IB-108-C

PT-104 Pumping Trap

Installation and Maintenance
This bulletin should be used by experienced personnel as a guide to the installation and maintenance of the
Pumping Trap or Pumping Trap Package. Selection or installation of equipment should always be accompanied
by competent technical assistance. We encourage you to contact Armstrong or your local Representative if
further information is required.

The maximum operating pressure for Armstrong Model PT-100 Series pumping traps is 100 psig
(7 bar). The maximum design pressure for PT-100 models is 150 psig at 450F (10 bar @ 232C).
The PT-100 Series pumping traps weigh 140 lb (64 kg).
Figure 1

PT-100 Series Pump Trap

Note: Although the maximum operating pressure is 100 psi (7 bar), it is highly recommended that
the motive be set only 15 - 20 psi (1.0 - 1.4 bar) above the discharge pressure. Applications with
greater than 18" of filling head or condensate temperature less than 185F, it is recommended
that the motive pressure be set 25-35 psi above the backpressure. Air is the preferred motive for
condensate temperatures less than 180F (82C). This will provide optimum performance and
reduce venting time between cycles.

Pumping Trap Operation

1. At start-up, the float lies at its lowest position in the bottom of the body. The motive inlet valve is
closed and the vent valve is open.
2. Liquid enters the pump body by gravity through the inlet swing check valve. Back pressure
(typically) holds the discharge stainless steel check valve closed. The float becomes buoyant
and begins rising.
3. Continued rising of the float, through linkage, increases spring tension until the float reaches its
upper tripping point. Energy is then released instantly from the springs, causing the linkage to
snap upwards over center. This upward motion opens the motive inlet valve and closes the vent
valve simultaneously. See Figure 2 on Page 2.
4. Steam, air, or inert gas enters the inlet valve and builds pressure inside the Pumping Trap. This
pressure will close the inlet check valve and force liquid out through the discharge check valve.

5. The discharge cycle will lower the float level and, through linkage, increase spring tension until
the float reaches its lower tripping point. Energy is then released instantly from the springs,
causing the linkage to snap over center downward. This downward motion closes the motive
inlet valve and opens the vent valve.
6. Venting of pressure from the body opens the inlet check valve and closes the discharge check
valve. Liquid now flows by gravity through the inlet check valve into the pumping trap body as a
new cycle begins.
Figure 2

Suggested Installation of Accessories

The bronze gauge glass assembly will have male NPT connections.
Two (2) 1" x 1/2" Bushings will be needed for installation.
Cycle Counter:
There are two (2) 1" connections on the cap of the pumping trap where the cycle counter may be mounted.
Various fittings will be required to reduce from 1" female NPT to 1/4" NPT. It is very important that a steel
siphon or "pig tail" be used prior to the cycle counter to avoid any damage to the cycle counter.
See Figure 3 below.

Cycle Counter Installation

Note: On pre-piped packaged units, inspect and tighten all threaded fittings (such as unions,
etc.) that may have loosened during shipment.

Figure 3
Filling Head:
Install the pumping trap below the equipment being drained. A
recommended filling head of 6" (152 mm) is recommended for the Model
PT-104. Filling head is the distance between the bottom of a vented
receiver or reservoir pipe and the top of the pumping trap cap. See
typical hook-up on Page 7 for an example. All inlet fittings must be
fully ported and match the pump's liquid inlet connection size. Greater
fill heads increase the capacity of the pump trap, however, it is not
recommended to have a filling head greater than 24 inches. Reference
capacity chart for multiplying factors for other filling heads in Cat. 326.

Liquid Reservoir:
Liquid flowing from the equipment being drained must be stored during the pumps discharge cycle.
A liquid reservoir (pipe reservoir) or vented receiver should be installed in a horizontal plane to
prevent flooding of equipment. Please contact your local Armstrong representative for questions
regarding reservoir pipe sizing or reference reservoir sizing data in catalog 326. Also see typical
hook-ups on Page 7.
Check Valves:
NOTE: The pumping trap will not function without inlet and discharge check valves.
Connect the Armstrong supplied check valves to the pump. The swing check is the inlet check
valve and the spring assisted valve is used at the pump discharge. The use of Armstrong
supplied check valves is necessary to ensure the pump will attain published capacities.
Stainless steel in-line spring type check valves are recommended for applications where the
differential pressure between the motive pressure and back pressure is greater than 25 psi. For air
or 40 psi steam, stainless steel check valves are also a good choice for critical applications where
the extended life of the stainless steel check valve would be of great value.
The following guidelines apply if the Pumping Trap is installed without Armstrong supplied check
valves.
-- Inlet check valves should be bronze swing type with teflon disc, Class 150 (minimum). Pipe size
of the check valve must match the size of the pump's liquid inlet connection.
-- Discharge check valve should be in-line spring assist type, Class 150 (minimum) and match the
size of the pump's liquid discharge connection.
Motive Inlet Piping:
Connect the motive force piping (steam, air or inert gas) to the inlet connection on the pump cap.
Proper piping and trapping of the motive supply line must include a strainer, check valve, properly
sized drip leg with mud pocket, and drip trap (for steam motive). The drip trap discharge line should
be connected to the reservoir piping or vented receiver when practical. See Figure 5 and 6 on Page
7. It is recommended to install a union near the motive inlet.
Note: To visually determine the location of the motive connection for Series PT-104, see Figure 4
below.

