TLV SH6NL is an inline repairable cast steel free float steam trap with tight shut-off, designed for the drainage of superheated or high-pressure steam mains and turbines. It features a thermostatic air vent and a three-point seating design to ensure a steam-tight seal even under no-load conditions.

Note on Product Family

While this page focuses on the SH6NL model, the provided maintenance and troubleshooting instructions also apply to the broader SH series (SH3NL, SH5NL, SH5NH, SH6NH, SH5VL) as detailed in the shared instruction manual.

Features

1. Self-modulating free float provides continuous, smooth, low velocity condensate discharge as loads vary.
2. Precision-ground float, constant water seal and three-point seating design ensure a steam tight seal, even under no-load conditions.
3. Only one moving part, the free float, prevents concentrated wear and provides long maintenance-free service life.
4. Thermostatic air venting with bimetal strip allows fast start-up.
5. High rating against hydraulic shock offers excellent resistance of the float to water hammer.
6. Built-in screen with large surface area ensures extended trouble-free operation.
7. Easy, inline access to internal parts simplifies cleaning and reduces maintenance costs.

Specifications

Model	SH6NL
Connection	Socket Welded, Flanged
Size	DN 25, 40, 50
Orifice No.	14, 32, 46, 65
Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO)	14, 32, 46, 65 barg
Maximum Differential Pressure (ΔPMX)	14, 32, 46, 65 bar
Maximum Operating Temperature (TMO)	425 °C (Socket Welded) / 400* / 425 °C (Flanged)

PRESSURE SHELL DESIGN CONDITIONS (NOT OPERATING CONDITIONS):

• Maximum Allowable Pressure (PMA): 65 barg
• Maximum Allowable Temperature (TMA): 400* / 425 °C * With PN Flange

WARNING

To avoid abnormal operation, accidents or serious injury, DO NOT use this product outside of the specification range. Local regulations may restrict the use of this product to below the conditions quoted.

Materials

No.	Description	Material	DIN*	ASTM/AISI*
1	Body	Cast Steel A216 Gr.WCB	1.0619	—
2	Cover	Cast Steel A216 Gr.WCB	1.0619	—
3F	Float	Stainless Steel SUS316L	1.4404	AISI316L
4R	Orifice	—	—	—
5MR	Orifice Gasket	Graphite/Stainl. Steel SUS316L	-/1.4404	-/AISI316L
6R	Air Vent Strip	Bimetal	—	—
7R	Screw & Spring Washer	Stainless Steel SUS304	1.4301	AISI304
8MR	Cover Gasket	Graphite/Stainl. Steel SUS316L	-/1.4404	-/AISI316L
9	Cover Bolt	Alloy Steel SNB7	1.7225	A193 Gr.B7
10	Cover Nut	Carbon Steel S45C	1.0503	AISI1045
11R	Screen	Stainless Steel SUS430	1.4016	AISI430
12	Screen Holder	Cast Stainless Steel A351 Gr.CF8	1.4312	—
13MR	Screen Holder Gasket	Soft Iron SUYP	1.1121	AISI1010
14	Orifice Plug	Cast Stainless Steel A351 Gr.CF8	1.4312	—
15MR	Orifice Plug Gasket	Soft Iron SUYP	1.1121	AISI1010
16	Socket**	Carbon Steel A105	1.0460	—
17	Flange***	Carbon Steel A105/Cast Steel A216 Gr.WCB	1.0460/1.0619	—
18	Nameplate	Stainless Steel SUS304	1.4301	AISI304

* Equivalent materials. *** Material depends on flange specifications. Replacement kits available: (M) maintenance parts, (R) repair parts, (F) float.

Dimensions

Socket Welded

Size	L	H1*	W*	φB	φD	φC	h	Weight (kg)
25	178	185	260	180	48	33.9	14	21
40	178	185	260	180	64	48.8	14	22
50	178	185	260	180	76.5	61.2	17	23

* ASME B16.11-2005, other standards available. ** Approx.

Flanged

DN	L (DIN PN25/40)	L (DIN PN63/100)	L (ASME 150, 300, 600RF)	L (ASME 900RF)	H1*	W*	φB	Weight** (kg)
25	160	230	222	232	185	260	180	26
40	230	320	270	270	185	260	180	30
50	230	320	232	310	185	260	180	38

Other standards available, but length and weight may vary. * Approx. ** Weight is for ASME Class 900 RF.

Discharge Capacity

1. Line numbers within the graph refer to orifice numbers.
2. Differential pressure is the difference between the inlet and outlet pressure of the trap.
3. Capacities are based on continuous discharge of condensate 6 ℃ below steam temperature.
4. Recommended safety factor: at least 1.5.

