Spirax Sarco UFT32 Sealed Ball Float Steam Trap

UFT32

Spirax Sarco UFT32 Sealed Ball Float Steam Trap

The Spirax Sarco UFT32 is a sealed stainless-steel ball float steam trap with integral automatic air venting and a connector-mounted design for differential steam pressures up to 32 bar.

The Spirax Sarco UFT32 is a sealed, maintenance-free austenitic stainless-steel ball float steam trap with an integral automatic air vent. Designed for differential steam pressures up to 32 bar, it combines continuous condensate drainage with a connector-mounted format that can shorten trap replacement time.

For engineers comparing a Spirax Sarco UFT32 steam trap with conventional in-line traps, the principal difference is its replaceable connector-mounted unit: the pipeline connector remains installed while the complete sealed trap is removed for replacement.

Why select the UFT32 steam trap?

  • Ball float operation continuously discharges condensate as it forms, supporting stable heat-transfer duties.

  • The integral automatic air vent assists air removal during start-up and normal operation.

  • The sealed stainless-steel unit avoids internal overhaul; replacement is by complete trap unit.

  • A compatible universal pipeline connector allows the trap to be removed without cutting into the pipeline, helping reduce system downtime.

Use this model within a verified ball float steam trap application. Where maintenance standardisation is the priority, review the compatible swivel connectors and traps route as part of the installation design.

Spirax Sarco UFT32 internal ball float and automatic air vent construction
UFT32 internal construction showing the stainless-steel ball float, lever and automatic air vent assembly. Source: Spirax Sarco TI-P146-05.

Spirax Sarco UFT32 selection boundaries

UFT32 is available in 4.5, 10, 14, 21 and 32 bar maximum differential-pressure ratings. The selected rating must suit the actual differential pressure; connector end connection, isolation arrangement and station configuration are selected separately. The product technical information states a maximum operating pressure of 32 bar g for saturated steam and a maximum operating temperature of 286°C at 29 bar g.

Before ordering, confirm the UFT32 pressure rating, compatible connector, process pressure and temperature, condensate load, connection standard and any EN 10204 3.1 certification requirement.

Spirax Sarco UFT32 technical information — TI-P146-05

Product description and standards

The UFT32 is an austenitic stainless-steel, sealed ball float steam trap with integral automatic air venting. The body-to-cover welded joint complies with ASME Section IX and BS/EN 288. The product complies with the European Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU and is available with EN 10204 3.1 certification when requested at order.

Compatible pipeline connector options

Connector

Configuration

Reference

PC10HP

Straight connector, ASME 600

TI-P128-10

PC20

Straight connector with Y-type strainer, ASME 300

TI-P128-15

IPC21

Y-type strainer and integral Spiratec sensor, ASME 300

TI-P128-15

PC3_

One piston isolation valve, ASME 600

TI-P128-02

PC4_

Two piston isolation valves, ASME 600

TI-P128-03

STS17.2

Steam trap station

TI-P128-22

UFT32 fitted to PC10, PC3 and PC4 pipeline connectors
Examples of the UFT32 fitted to PC10, PC3_ and PC4_ connector configurations. Connector selection determines the complete assembly and end connections.

Pressure and temperature limits

Body design condition

PN50 (ASME 300)

Maximum allowable pressure

50 bar g at 38°C

Maximum allowable temperature

400°C at 28 bar g

Maximum operating pressure, saturated steam

32 bar g

Maximum operating temperature

286°C at 29 bar g

Minimum operating temperature

0°C; consult Spirax Sarco for lower temperatures

Cold hydraulic test pressure

50 bar g

UFT32 pressure and temperature operating limits chart
UFT32 pressure and temperature envelope. The connector and end connection can impose a lower limit on the complete assembly.

Rating

Maximum differential pressure

UFT32-4.5

4.5 bar

UFT32-10

10 bar

UFT32-14

14 bar

UFT32-21

21 bar

UFT32-32

32 bar

UFT32 condensate discharge capacity chart by differential pressure rating
Hot-condensate discharge capacities for the five UFT32 differential-pressure ratings. Use the original TI-P146-05 chart for project sizing.

Principal materials and dimensions

Part

Material

Standard

Body

Austenitic stainless steel 304

EN 10213-4 1.4308 / ASTM A351 CF8

Cover

Austenitic stainless steel 304

EN 10028-7 1.4301 / ASTM A240 Gr. 304

Ball float and lever

Stainless steel

EN 10088-2 1.4301

Inlet and outlet gaskets

Graphite/stainless-steel laminate

Approximate overall dimensions are A 168.5 mm, B 94 mm and C 47 mm; approximate mass is 2.02 kg.

Ordering and maintenance model

Specify the required differential-pressure rating and order a suitable pipeline connector or STS17.2 station separately. The UFT32 is a sealed, non-maintainable trap unit. No internal spares are available; service items are the connector screws and the complete trap unit supplied with gaskets and connector screws.

Installation and Maintenance Guide — IM-P146-01 CMGT Issue 5

Safety information

Safe operation depends on correct installation, commissioning, use and maintenance by qualified personnel in accordance with the operating instructions. Before work begins, assess access, lighting, pipeline contents, surrounding hazards and the effect of isolation on the complete system. Isolate pressure, vent safely to atmosphere and allow temperature to normalise. Do not assume a system is depressurised only because a gauge reads zero.

Confirm product suitability from the nameplate, technical information and operating limits. Check materials, pressure, temperature, installation position and flow direction. Protect non-self-draining equipment from freezing, use appropriate protective equipment and genuine replacement parts, and follow local permit-to-work and disposal requirements.

Installation

  1. Verify that the selected UFT32 rating and connector are suitable for the service conditions.

  2. Remove protective covers and ensure connector gasket faces are clean and undamaged.

  3. Install the pipeline connector in its permitted orientation and flow direction according to its own instructions.

  4. Fit the UFT32 with the supplied inner and outer gaskets and connector screws. Tighten connector screws evenly to the documented torque.

  5. Provide safe isolation and depressurisation arrangements. Open isolation valves gradually to avoid system shock.

Commissioning and operation

After installation or maintenance, verify that the system operates correctly and that safety devices remain effective. During operation, the float mechanism discharges condensate as it forms while the thermostatic air vent assists air removal, particularly during start-up.

Maintenance and replacement

The UFT32 is a sealed unit and is not intended for internal repair. Before removal, isolate the trap, vent pressure, allow it to cool and account for residual condensate. Replace the complete trap unit and its gaskets when service is required. Inspect connector faces and use the correct replacement screws and gaskets; recommission gradually and check for leakage.

UFT32 complete trap unit replacement with connector screws and gaskets
Complete UFT32 trap-unit replacement arrangement. New connector screws and gaskets are supplied with the replacement unit.

Available service items

Item

Supply form

Connector screws

Set of two

Complete UFT32 trap unit

Trap, inner and outer gaskets, and connector screws

Always identify the model and pressure rating when ordering a replacement unit or service items.

Technical documentation

DocumentReferenceLanguageDownload
uft32TI-P146-05-ENEnglishDownload

Installation and maintenance

DocumentReferenceLanguageDownload
uft32IM-P146-01-ENEnglishDownload

Talk to our technical team

Contact Spirax Sarco for product selection, documentation or replacement guidance.