Bimetallic steam traps
Overview
Bimetallic steam traps discharge condensate below saturation temperature, allowing some sensible heat in the condensate to be recovered. This makes them well suited to duties where subcooling is acceptable or beneficial. They are among the most robust thermostatic steam trap designs and withstand waterhammer and corrosive condensate well. The range covers a broad span of pressures and loads, offers good air venting, reduces flash steam losses and uses dedicated bimetallic element designs to suit different capacities. They are commonly considered where durability and condensate cooling are more valuable than immediate continuous drainage at steam temperature. They are also relevant in higher-pressure duties where a tougher thermostatic mechanism is preferred over lighter-duty alternatives.
Related sub-cooled-discharge routes
Bimetallic traps are usually chosen where rugged thermostatic performance and sub-cooled discharge matter most. If the application instead depends on stronger air venting and pressure-responsive behaviour, compare balanced pressure steam traps. Where the project needs a fixed preset discharge point, compare fixed temperature discharge steam traps.
For the full steam-trap family view, return to steam traps.
Continue your bimetallic trap selection
Bimetallic steam traps are usually chosen when the application benefits from sub-cooling and the user wants a more rugged thermostatic design.
Compare the wider trap portfolio
Return to the wider steam traps range when you need to compare bimetallic traps with balanced pressure, thermodynamic or mechanical trap families.
Compare thermostatic trap behaviour
Use balanced pressure traps when strong air venting and pressure-responsive thermostatic behaviour matter more than the rugged bimetallic format.
Check application fit before final selection
Review trap selection guidance when the main question is whether sub-cooling is acceptable for the duty before choosing the trap family.