Configuration

No.	Description	No.	Description
1	Body	10	Cover Nut
2	Cover	11	Screen
3	Float	12	Screen Holder
4	Orifice	13	Screen Holder Gasket
5	Orifice Gasket	14	Flange / Socket
6	Air Vent Strip	15	Nameplate
7	Screw with Spring Washer	16	Orifice Plug
8	Cover Gasket	17	Orifice Plug Gasket
9	Cover Bolt	18	UP-Sticker (SH5VL)

Proper Installation

DANGER

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

• Installation, inspection, maintenance, repairs, disassembly, adjustment and valve opening/closing should be carried out only by trained maintenance personnel.
• Take measures to prevent people from coming into direct contact with product outlets.
• Use hoisting equipment for heavy objects.
• 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. 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.
3. Before installing the trap, blow out the inlet piping to remove all dirt and oil.
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. Support the pipes properly within 0.8 meters (2.5 ft.) on either side of the trap.
6. Install a bypass valve to discharge condensate, and inlet and outlet valves to isolate the trap in the event of trap failure or when performing maintenance.
7. Install a check valve at the trap outlet whenever more than one trap is connected to the condensate collection pipeline.
8. TLV recommends unions to facilitate connection and disconnection of the screwed version.

Allowable Inclination

The face of the screen holder perpendicular to the ground, and the inlet and outlet horizontal to the ground.

IMPORTANT! (For screwed connection)

To prevent rotation due to vibration secure trap in position by supporting the body at the point marked ▲.

Piping Arrangement

Requirement	Correct	Incorrect
Install a catchpot with the proper diameter.	Correct diameter	Diameter is too small.
Make sure the flow of condensate is not obstructed.	Unobstructed flow	Diameter is too small and inlet protrudes into pipe.
To prevent rust and scale from flowing into the trap, connect the inlet pipe 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 in) above the base of the T - pipe.	Connected above base	Rust and scale flow into the trap with the condensate.
When installing on the blind end, make sure nothing obstructs the flow of condensate.	Unobstructed flow	Condensate collects in the pipe.

Inspection and Maintenance

Operational inspections should be performed at least twice per year, or as called for by trap operating conditions. Steam trap failure may result in a temperature drop in the equipment, poor product quality or losses due to steam leakage.

Parts Inspection Procedure

Part	Inspection Item
Body, Cover	Check inside for damage, dirt, grease, oil film, rust or scale
Gaskets	Check for warping or damage
Air Vent Strip	Check for damage
Screen	Check for clogging, corrosion or damage
Float	Check for deformation, damage, oil film or water inside
Orifice	Check for rust, scale, oil film, wear or damage

Tightening Torque and Distance Across Flats (SH Series)

Model	Cover Nut (N·m / mm)	Orifice (N·m / mm)	Orifice Plug (N·m / mm)	Screen Holder (N·m / mm)	Screw (N·m / mm)
SH3NL	60 / 17	60 / 17	200 / 38	200 / 38	0.3 / +
SH5NL	120 / 22	80 / 19	200 / 38	200 / 38	0.3 / +
SH6NL	130 / 22	200 / 30	400 / 50	200 / 38	0.3 / +
SH5NH	150 / 22	100 / 21	200 / 38	200 / 38	0.3 / +
SH6NH	370 / 30	220 / 30	400 / 50	200 / 38	0.3 / +
SH5VL	120 / 22	80 / 19	300 / 38	200 / 38	0.3 / +

Operational Check

A visual inspection can be carried out to aid in determining the necessity for immediate maintenance or repair, if the trap is open to atmosphere. If the trap does not discharge to atmosphere, use diagnostic equipment such as TLV TrapMan.

Status	Description
Normal	Condensate is discharged continuously with flash steam and the sound of flow can be heard. If there is very little condensate, there is almost no sound of flow.
Blocked	No condensate is discharged. The trap is quiet and makes no noise, and the surface temperature of the trap is low.
Blowing	Live steam continually flows from the outlet and there is a continuous metallic sound.
Steam Leakage	Live steam is discharged through the trap outlet together with the condensate and there is a high-pitched sound.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Remedy
No condensate is discharged (blocked) or discharge is poor	Float is damaged or filled with condensate	Replace with new float
	The float is sticking to the orifice	Clean
	Orifice, screen or piping is clogged with rust or scale	Clean
	Steam locking has occurred	Blowdown through the bypass or close the trap inlet valve and allow the trap to cool
	Flow exceeds trap's rated capacity	Check specifications and reselect trap suitable for actual flow
	The trap operating pressure exceeds the maximum specified pressure, or there is insufficient differential pressure	Compare specifications and actual operating conditions
Steam is discharged or leaks from the trap outlet (blowing)	Rust and scale have accumulated around the orifice or under the float	Clean
	Scratches on the orifice	Replace with a new orifice
	Float is deformed or coated with scale	Clean or replace the float
	Trap is installed above the maximum allowable inclination angle	Correct the installation
	Vibration of trap occurs	Lengthen inlet piping, then fasten it securely
	The air vent strip is damaged	Replace with a new air vent strip
Steam leaks from a place other than the trap outlet	Deterioration of or damage to gaskets	Replace with new gaskets
	Improper tightening torque on cover nuts was used	Tighten to the proper torque
Float is frequently damaged	Water hammer occurs	Examine the piping for problems that can cause water hammer