PN16
Armstrong FF-4000 Series float and thermostatic steam traps combine savings in three important areas: energy, installation, and replacement. With the FF-4000 Series' 360° universal connector, you can install the float and thermostatic trap in a vertical position to fit any piping configuration. You get the reliability of the freely floating ball and thermostatic design plus all the benefits of all-stainless steel construction. Mounting the FF-4000 on universal connectors provides quick and easy in-line replacement.
The FF-4000 Series features a sealed, tamperproof package, a compact and lightweight design, and exceptional corrosion resistance.
Maximum Operating Conditions
Maximum allowable pressure (vessel design):
- Model FF-4250: 300 psig @ 650°F (20.7 bar @ 343°C)
- Model FF-4450: 600 psig @ 800°F (41.4 bar @ 427°C)
Maximum operating pressure:
- Model FF-4250: 250 psig @ 650°F (17 bar @ 343°C)
- Model FF-4450: 450 psig @ 800°F (31 bar @ 427°C)
Materials
- Body: ASTM A240 Grade 304L
- Internals: All stainless steel-304
- Ball seat: Stainless Steel
- Float: Stainless Steel
- Air Vent: Bimetal
360° Universal Connector Styles
- Standard 2-bolt connector
- IS-2 connector with integral strainer and optional blowdown valve
- TVS-4000 - Trap Valve Station
Dimensions and Weights
| Model No. | FF-4250 | FF-4250 | FF-4450 | FF-4450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe Connection | 1/2, 3/4 in | 15, 20 mm | 1/2, 3/4 in | 15, 20 mm |
| “A” Diameter | 2-11/16 in | 68 mm | 3-7/8 in | 98 mm |
| “B” Height | 4-7/8 in | 124 mm | 6-3/16 in | 157 mm |
| “C” Outside to Flange”D” | 3-7/8 in | 98 mm | 4-15/16 in | 125 mm |
| “D” C Flange to Top | 4 in | 102 mm | 4-15/16 in | 125 mm |
| Trap Only Weight | 2 lb | 0.9 kg | 4 lb | 1.8 kg |
Capacities
Product Installation
Before installation, verify that the maximum allowable pressure/temperature and maximum operating pressure of the trap are sufficient to handle the system design pressure and temperature. This information can be found on the label located on the trap. Steam trap installation is critical from both a performance and maintenance aspect. Installation of the trap is simplified if you follow these guidelines.
- Before installing the trap, ensure the line is clean. Blow down the strainers ahead of the trap.
- Install the trap so that it is accessible for inspection and replacement, below the drip point and close to the vertical drip leg.
- The trap must be installed on a 2 bolt connector block (TVS-4000, IS2 or Standard Connector). Armstrong recommends the trap to be installed in a horizontal line. If the trap needs to be installed on a vertical line with a connector block, please make sure there is a strainer ahead of the trap with a blowdown valve. This will ensure no dirt or scale will enter the trap.
- Proper piping and drip legs of adequate size and diameter are essential for the successful operation of the Armstrong traps.
- Isolation valves are needed before and after traps. When starting a new trap, be sure to open the valve slowly.
WARNING
Due to the high temperatures of steam, trap surface will be hot. For personal safety, ensure proper precaution is taken while working near the steam trap.
Drip Leg Length Minimum
| Steam Main Size | Drip Leg Diameter | Supervised Warm-Up | Automatic Warm-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 in (13 mm) | 1/2 in (13 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 3/4 in (19 mm) | 3/4 in (19 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 1 in (25 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 2 in (51 mm) | 2 in (51 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 3 in (76 mm) | 3 in (76 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 4 in (102 mm) | 4 in (102 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 6 in (152 mm) | 4 in (102 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 8 in (203 mm) | 4 in (102 mm) | 12 in (305 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 10 in (254 mm) | 6 in (152 mm) | 15 in (381 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 12 in (305 mm) | 6 in (152 mm) | 18 in (457 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 14 in (356 mm) | 8 in (203 mm) | 21 in (533 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 16 in (406 mm) | 8 in (203 mm) | 24 in (607 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 18 in (457 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 27 in (686 mm) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| 20 in (508 mm) | 10 in (254 mm) | 30 in (762 mm) | 30 in (762 mm) |
| 24 in (610 mm) | 12 in (305 mm) | 36 in (914 mm) | 36 in (914 mm) |
Note: Drip leg same as the header diameter up to 4’’ (102 mm). Above 4’’ (102 mm), 1/2 header size, but never less than 4’’ (102 mm).
Installing Connector Blocks
Standard
The Standard connector block should be installed in piping with the flow direction stamp pointing in the correct direction as indicated on the connector block.
TIP
Armstrong strongly recommends adding an upstream strainer before the trap and isolation valves upstream and downstream of the trap.
IS2
The IS2 connector block should be installed in piping with the flow direction stamp pointing in the correct direction as indicated on the connector block.
TIP
Armstrong strongly recommends isolation valves upstream and downstream of the trap.
TVS-4000
The TVS-4000/TVS-4000F connector block should be installed in piping with the flow direction stamp pointing in the correct direction as indicated on the connector block.
Note: The TVS-4000 has integral strainer and isolation valves.
Installing the Steam Trap on Connector Block
Important: Even though the connector block can be installed in any direction, FF-4000 Series steam traps need to be installed in the vertical position (up right). The flange of the steam trap rotates 360 degrees to allow the trap to be installed this way regardless of the installation of the connector block.
- The trap will need to be bolted to the connector block after the connector block has been installed.
- When installing the trap to the connector block, apply 35-50 ft-lbs of torque to the bolts using a 9/16” wrench. Allow 2.5” clearance for bolt installation and removal.
- When starting up a system, be sure to open the valve slowly.
Maintenance Requirements
When the steam trap is suspected of malfunctioning, it can be checked by observing the discharge of the trap. Normal trap operation would be indicated by:
- Trap discharging condensate continuously
- Trap discharge in cycles (on-off)
All discharges are accompanied by large amounts of flash steam. Do not confuse the discharge of flash steam with live steam loss. If the trap blows live steam, isolate the trap and replace.
Troubleshooting
Whenever a steam trap fails to operate and the reason is not readily apparent, the discharge from the trap should be observed. If the trap is installed with a test outlet or discharges to atmosphere, this will be a simple matter - otherwise, it will be necessary to break the discharge connection.
1. Cold Trap - No Discharge No condensate or steam coming to trap.
- a) Stopped or plugged strainer ahead of trap.
- b) Broken valve in line to trap.
- c) Pipe line or elbows plugged.
- d) Pressure reducing valve out of order.
- e) Isolation valves are off/closed
2. Steam Loss If the trap leaks or blows live steam, trouble may be due to any of the following causes:
- a) Ball float may fail to seat
- b) Piece of scale lodged in orifice
- c) Worn seating surface
- d) Damaged float
Imaginary Troubles: If it appears that steam escapes every time trap discharges, remember: Hot condensate forms flash steam when released to lower pressure, but usually condenses quickly in the return line.
If the trap is found defective:
- Isolate the trap
- Blow down/bleed off the internal pressure
- With the connector block in line, remove the two bolts that hold the trap to the connector block using a 9/16” wrench.
- Remove the trap from the connector block
- Replace the failed trap with a working trap
Repair Parts
FF-4000 Series is a sealed trap and is non-repairable. If the trap fails, a new one will need to be installed.
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