
Safe Handling
1.13 Residual hazards
In normal use the external surface of the product may be very hot. If used at the
maximum permitted operating conditions the surface temperature of some products
may reach temperatures in excess of 300 °C (572 °F).
Many products are not self-draining. Take due care when dismantling or removing
the product from an installation (refer to 'Maintenance instructions').
1.14 Freezing
Provision must be made to protect products which are not self-draining against
frost damage in environments where they may be exposed to temperatures below
freezing point.
1.15 Disposal
Unless otherwise stated in the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, this
product is recyclable and no ecological hazard is anticipated with its disposal
providing due care is taken.
v1.16 Returning products
Customers and stockists are reminded that under EC Health, Safety and Environment
Law, when returning products to Spirax Sarco they must provide information on
any hazards and the precautions to be taken due to contamination residues or
mechanical damage which may present a health, safety or environmental risk. This
information must be provided in writing including Health and Safety data sheets
relating to any substances identified as hazardous or potentially hazardous.
1.17 Working safely with cast iron products on steam
Cast iron products are commonly found on steam
and condensate systems. If installed correctly using
good steam engineering practices, it is perfectly
safe. However, because of its mechanical properties,
it is less forgiving compared to other materials such
as SG iron or carbon steel. The following are the
good engineering practices required to prevent
waterhammer and ensure safe working conditions
on a steam system.

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 5
Prevention of water hammer
Steam trapping on steam mains:
Steam Mains - Do's and Don'ts:
Steam Steam
Flow Flow
30 - 50 metre intervals
Gradient 1:100
Gradient 1:100
Trap set
Trap set
Trap set
Condensate Condensate Condensate
Steam
Steam

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 16
Prevention of tensile stressing
Pipe misalignment:
Installing products or re-assembling after maintenance:
Thermal expansion:
Do not over tighten.
Use correct torque gures.
1
1
4 2
3
8
2
6
3
7
Flange bolts should be gradually tightened across
diameters to ensure even load and alignment.
Guides
Guides
Limit
rods
Limit rods
Fixing point
Medium
distance
Small
lateral
movement
Small
lateral
movement
Large
lateral
movement
Large
lateral
movement
Short
distance Fixing point
Axial
movement
Axial movement
Guides
Guides
5
4

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 7
2. General product information
2.1 General description
The FT4 3 - cast iron and FT4 4 - carbon steel ball oat steam traps have stainless steel
working internals and automatic built-in air venting facility. These traps are supplied with
integrally anged connections (for horizontal or vertical installations) and can be maintained
without disturbing the pipework. Please be aware that the ow direction is not the same for
all FT trap types or sizes but will be clearly marked on the trap body. The body and cover
castings for the FT44 are produced by a TÜV approved foundry.
Air vent
The BP99/32 capsule which is used in 4.5 bar - 21 bar ball oat steam traps is suitable for
use on 150 °C superheat @ 0 bar g. This value reduces with elevated pressure.
The bimetallic element is tted as standard to the 32 bar variants to provide additional
superheat resistance. It is also available on other variants on request. Please refer to the
pressure/temperature graphs in the following pages.
Optional extras
A manually adjustable needle valve (designated 'C' on the nomenclature i.e. FT46-C)
can be tted to these traps. This option provides a steam lock release (SLR) feature in
addition to the standard air vent.
Note: The steam lock release and bimetallic air vent cannot be used in conjunction with
each other. Alternative arrangements may be available. For further information please
contact Spirax Sarco.
The top of the cover can be drilled and tapped 2" BSP or NPT for the purpose of tting
a balance line if requested at the point of order.
The bottom of the cover can be drilled and tapped 2" BSP or NPT for the purpose of
tting a drain cock if requested at the point of order.
Standards
This product fully complies with the requirements of the Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950.
Certification
This product is available with a manufacturers’ Typical Test Report. This can be supplied at
extra cost for the FT44.
Note: All certication / inspection requirements must be stated at the time of order
placement.
Note:
For further product data see the following sections and Technical Information Sheets:
Product Material Section TI reference + Capacities
FT43 DN25 - DN50 Cast iron Section 2.2 TI-IBR17-50IN
FT44 DN15 - DN50 Carbon steel Section 2.3 TI-IBR17-53IN

