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Max Pressure: 16 bargMax Temp: 100 °CFree Float

TLV JA3 Free Float Air Trap, 16 barg

TLV JA3 and JAF3 free float air traps for compressed air systems. Features ductile cast iron body, 16 barg max operating pressure, and tight shut-off.

TLV JA3 Free Float Air Trap, 16 barg

TLV JA3 and JAF3 are light free float air traps designed for pipe-end installation to automatically drain condensate and oil from compressed air systems. The JA3 features a screwed connection and ductile cast iron body, while the JAF3 features a flanged connection. Both models utilize a self-modulating free float that provides soft, continuous, and smooth, low-velocity discharge as process loads vary, ensuring a perfect air-tight seal even under low-load conditions.

Features

  1. Self-modulating free float provides soft, continuous, and smooth, low velocity discharge as process loads vary.
  2. Perfect air-tight seal, even under low-load conditions.
  3. Only one moving part, the free float, prevents concentrated wear and provides long maintenance-free service life.
  4. Built-in screen with large surface area ensures trouble-free service.
  5. Manual blow down device allows cleaning of the valve seat from outside during operation.
  6. Major internal parts made of stainless steel.

Specifications

ModelJA3JAF3
ConnectionScrewedFlanged
SizeDN 15 to DN 25DN 15 to DN 25
Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO)16 barg16 barg
Maximum Differential Pressure (ΔPMO)16 bar16 bar
Maximum Operating Temperature (TMO)100 °C100 °C
Applicable FluidAirAir

WARNING

Local regulations may restrict the use of this product to below the conditions quoted. Do not use for toxic, flammable or otherwise hazardous fluids.

Configuration and Materials

TLV JA3 configuration and cross section diagram

No.DescriptionMaterialDINASTM/AISI
1Body (JA3)Ductile Cast Iron GGG40.30.7043A395 Gr.60-40-18
1Body (JAF3)Cast Iron-A842 Gr.400
2CoverDuctile Cast Iron FCD4500.7040A536
3FloatStainless Steel SUS316L1.4404AISI316L
4Holder Nut GasketFluorine Resin PTFEPTFEPTFE
5Valve Seat Holder O-RingNitrile Rubber NBRNBRD2000BF
6Valve SeatNitrile Rubber NBRNBRD2000BF
8Valve Seat Holder NutStainless Steel SUS420F1.4028AISI420F
12ScreenStainless Steel SUS4301.4016AISI430
14Cleaning NeedleStainless Steel SUS420F1.4028AISI420F
18PlungerStainless Steel SUS420F1.4028AISI420F
20Valve Seat HolderStainless Steel SUS420F1.4028AISI420F

Dimensions

TLV JA3 screwed connection dimensions

JA3 Screwed

SizeL (mm)H (mm)H1 (mm)W (mm)Weight (kg)
1/2"12013075802.7
3/4"12013073802.8
1"13713075803.0

INFO

A pressure-balancing line must be connected to the air system from the balancing port at the top of the trap to a place above any possible condensate accumulation in the system.

Discharge Capacity

TLV JA3 discharge capacity chart

  1. Differential pressure is the difference between the inlet and outlet pressure of the trap.
  2. The chart is applicable to condensate below 100 °C.
  3. The discharge capacity is for a liquid with specific gravity of 1.
  4. Recommended safety factor: at least 1.5.

Proper Installation

  • Installation, inspection, maintenance, repairs, disassembly, adjustment and valve opening/closing should be done only by trained maintenance personnel.
  • Install for use under conditions in which no freeze-up will occur.
  • Install for use under conditions in which no water hammer will occur.
  1. Before installation, be sure to remove all protective seals.
  2. Before installing the trap, blow out the inlet piping to remove all dirt and oil.
  3. Install a bypass valve to discharge condensate, and inlet and outlet valves to isolate the trap in the event of trap failure or maintenance.
  4. Install the trap in the lowest part of the pipeline or equipment so the condensate flows naturally downward into the trap by gravity. The inlet pipe should be as short and have as few bends as possible.
  5. Install the trap within the allowable inclination, as shown below. Also make sure that the arrow mark on the body corresponds with the direction of flow.

TLV JA3 allowable installation inclination

Piping Arrangement

To ensure proper condensate flow into the trap, remove the balancing line plug and install a pressure-balancing line. Connect the end of the line to the air system at a place above any possible condensate accumulation.

TLV JA3 pressure-balancing line piping arrangement

Operational Check

A visual inspection can be done to help decide about necessary immediate maintenance or repair if the trap is open to atmosphere.

StatusDescription
NormalCondensate is discharged continuously and the sound of flow like that of water draining from a bathtub can be heard. With very little condensate, there is almost no sound of flow.
BlockedNo condensate is discharged. The trap is quiet and makes no noise. The surface temperature of the trap is low.
BlowingAir continually flows from the outlet and there is a continuous sound of a forceful stream against a surface.
Air LeakageAir is discharged through the trap outlet together with the condensate and there is a hissing sound.

If the trap shows signs of blockage, blowing or air leakage, perform manual blowdown by pushing the plunger in several times with a fingertip to allow dirt and oil to be discharged through the orifice.

Inspection and Maintenance

Periodic operational inspections should be performed at least biannually or at intervals according to use. Faulty air traps may result in losses due to air leakage.

DANGER

NEVER apply direct heat to the float. The float may explode due to increased internal pressure, causing accidents leading to serious injury or property and equipment damage.

Parts Inspection Procedure:

  • Body, Cover: Check inside for dirt, grease, oil film, rust or scale.
  • Gaskets: Check for warping or damage.
  • Screen: Check for clogging, corrosion or damage.
  • Float: Check for deformation, damage, oil film or water inside.
  • Valve Seat: Check for rust, scale, oil film, wear or damage.

Troubleshooting

ProblemCauseRemedy
No condensate is discharged (blocked) or discharge is poorFloat is damaged or filled with condensateReplace the float
Orifice, screen or piping is clogged with rust, scale or dirtClean
The trap operating pressure exceeds the maximum specified pressure, or there is insufficient differential pressureCompare specifications and actual operating conditions
Air binding occursCheck and correct balance pipe and inlet pipe arrangement
Air is discharged or leaks from the trap outlet (blowing)Orifice is clogged or rust and scale have accumulated under the floatClean
Orifice is damagedReplace the orifice
Float is deformed or coated with scaleClean or replace the float
Trap is installed above the maximum allowable inclination angleCorrect the installation