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Free FloatThermostatic Air VentingUp to 32 bargInline Repairable

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX Free Float Steam Trap

TLV SJH3NX and SJH3VX free float steam traps with three-point seating and thermostatic air venting. Suitable for small to medium high-pressure process equipment up to 32 barg.

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX Free Float Steam Trap

TLV SJH3NX and SJH3VX are reliable and durable free float steam traps with tight shut-off for use on small to medium high-pressure process equipment. They feature a self-modulating free float that provides continuous, smooth, low-velocity condensate discharge as process loads vary. The precision-ground float, constant water seal, and three-point seating design ensure a steam-tight seal, even under no-load conditions. A thermostatic capsule (X-element) with a "fail open" feature vents air automatically until close-to-steam temperature. The built-in screen with a large surface area ensures extended trouble-free operation, and easy inline access to internal parts simplifies cleaning and reduces maintenance costs. Models are available for horizontal (SJH3NX) or vertical (SJH3VX) piping installation.

Specifications

ModelSJH3NXSJH3VX
InstallationHorizontalVertical
ConnectionFlangedFlanged
SizeDN 15DN 15
Orifice No.5, 10, 14, 22, 325, 10, 14, 22, 32
Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO)5, 10, 14, 22, 32 barg5, 10, 14, 22, 32 barg
Maximum Differential Pressure (ΔPMX)5, 10, 14, 22, 32 bar5, 10, 14, 22, 32 bar
Maximum Operating Temperature (TMO)240 °C240 °C
Subcooling of X-element Fillup to 6 °Cup to 6 °C
Type of X-elementC6C6

WARNING

Maximum allowable pressure (PMA) is 40 barg and maximum allowable temperature (TMA) is 400 °C. These are PRESSURE SHELL DESIGN CONDITIONS, NOT OPERATING CONDITIONS. Minimum Allowable Temperature is 0 °C (WCB) or -40 °C (CF8).

Dimensions

SJH3NX Flanged

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX TLV SJH3NX flanged dimensions

DNL (DIN 2501 PN25/40)H1*W*B*Weight (kg)
15150 mm160 mm190 mm95 mm6.7

* Approx.

SJH3VX Flanged

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX TLV SJH3VX flanged dimensions

DNL (DIN 2501 PN25/40)W1*B1*Weight (kg)
15150 mm165 mm70 mm5.6

* Approx.

Discharge Capacity

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX discharge capacity chart

  1. Line numbers within the graph are 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 °C below saturated steam temperature.
  4. Recommended safety factor: at least 1.5.

Configuration

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX configuration diagram

No.DescriptionNo.Description
1Body12Screen Holder
2Cover13Main Screen
3Float14X-element Cover Gasket
4Orifice15X-element Cover
5Orifice Gasket16Spring Clip
6Orifice Plug Gasket (SJH3NX only)17Air Vent (X-element)
7Orifice Plug (SJH3NX only)18Air Vent Valve Seat
8Cover Gasket19X-element Guide
9Cover Bolt20Air Vent Screen
10Cover Nut21Nameplate
11Screen Holder Gasket

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.

  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 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 a few bends as possible.
  4. 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.
  5. When completing the piping, support the pipes properly within 800 mm (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 the condensate discharge pipe leads to a tank or recovery line, or whenever the condensate collection pipeline is connected with more than one trap.

Maximum Allowable Inclination

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX maximum allowable inclination

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 or TLV Pocket TrapMan.

StatusDescription
NormalCondensate 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.
BlockedNo condensate is discharged. The trap is quiet and makes no noise, and the surface temperature of the trap is low.
BlowingLive steam continually flows from the outlet and there is a continuous metallic sound.
Steam LeakageLive steam is discharged through the trap outlet together with the condensate and there is a high-pitched sound.

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX operational check visual guide

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 temperature drop in the equipment, poor product quality or losses due to steam leakage.

Parts Inspection Procedure

PartInspection
Body, Cover(s)Check inside for damage, dirt, grease, oil film, rust or scale
GasketsCheck for warping or damage
X-elementCheck for damage
Screen(s)Check for clogging, corrosion or damage
FloatCheck for deformation, damage, oil film or water inside
Air Vent Valve Seat, OrificeCheck for rust, scale, oil film, wear or damage

Tightening Torque and Distance Across Flats

PartTorque (N·m)Distance Across Flats (mm)
Cover Nut6017
Orifice7017
X-element Cover14032
Screen Holder14024
Air Vent Valve Seat3519
Orifice Plug (SJH3NX only)20038

Note: Coat all threads with anti-seize.

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 or scaleClean
X-element is damagedReplace the X-element
The trap operating pressure exceeds the maximum specified pressure, or there is insufficient pressure differential between the trap inlet and outletCompare specifications and actual operating conditions
Steam-locking has occurredBlow down through the bypass or close the trap inlet valve and allow the trap to cool
Steam is discharged or leaks from the trap outlet (blowing) (steam leakage)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
Vibration of trap occursLengthen inlet piping, then fasten it securely
The X-element or air vent valve seat is damaged, or clogged with rust or scaleClean or replace the X-element or air vent valve seat
Steam leaks from a place other than the trap outletDeterioration of or damage to gasketsReplace the gaskets
Improper tightening torque for cover was usedTighten to the proper torque
Float is frequently damagedWater hammer occursExamine the piping for problems that can cause water hammer

Option (Integral Plate-type Bimetal Air Vent Unit)

SJH3NB Configuration

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX TLV SJH3NB bimetal option configuration

SJH3VB Configuration

TLV SJH3NX / SJH3VX TLV SJH3VB bimetal option configuration

Table of Tightening Torques (Bimetal Section)

PartTorque (N·m)Distance Across Flats (mm)
Element Cover14032
Air Vent Valve Seat3519