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 18
2.2 FT43 - Cast iron
Fig. 1
Sizes and pipe connections
DN25, DN40 and DN50
Note: Flow direction, for FT43 horizontal orientated traps, when facing the body:
-DN25 is left to right. (R-L versions are available for DN25 FT43TV PN16 only)
-DN40 and DN50 is right to left.
Flow direction, for FT43V vertically orientated traps is downwards only.
Standard flanges are EN 1092 PN16 with face-to-face dimensions in accordance with EN
26554 (Series 1).
On request - ASME B 16.5 Class 125 anges are also available.
Note: ASME anges are supplied with tapped holes to receive ange bolts. ASME anges
have UNC threads.
FT43 DN40 and DN50
FT43 DN25
FT43 - C

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 9
0
0
50
100
150
200
220
2 4 6 8 10 12 1413 16
Pressure bar g
D
B
A
C
Steam
saturation
curve
The product must not be used in this region.
A - B - D Flanged EN 1092 PN16.
A - C - DFlanged ASME 125.
Body design conditions PN16 (For PN16 Flange)
PMA Maximum allowable pressure 13 bar g @ 195 °C
TMA Maximum allowable temperature 220 °C @ 12.1 bar g
Minimum allowable temperature 0°C
PMO Maximum operating pressure for saturated steam service 13 bar g @ 195 °C
Note: The DN40 and DN50 traps are limited to a PMO equal to PMX
TMO Maximum operating temperature 220 °C @ 12.1 bar g
Minimum operating temperature 0°C
Note: For lower operating temperatures consult Spirax Sarco
DPMX Maximum differential pressure
FT43-4.5 4.5 bar
FT43-10 10 bar
FT43-14 13 bar
Body design conditions PN16 (For ASME 125 Flange)
PMA Maximum allowable pressure 13 bar g @ 90 °C
TMA Maximum allowable temperature 220 °C @ 9 bar g
Minimum allowable temperature 0°C
PMO Maximum operating pressure for saturated steam service 10 bar g @ 184 °C
Note: The DN40 and DN50 traps are limited to a PMO equal to PMX
TMO Maximum operating temperature 220 °C @ 9 bar g
Minimum operating temperature 0°C
Note: For lower operating temperatures consult Spirax Sarco
DPMX Maximum differential pressure FT43-4.5 4.5 bar
FT43-10 10 bar
Designed for a maximum cold hydraulic test pressure of 19.5 bar g
Note: With internals fitted, test pressure must not exceed PMX
Pressure / temperature limits
Temperature °C

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 110
2.3 FT44 - Carbon steel
Sizes and pipe connections
DN15, DN20, DN25, DN40 and DN50
Horizontal traps:
Note the flow direction when facing the body is as follows:
-DN15 to DN25 is left to right.
-DN40 and DN50 is right to left.
Standard flanges -ASME B 16.5 Class 150 and 300 flanges are available with extended
face-to-face dimensions.
Fig. 2
FT44 - C
FT44 DN40 and DN50
DN50 shown
FT44 DN15, DN20 and DN25
DN15 shown

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 11
Pressure bar g
Temperature °C
C
A
The product must not be used in this region.
This product should not be used in this region as damage to the internals may occur.
For ASME 150 Flange PMA Maximum allowable pressure 19.6 bar g @ 38 °C
TMA Maximum allowable temperature 300 °C @ 10.2 bar g
PMO Maximum operating pressure 13.9 bar g @ 198 °C
Note:
For lower operating
temperatures consult
Spirax Sarco
TMO Maximum operating temperature 266 °C @ 11.5 bar g
TMO Maximum operating temperature 300 °C @ 10.2 bar g
When fitted with a bimetallic air vent
Cold hydraulic test pressure of : 29.4 bar g
For ASME 300 Flange PMA Maximum allowable pressure 40 bar g @ 100 °C
TMA Maximum allowable temperature 300 °C @ 27.5 bar g
PMO Maximum operating pressure 31.4 bar g @ 238 °C
Note:
For lower operating
temperatures consult
Spirax Sarco
TMO Maximum operating temperature 284 °C @ 28.5 bar g
TMO Maximum operating temperature 300 °C @ 27.6 bar g
When fitted with a bimetallic air vent
Cold hydraulic test pressure of : 60 bar g
DPMX
Maximum
differential
pressure
Size DN15, DN20, DN25 DN40, DN50
FT44-4.5 4.5 bar 4.5 bar (65 psi)
FT44 -10 10 bar 10 bar (145 psi)
FT44 -14 14 bar -(203 psi)
FT44 -21 21 bar 21 bar (304 psi)
FT44 -32 32 bar 32 bar (464 psi)
Note: With internals fitted, test pressure must not exceed DPMX
Caution: The trap in its complete operational form must not be subjected to a pressure greater
than 48 bar otherwise damage to the internal mechanism may result.
B
Pressure psi g
Temperature °F
Steam
saturation
curve
Pressure / temperature limits
A - BFlanged
ASME 300
A - CFlanged
ASME 150

