The purpose of steam traps is to let out condensate and non-condensible gases without releasing live steam. While most are automatic valve mechanisms, there are various types of steam traps. These include mechanical traps, temperature traps, thermodynamic traps and orifice traps.  Traps have 4 main types of flaws.

1. Flaw in Venturi Traps

Venturi or Orifice traps work in a turbulent two-phase flow. This type of valve does let some live steam escape but the amount is negligible.

2. Flaw in Temperature Traps

The flaw in temperature traps systems like thermostatic, bi-thermostatic and bimetallic traps is that they hold back condensate as it cools before the valve opens instead of discarding it immediately.

3. Flaw in Thermodynamic Traps

The flaw in thermodynamic traps is that they are timed cycle systems and they will open even if only steam is present which causes premature wear. Further, if non-condensible gas gets trapped on the disc, these traps can lock shut.

4. Flaw from Aging

All traps wear out over time. The life of a trap is generally between 6 months and 2 years before it starts wearing down. Live steam, which is meant to be contained, escapes in all of these systems. The rate of steam loss increases as the trap ages.