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Stainless SteelBuilt-in BypassX-element Air VentFree Float

TLV J3S-X-BV Free Float Steam Trap with Bypass Blowdown

TLV J3S-X-BV stainless steel free float steam trap with built-in bypass blowdown ball valve and X-element air vent. Max operating pressure 1.0 MPaG, max temp 185°C.

TLV J3S-X-BV Free Float Steam Trap with Bypass Blowdown

The TLV J3S-X-BV is a reliable and durable stainless steel free float steam trap that includes a built-in bypass valve to facilitate the discharge of large quantities of condensate produced at start-up by process equipment, heaters, air conditioners, and tank heating. The tight-sealing manually operated ball valve incorporated into the cover can be used for bypass blowdown to significantly reduce start-up times.

This revolutionary design employs a high-performance thermostatic capsule (X-element) as an air vent with a "fail open" feature that vents air automatically until close-to-steam temperature. The self-modulating precision-ground free float provides continuous, smooth, low-velocity condensate discharge as process loads vary, ensuring a steam-tight seal even under no-load conditions.

TLV J3S-X-BV free float steam trap with bypass blowdown

Operation

1. Initial Air and Cold Condensate Discharge At startup, before steam is supplied, the trap is cold so the X-element is contracted and the air vent valve seat is open. This allows for the rapid discharge of air through the air vent valve and cold condensate through the orifice. Initial air/condensate can be discharged rapidly using the bypass blowdown valve as necessary.

TLV J3S-X-BV initial air and cold condensate discharge

2. Condensate Discharge After the discharge of initial air and cold condensate (bypass blowdown valve closed), the heat of the inflowing steam and condensate causes the X-element to expand, closing the air vent valve. The rising condensate level causes the float to rise due to buoyancy, opening the orifice and allowing condensate to be discharged.

TLV J3S-X-BV condensate discharge

3. Hot Air Discharge Should hot air flow into the trap with the steam during normal operation, the temperature of the X-element drops, causing it to momentarily contract and open the air vent valve, which allows for the rapid discharge of the air. After the air is discharged and steam contacts the X-element, the temperature will increase causing the air vent valve to close.

TLV J3S-X-BV hot air discharge

4. Closed Position When the condensate flow rate decreases, the float falls as condensate is discharged, closing off the orifice. A water seal is maintained at all times over the orifice to prevent steam loss. The high steam temperature causes the X-element to expand, keeping the air vent closed.

TLV J3S-X-BV closed position

Specifications

ModelJ3S-X-BV
ConnectionScrewed, Flanged
Size1/2", 3/4", 1" (DN 15, 20, 25)
Orifice No.2, 5, 10
Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO)0.2, 0.5, 1.0 MPaG (2, 5, 10 barg)
Maximum Differential Pressure (ΔPMX)0.2, 0.5, 1.0 MPa (2, 5, 10 bar)
Maximum Operating Temperature (TMO)185 °C
Subcooling of X-element FillUp to 6 °C
Type of X-elementC6

PRESSURE SHELL DESIGN CONDITIONS

Maximum Allowable Pressure (PMA): 10 barg (1.0 MPaG) Maximum Allowable Temperature (TMA): 185 °C These are design conditions, NOT operating conditions. Do not use this product outside the recommended operating pressure, temperature, and other specification ranges.

Actuator Options

In addition to the manual J3S-X-BV, the series includes automated bypass models:

  • J3S-X-MB (Motor Unit): Features a reversible motor (condenser run type single-phase induction motor) with ON-OFF control. Power consumption is 52 VA (100-110 V) or 62 VA (200-220 V). Open/close time is approximately 3.5 seconds (50 Hz). Rainproof water resistance.
  • J3S-X-PB (Actuator Unit): Features a vane rotary pneumatic actuator. Air supply pressure is 0.3 - 1.0 MPaG (45 - 150 psig). Open/close time is 0.09 - 0.8 seconds. Rainproof water resistance.

Configuration and Materials

TLV J3S-X-BV configuration and components

DescriptionMaterialASTM/AISI
BodyCast Stainless SteelA351/A351M Gr.CF8
CoverCast Stainless SteelA351/A351M Gr.CF8
FloatStainless SteelAISI316L
Orifice PlugCast Stainless SteelA351/A351M Gr.CF8
Screen inside/outsideStainless SteelAISI430/304
Cover GasketFluorine ResinPTFE
X-elementStainless Steel-
Air Vent Valve SeatStainless SteelAISI420F
BallStainless SteelAISI304
Inlet/Outlet Valve SeatFluorine Resin w/ GraphitePTFE
O-RingFluorine RubberD2000HK
Gland PackingFluorine Resin w/ CarbonPTFE

Dimensions

J3S-X-BV Screwed

TLV J3S-X-BV screwed connection dimensions

SizeL (mm)H (mm)H1 (mm)W (mm)W1 (mm)Weight (kg)
1/2"12018310589.5903.0
3/4"19018310589.5903.5
1"20018310589.5903.7

J3S-X-BV Flanged

TLV J3S-X-BV flanged connection dimensions

DNL (DIN PN16)L (ASME 150RF)L (ASME 300RF)H (mm)H1 (mm)W1 (mm)Weight (kg)
15170175175183105904.0
20170195195183105904.4
25180215219183105905.7

Bypass Valve Usage

The built-in bypass valve cannot be used as a stop valve for the inlet and outlet of the product. It is recommended that a separate stop valve be installed at the inlet and outlet for maintenance purposes.

Capacities

Discharge Capacity (Steam Trap)

TLV J3S-X-BV steam trap discharge capacity chart

  • Line numbers within the graph are orifice numbers.
  • Differential pressure is the difference between the inlet and outlet pressure of the trap.
  • Recommended safety factor: at least 1.5.

Bypass Capacity (Ball Valve)

TLV J3S-X-BV bypass ball valve capacity chart

  • Capacities are based on continuous discharge of water at room temperature (Aperture: fully open) and are applicable for temperatures below 100°C.
  • Capacities are the values for the bypass valve (ball valve). X-element values are not included.

Valve Operation

Operate the bypass valve (ball valve) in only the fully open or fully closed positions. Operation in an intermediate position will damage the valve seat and may lead to leaking of the valve.