Spirax Sarco
Steam Trap Parts
FT14 ball float · TD52 thermodynamic · BPT13 balanced pressure thermostatic traps — quoted from the trap type and body marking
Spirax Sarco steam traps behind engine-room enquiries
Spirax Sarco steam traps come from the Spirax Group, which has its head office in Cheltenham and whose Sarco name goes back to the steam trap business it grew from. On a ship the traps drain condensate from steam mains, heating coils and tank heating, and each type works on a different principle. The code on the body names that principle and the model, and it is the starting point for every enquiry.
FT14
A float and thermostatic trap with an integral automatic air vent, for coils and heat exchangers where the condensate load varies. Float and valve assemblies, air vent elements and cover gaskets are quoted against the trap type and the body marking.
TD52 · TD52M · TD52L
Thermodynamic traps for small loads such as steam main drainage, including a low-capacity TD52L and the TD52M. Discs, caps and strainer screens are matched to the exact variant on the body, which is part of every order line.
BPT13 · BPT13A · BPT13S
Balanced pressure thermostatic traps, standard as the BPT13A with angled connections, with a version offered for shipboard steam lines. Capsules, valve seats and gaskets are quoted against the full type and the body marking.
Spirax Sarco components that reach an RFQ
The list follows a trap from its body inwards. Each line can carry the order code from the Spirax Sarco documentation or from an earlier order next to the description.
- Complete traps by type and body marking
- Float and valve assemblies for FT traps
- Thermostatic air vent elements
- Thermodynamic discs, caps and insulating covers
- Balanced pressure capsules and valve seats
- Cover gaskets and body gaskets
- Strainer screens and blowdown valves
- Trap monitoring items where fitted
- Isolation valves and connectors fitted around the trap
What to read off a Spirax Sarco trap before ordering
The type is cast or stamped on the trap body, with the size, the rating and often the material. A photograph of each body marking settles most of the points below.
- Trap type exactly as marked, for example FT14, TD52M or BPT13A
- Size, rating and material from the body
- Connection type: screwed, flanged or socket weld, and the connection angle
- What the trap drains: a steam main, a heating coil, a tank heater or tracing
- Whether a repair set or a complete trap is wanted
- Order codes from the documentation or an earlier invoice
Supply route review for Spirax Sarco traps
Steam traps are consumable items on a ship's steam plant, but each principle needs its own internals. The type and body marking are settled first, then the route is chosen line by line.
Principle before size
A float trap, a thermodynamic trap and a thermostatic trap can share a size and a connection and still need completely different internals. The type letters decide which set is quoted.
Variant before family
A TD52, a TD52M and a TD52L share a family name, so the variant from the body goes into the line, not only the family.
Repair set or new trap
Maintainable designs such as the BPT13 can often be put right with a repair set in the existing body. The reply shows both lines when both make sense, and 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.
Spirax Sarco steam trap parts — questions from the engine room
What do the letters on a Spirax Sarco trap mean?
They name the working principle: FT is a float and thermostatic trap, TD a thermodynamic trap and BPT a balanced pressure thermostatic trap. The figures and any letter after them name the model and variant, so copy the whole marking.
Is a repair set enough, or does the whole trap need replacing?
For a maintainable design such as the BPT13, a repair set is often enough. Send the body marking and a photograph of the opened trap if you have one; the reply sets out a repair set and a complete trap where both apply.
Which data is needed for a Spirax Sarco trap enquiry?
The type from the body, such as FT14 or TD52M, the size, rating and material cast on the body, the connection type and what the trap drains. Add any order codes from earlier invoices.
Does Vessel Core survey or test steam traps on board?
No. Vessel Core identifies and supplies parts only. Trap surveys and testing stay with the crew or the service company the owner chooses.
Is Vessel Core connected to Spirax Sarco?
No, and there is no agreement of any kind. Vessel Core holds no distribution, representation or partnership agreement with Spirax Sarco, and quoting a component against one of its designations implies no approval by the maker and no claim of interchangeability.
Send the body markings and the list of traps.
Copy the type and body marking of each trap, say what it drains and whether a repair set or a complete trap is wanted, then add the quantities and the port.
