Spotlight on: Spirax Sarco BT6-B Steam Traps
Comprehensive Guide to Spirax Sarco BT6 Steam Traps
What is BT6-B Balanced Pressure Steam Trap?
The Spirax Sarco BT6-B series is a Sanitary Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Steam Trap designed to remove condensate from clean and pure steam applications with minimal condensate retention.
The BT6-B Steam Trap is intended for applications that include sterile steam barriers, block and bleed installations, mains drainage and CIP / SIP of vessels and reactors and process lines.
Made from 316L Stainless Steel, the body is designed specifically for sanitary applications to be crevice free with a 15 deg angled seat to ensure full drainage. Each trap is individually packaged in a ‘clean’ environment with protective end caps and sealed in a protective plastic bag.
Simply put, the Spirax Sarco BT6-B Balanced Pressure Steam Trap is a top choice for clean steam and sanitary applications.
How does the BT6 Steam Trap work?
The BT6 is a Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Steam Trap. Watch the video below for an animated overview of its operation.
Below is a more detailed description of the BT6 Steam Trap’s Operation as described in the Spirax Sarco BT6 Installation and Maintenance Instructions.
| Image | Description |
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The BT6-B Steam Trap contains a capsule with a thermosensitive liquid inside. This special liquid and water mixture has a boiling point just below that of water. In cold conditions, the capsule is relaxed - this means that valve is off its seat and is open, allowing for the unrestricted removal of air. |
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As the hot condensate enters the trap, the capsule expands causing the trap to close. As condensate passes through the balanced pressure steam trap, heat is transferred to the liquid in the capsule. The liquid vaporizes before steam reaches the trap. The vapor pressure within the capsule causes it to expand and the valve shuts. |
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As it cools, the capsule contracts and the trap opens, releasing the cooled condensate. Heat loss from the trap then cools the water surrounding the capsule, the vapor condenses and the capsule contracts, opening the valve releasing condensate until steam approaches again. |
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The cycle restarts with hot condensate closing the trap.
Note: The BT6-B operates very close to steam temperature, releasing condensate but retaining steam. |
What options are available for Spirax Sarco BT6-B Steam Trap specifications?
Spirax Sarco makes 2 models of the BT6-B Balanced Pressure Steam Trap:
- BT6-BH is the High Capacity version
- BT6-BL is the Low Capacity version
While the BT6-B Steam Trap is intended for vertical pipe installations, Spirax Sarco does make a version for Horizontal installation, available in size 1/2 in.
| Model | Connection | Size | Additional Notes | View Pricing and Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT6-BH | Sanitary Clamp | 1/2" | Spirax Sarco 1802951 | |
| BT6-BL | Sanitary Clamp | 1/2" | Spirax Sarco 1802955 | |
| BT6 | Sanitary Clamp | 1/2" | Horizontal Pipe Connection | Spirax Sarco 1800000H
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| BT6-BH | Tri-Clamp | 1/2" | EP 15 RA Notch Seat | Spirax Sarco 1802951N
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| BT6-BH | Sanitary Clamp | 3/4" | Spirax Sarco 1803051 | |
| BT6-BL | Sanitary Clamp | 3/4" | Spirax Sarco 1803055 | |
| BT6-BH | Tri-Clamp | 3/4" | EP 15 RA Notch Seat | Spirax Sarco 1803051N
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| BT6-BH | Sanitary Clamp | 1" | Spirax Sarco 1803151 | |
| BT6-BL | Sanitary Clamp | 1" | Spirax Sarco 1803155 | |
| BT6-BH | Sanitary Clamp | 1-1/2" | Spirax Sarco 1803251 | |
| BT6-BL | Sanitary Clamp | 1-1/2" | Spirax Sarco 1803255 |
For complete technical information, including Pressure and Temperature Limits, Nominal capacities, and more, download the Spirax Sarco BT6-B Sanitary Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Steam Trap Specification Sheet.
Are there BT6 Spare Parts available?
Yes, there are a variety of spare parts for BT6-B Traps. Please see the descriptions below to find the spare part or parts that meet your needs.
| Product image | Spare part or accessory description | Link to specs, pricing and availability |
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Spare Parts 3 and 5: Capsule element assembly. |
Element Assembly only, for use with 1/2, 3/4, and 1 in Spirax Sarco 1800080
Element Assembly with Gasket: Spirax Sarco 1802980 |
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Spare Part 5: Seal | Set of 3 gaskets for use with 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch BT6 models
Spirax Sarco 1800088
Set of 3 gaskets (Tuf-Steel®) for use with 1/2 to 1-1/2 inch BT6-BH and BT6-BL models Spirax Sarco 1802982 |
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Spare Parts 2 and 5: Body (outlet) including seat | BT6-BH 1/2 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1802983
BT6-BH 3/4 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1803083 BT6-BH 1 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1803183 BT6-BH 1-1/2 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1803283 BT6-BL 1/2 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1802984 BT6-BL 3/4 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1803084 BT6-BL 1 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1803184 BT6-BL 1-1/2 Inch: Spirax Sarco 1803284 |
Is the BT6-B Balanced Pressure Steam Trap easy to maintain?
The Spirax Sarco BT6-B series is a Sanitary Balanced Pressure Thermostatic Steam Trap can be easily maintained by removing the sanitary clamps from the pipeline connections, removing the whole trap from the line. To service, remove the body clamp (4), then the trap inlet and outlet bodies, including the seat (2), seal (5), and capsule assembly (3). When cleaning or replacing parts is complete, reassembly using a new seal and with the valve head in position to close onto the seat orifice. Replace and tighten the sanitary clamps and put back into service, checking for leaks and retightening as needed.
It is important to note, that before undertaking any maintenance on the trap, it must be isolated from the supply and return lines, and any pressure allowed to slowly normalize to atmosphere. The trap assembly should be allowed to cool as damage to the capsule element assembly will occur if the body clamp is removed before the trap has cooled to 60 degrees C or below.
For complete instructions, download the Spirax Sarco BT6 Installation and Maintenance Instructions.
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As an authorized distributor of Spirax Sarco, Cooney Brothers stocks a wide variety of BT6 Balanced Pressure Steam Traps and Spare Parts. Shop nearly 6000 Spirax Sarco products on our website or Contact us for engineered steam solutions.