GESTRA Steam Trap and
Boiler Level Parts
NRG electrodes · NRS level switches · UNA and BK steam traps · Disco RK non-return valves — quoted from the type code
GESTRA equipment behind engine-room enquiries
GESTRA was founded in Bremen and has been part of Spirax-Sarco Engineering since 2017, after fifteen years in the Flowserve group. On a ship its equipment sits on the steam plant: the level electrodes and switches that stop the burner when boiler water runs low, the traps that clear condensate from heating coils and steam lines, and the non-return valves that keep the lines in order. Each code names a function and a model, so an enquiry starts from the code cast or printed on the unit.
NRG 16-50 · NRS 1-50
The NRG 16-50 level electrode works with the NRS 1-50 level switch as a water level limiter for steam boilers, including on seagoing vessels. Electrodes, electrode tips, switch units and their gaskets are quoted as a matched pair, against the codes on both.
UNA 45 · UNA 46
Ball float steam traps that remove condensate from steam and compressed air lines; versions carry a connection for a monitoring sensor. Regulators, float and valve assemblies, covers and gaskets are quoted against the full type and body marking.
BK 45 · BK 46
Thermovit bimetallic traps for condensate removal from heating processes where the load changes little. Regulator inserts and gaskets are matched to the type on the body.
RK 86 · RK 86A · RK 16A · RK 41
Disco non-return valves, most of them wafer designs fitted between flanges, with springs offered for different closing pressures. A valve without a spring is installed only in a vertical line with upward flow, so the fitting position belongs in the enquiry along with discs, springs and seats.
GESTRA components that reach an RFQ
The list follows a ship steam plant from the boiler level control to the condensate line. Each line can carry the order number from the GESTRA documentation or from an earlier order next to the description.
- NRG level electrodes, electrode tips and electrode seals
- NRS level switches and their plug-in units
- Conductivity electrodes for boiler water monitoring
- UNA ball float trap regulators, float assemblies and valve seats
- BK bimetallic regulator inserts
- Trap covers, cover gaskets and body gaskets
- Disco RK valve discs, springs and seat parts
- Monitoring sensors for steam traps
- Strainers and screens fitted ahead of traps
What to read off GESTRA equipment before ordering
GESTRA codes are printed on the electrode head, the switch label or cast and stamped on the trap and valve body. A clear photograph of each marking settles most of the points below.
- Full type code exactly as marked, for example NRG 16-50 or UNA 45
- For an electrode, the code of the level switch it works with, and the reverse
- Body markings on traps and valves: size, pressure class and material
- Installation: on the boiler, in an external level pot, or on a condensate line
- Order numbers from the GESTRA documentation or an earlier invoice
- For a Disco RK valve: whether a spring is fitted and the flow direction
Supply route review for GESTRA equipment
Level control on a ship's boiler is a safety function and condensate traps are consumables, so the two kinds of line are not handled the same way. The code and its pairing are settled first, then the route is chosen line by line.
Electrode and switch as a pair
A water level limiter is an electrode and a switch chosen together. An enquiry that names only the electrode is answered with a question about the switch, because a replacement has to work with the unit already fitted.
Safety items on the original reference
Level electrodes and switches that act as boiler limiters are quoted on the original reference only, because the boiler's safety arrangement and its survey depend on them.
Trap internals or a whole trap
A worn trap can often be put right with a new regulator or valve set in the existing body. The reply says when the body marking allows that and when a complete trap is the better line; the ship decides.
Accepted equivalents for gaskets
Cover and body gaskets that carry their own makers' markings can go on an equivalent-source path for the ship's own spares, within the buyer's list of accepted sources.
GESTRA parts — questions from the engine room
Can a level electrode be ordered without naming the switch?
It can be quoted, but the switch is asked for first. An NRG electrode works as a limiter only together with the level switch it was chosen for, such as the NRS 1-50 with the NRG 16-50, so the pair is checked before anything is offered.
Which data is needed for a GESTRA steam trap enquiry?
The type code from the body, such as UNA 45 or BK 46, the size and pressure class cast on the body, and what the trap drains: a heating coil, a steam line or a compressed air line. Photographs of the body markings are usually enough.
Does it matter how a Disco RK valve is installed?
Yes. A valve fitted without a spring has to sit in a vertical line with upward flow, while a valve with a spring can go in other positions. Say how the valve is fitted and whether it has a spring.
Does Vessel Core service boilers or test level limiters?
No. Vessel Core identifies and supplies parts only. Testing, adjustment and commissioning of boiler safety equipment stay with the crew and the service company the owner chooses.
Is Vessel Core connected to GESTRA?
No, and there is no agreement of any kind. Vessel Core holds no distribution, representation or partnership agreement with GESTRA, and quoting a component against one of its designations implies no approval by the maker and no claim of interchangeability.
Send the type codes and the list of items.
Copy the code from each electrode, switch, trap or valve, add the body markings and where the unit is fitted, then list the items and the port. Level control items and condensate items are quoted on separate lines.
