How to Make a Steam Trap
A steam trap separates steam from condensation in the steam pipe of a boiler system. Built-up condensation, or water droplets, can reduce a boiler's efficiency. A steam trap drains off the water droplets while the steam continues to flow through the pipe. A mechanical steam trap is the easiest to make. This type of trap has a float ball resting inside a chamber. As the water droplets accumulate at the bottom of the chamber, the ball rises, allowing condensation to drain and preventing steam from escaping.
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Things You'll Need
- Two 1-inch-diameter steel pipes, 3 inches long
- 3-inch-diameter steel pipe, 4 inches long
- Drill press
- Drill bits
- Tapping bit
- Thread-seal tape
- Locking pliers
- Two 3-inch pipe caps
- Air cock pressure release valve
- Open-end wrench
- Pingpong ball
- Pipe wrench
Instructions
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Drill a 1-inch hole on one end of the 3-inch steel pipe with the drill press and bit. Make threads in the 1-inch hole with the tapping bit. Wrap one end of one of the threaded 1-inch pipes with the thread-seal tape and screw it into the drilled hole. Tighten the 1-inch pipe with the locking pliers until the end is flush with the inside of the 3-inch pipe. Use this 1-inch pipe as the steam pipe splice line.
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2
Drill a 1-inch hole in the center of one of the 3-inch pipe caps. Make threads in the hole with the tapping bit. Wrap one end of the other threaded 1-inch pipe with the thread-seal tape and screw it into the drilled hole of the pipe cap. Tighten the 1-inch pipe with the locking pliers until 1-inch is sticking through the inside of the cap and 2-inches are sticking from the outside of the cap. Use this cap and 1-inch pipe as the condensation drain line.
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3
Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the center of the other pipe cap. Make threads in the hole with the tapping bit. Wrap the air cock pressure release valve with thread-seal tape and screw it into the 1/4-inch hole. Tighten it with the open-end wrench until no more threads of the air cock can be seen.
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4
Wrap each end of the 3-inch pipe with thread-seal tape. Place the pingpong ball on the inside of the pipe cap that has the 1-inch pipe sticking through it and screw the cap on one end of the 3-inch pipe. Screw the other pipe cap with the air cock on the other end of the 3-inch pipe. Tighten both caps with the pipe wrench.
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Tips & Warnings
A homemade steam trap may not be as efficient as a manufactured one, but it prevents condensation from building up in the steam lines.
The trap is spliced into a steam pipe by cutting the pipe and adding a "T" connector.
Make sure the 3-inch pipe is vertical to the steam pipe, not parallel.
Make sure the 1-inch drain pipe and pingpong ball are on the bottom of the homemade steam trap. The ball floats up when condensation fills the bottom of the steam trap and allows the water to drain off.
The air cock will be on the top side of the homemade steam trap. It opens and closes as pressure builds up inside the trap.
Turn off the steam running through the steam pipes before working on the lines. Steam can cause serious burns.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