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 112
3. Installation
Note: Before actioning any installation observe the 'Safety information' in Section 1.
Warning
The cover gasket contains a thin stainless steel support ring, which may cause
physical injury if not handled and disposed of carefully.
Referring to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, name-plate, and Technical
Information Sheet, check that the product is suitable for its intended use.
3.1 Check materials, pressure and temperature and their maximum values. If the maximum
operating limit of the product is lower than that of the system in which it is being fitted,
ensure that a safety device is included in the system to prevent overpressurisation.
3.2 Determine the correct installation situation and direction of fluid flow – please be aware
that the flow direction is not the same for all FT trap types or sizes. However the flow
direction will be clearly marked on the trap body.
3.3 Remove protection covers from all connections and protective lm from all name-plates,
where appropriate, before installation on steam or other high temperature applications.
3.4 The trap must be fitted with the float arm in a horizontal plane so that it rises and falls
vertically. Note: The trap can be visually checked for its correct orientation by reading
the writing on the body, cover, and name-plate. If installed correctly the writing will be
seen to be displayed the correct way up.
3.5 The trap should be fitted below the outlet of the steam system, with a small drop leg
immediately proceeding the trap, typically 150 mm (6") see Figure 5. If no drop leg is
allowed for then it may be possible (under low load conditions) for steam to flow over
the condensate in the bottom of the pipe and reach the trap.
Fig. 5
FT

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 13
Fig. 6 Slow speed cylinder drainage with system unit
Air vent
Float
trap
Sight
glass
Condensate out
Strainer
Air bottle
Cylinder
3.6 Float traps should be fitted as close to the outlet of the plant to be drained as possible
otherwise the trap can steam lock. Steam locking occurs when the pipe between the
condensate outlet and the steam trap fills with steam and prevents condensate from
reaching the trap. This can lead to the system waterlogging which will affect plant
efficiency. It is very similar to the air locking experienced in water systems.
The most common application where steam locking is a risk is on rotating cylinders
and other applications where condensate is removed via a dip tube or siphon pipe.
Steam locking can easily be prevented by fitting the trap with a combined thermostatic
air vent and an adjustable needle valve (SLR), Figure 6 shows an FT-C trap fitted on
a slow speed cylinder.
The adjustable needle valve (SLR) is opened by turning the spindle anticlockwise. The
standard factory setting is ½ turn which equates to an approximate steam 'bypass' of
22 kg / h @ 10 bar.
Site adjustment of the adjustable needle valve can be achieved by turning anticlockwise
to increase the bypass flow, and clockwise to reduce the flow.
When draining from a high speed cylinder application, there is need for large amounts
of blow-through steam to assist the flow of condensate out of the cylinder via the
siphon tube.
In such cases the adjustable needle valve cannot handle such large amounts and an
external bypass with an adjustable needle valve is required. See Figure 7 (page 18).

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 114
Fig. 7 High speed cylinder with float trap and parallel blow-through valve
Rotating
cylinder
Float trap with
external bypass
Steam in
Rotary joint with flexible
couplings
Condensate
out
3.7 If the trap is to be situated in an exposed position, it should be either lagged or drained
by a separate small thermostatic trap such as the Spirax Sarco No.8, or Bydrain.
3.8 Always fit a non-return (check) valve downstream of any steam trap which discharges
into condensate return lines where back pressure is experienced. This is not commonly
caused by a rising condensate line. The check valve will prevent the steam space
flooding when the inlet pressure is reduced or the steam is shut off.
3.9 Ensure adequate space is left to remove the cover from the body for maintenance – the
maximum withdrawal to remove the cover is 200 mm (8").
Note: If the trap is to discharge to atmosphere ensure it is to a safe place, the discharging
fluid may be at a temperature of 100 °C (212 °F).

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 15
After installation or maintenance ensure that the system is fully functioning. Carry out tests
on any alarms or protective devices.
4. Commissioning
5. Operation
The float trap is a continuous trap, removing condensate the instant it forms. On start-up, the
thermostatic air vent allows air to bypass the main valve preventing the system air binding.
Hot condensate will close the air vent tightly, but as soon as it enters the main chamber of the
trap, the float rises and the lever mechanism attached to it opens the main valve - keeping
the system drained of condensate at all times. When the steam arrives, the float drops and
closes the main valve. Float traps are renown for their high start-up load handling capability,
clean tight shut-off and resistance to waterhammer and vibration.

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 116
6. Maintenance and Spare parts
6.1 FT43 and FT44 (DN15 to DN50)
Notes:
- Before actioning any maintenance programme observe the 'Safety information'
in Section 1.
- The FT43 is not normally provided with a bimetallic air vent due to its PN16 rating.
This arrangement can be made available on request.
Dowel
Steam lock
release assembly
19 + 21
2
23
20
Bimetallic air vent assembly 17
Warning
The cover gasket contains a thin stainless steel support ring which may cause
physical injury if not handled and disposed of carefully.
18

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 17
Table 1 Recommended tightening torques
Item
No. Size or mm N m (lbf ft)
2*
DN15,
DN20,
DN25
17 A/F M10 x 30 29 - 33 (19 - 24)
DN40 24 A/F M12 x 60 60 - 66 (44 - 48)
DN50 24 A/F M16 x 70 80 - 88 (58 - 65)
5
DN15,
DN20,
DN25
50 - 55 (37 - 40)
7
DN15,
DN20,
DN25
M5 x 20 2.5 - 2.8 (1.8 - 2.1)
DN40 10 A/F M6 x 20 10 - 12 (7.0 - 9.0)
DN50 13 A/F M8 x 20 20 - 24 (15 - 17)
17 17 A/F 50 - 55 (37 - 40)
19*22 A/F 40 - 45 (29 - 33)
65 10 78
11 9
26
65 7
8
12
Main valve assembly with float
(DN15, DN20 and DN25)
Main valve assembly
(DN40 and DN50)
Capsule air vent
assembly 17
18
FT4 4 only*
2
DN15,
DN20,
DN25
17 A/F M10 x 30 19 - 22 (14 - 16)
19 22 A/F 50 - 55 (37 - 40)

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 118
Servicing:
-With suitable isolation, repairs can be carried out with the trap in the pipeline.
-When reassembling, make sure that all joint faces are clean and the dowel locates in
the cover.
Dowel
Steam lock
release assembly
19 + 21
2
23
20
Bimetallic air vent assembly 17
How to fit the main valve assembly for DN15, DN20 and DN25:
-Unscrew the support frame (9), pivot frame (10) and the valve seat (5).
-Ensure the seat/gasket faces are clean and dry.
-Fit the new gasket (6) and the valve seat (5) to the body (Do not use gasket paste).
-
Attach the support frame (9) and pivot frame (10) to the body with the assembly set
screws (7) but do not tighten.
-Fit the float arm (8) to the pivot frame (10) using the pin (11) and by moving the complete
assembly centre the valve head onto the seat orifice.
-Tighten the assembly set screws (see Table 1 for the recommended tightening torques).
18

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 1 19
65 10 78
11 9
5 7
8
Main valve assembly with float
(DN15, DN20 and DN25)
Main valve assembly
(DN40 and DN50)
Capsule air vent
assembly 17
18
How to fit the main valve assembly for DN40 and DN50:
-Unscrew the 4 bolts or nuts (7).
-Remove the main valve assembly (5) and gasket (6).
-Ensure the gasket faces are clean and dry.
-
Fit the new gasket (6) and the main valve assembly (5), including the baffle plate (see
Figures 10 and 11).
-Tighten the bolts or nuts (7) evenly (see Table 1 for recommended tightening torques).
How to fit the capsule air vent
assembly for DN15 to DN100:
-Remove the spring clip, capsule, spacer
plate, unscrew the seat and remove the
frame (17) and gasket (18).
-Ensure the gasket faces are clean and
dry.
-Fit the new gasket (18), the frame and
seat (17) and tighten to the recommended
torque (see Table 1).
-Assemble the new spacer plate, capsule
and clip.
How to fit the bimetallic air vent
assembly for DN15 to DN100:
-Unscrew and remove the element
assembly (17) and gasket (18).
-Ensure the gasket faces are clean and
dry.
-Fit the new gasket (18) and element
assembly (17) and tighten to the
recommended torque (see Table 1).
12 26
6

IM-IBR17-49IN Issue 120
Spare parts
The spare parts available are shown in heavy outline. Parts drawn in a grey line are not
supplied as spares.
Dowel
Steam lock
release assembly
19 + 21
2
23
20
Bimetallic air vent
assembly 17
18