Figure 4
1 NPT 6 Places

18.5
1/2 NPT Vent
Connection

1/2 - 13 Lifting
Lug Connection
2 Places

Optional Inlet

6 Withdrawl
Height

Optional Inlet/Outlet
Connection

Cycle
Counter
Connection

12.03

.36
13.5

10.07

12.50

1.25
1/2 NPT Motive
Connection

1.30
5.5

Outlet

Optional
Outlet

10.73

Maximum operating pressures for the pump trap 100 psi (7 bar). A pressure reducing valve
must be used when the motive pressure exceeds 100 psi (7 bar). It is also recommended that
motive pressure be set between 15-20 psi (1.0 - 1.4 bar) above the total discharge pressure (total
discharge pressure = vertical lift in psi plus return line pressure). This pressure setting keeps
venting time to a minimum and, when using steam, reduces the temperature differential. The PRV
should be installed as far from the pump trap as possible. A good rule is to use a minimum of 10' of
1" pipe between PRV and pump inlet.
Installation of a safety relief valve and pressure gauge is recommended in the motive force supply
line. The relief valve should be set for 125 psig (9 bar).
Vent Connection ("Open System" - vented to atmosphere):
Piping from the pump's cap connection labeled "Vent" should be installed vertically upward when
possible and unrestricted. If piping travels greater than three feet, the piping should be expanded to
one inch or greater. If a horizontal run is required, this line should be pitched toward the pump trap
in order to be self draining. It is recommended to install a union near the vent connection.
Note: To visually determine the location of the vent connection for Series PT-104, see Figure 4
on page 3.
Vent Connection (Closed loop system):
From the pump cap connection labeled "Vent", the equalizing line should be routed to the top of the
reservoir piping or the outlet piping immediately after the heat exchange equipment. An Armstrong
thermostatic air vent is recommended (for steam) at the high point of the exhaust line.
(See Figure 8 on Page 7.) Piping of the equalizing line should be a minimum 3/4" (20 mm) diameter
and must be pitched in order to be self draining.
If pressure from the equipment being drained could ever exceed back pressure, a properly sized
inverted bucket steam trap with a large vent or a float and thermostatic trap must be installed
between the pump and discharge check valve. See Figure 8 on Page 7.
Packaged Receiver Vent Connections: The receiver vent must be unrestricted and
atmospherically vented unless an ASME coded tank in a closed loop arrangement is specified.
Packaged Pump Trap Vent Connections: Piping from the pump's cap connection labeled "vent"
should be installed upward to connect with the receiver vent line, and be a minimum of one
3/4" (20 mm) diameter.
NOTE: Replace any temporary plastic plugs in these connections with permanent steel plugs
or appropriate fittings before start-up.

START-UP
1. Slowly open motive force (steam, air or inert gas) supply to Pumping Trap providing pressure to
the inlet valve. Check for proper operation of drip trap on the motive line if using steam.
2. Open isolation valves leading to pump liquid inlet and discharge lines.
3. Open any additional valves upstream allowing liquid to enter Pumping Trap from the equipment
being drained. Pump will begin discharging when body is nearly full.
4. Proper operation includes an audible exhaust after each pump cycle. If operation doesn't
seem proper, recheck the installation and start-up procedure. Contact Armstrong or your local
Armstrong Representative if necessary.
5. Armstrong strongly recommends the use of overflow piping on receiver tanks in open
condensate return systems, on ALL pump trap skids. Properly installed overflow piping
increases the efficiency of the system, while addressing potential safety issues involved with the
unintentional escape of hot condesate. One suggestion would be the use of a "P"-trap to form a
sufficient water seal. Be sure to check that a water seal has formed to prevent venting of steam
through the overflow connection during operation.

Maintenance - Replacing the Valve Actuator Assembly

1. Close the valves in the motive supply, vent, condensate supply and discharge lines. Also close
the shut-off valve to the receiver for packaged units. Make sure that the pumping trap is
completely relieved of pressure before breaking any connections.
2. Break motive inlet and vent (all cap) connections. Remove bolts and lift the cap. A 6
inch (152 mm) withdrawal distance is required in order to remove the mechanism assembly with
float for the Armstrong PT-100 Pumping Trap.
3. Remove the cap from the body and place on a sturdy workbench.
4. Remove the entire mechanism from the cap by loosening the two bolts on each side of the
mounting bracket (see Page 2, Figure 2).
5. Remove the cotter pins from the front clevis pins that hold the springs in place. Front clevis pins
are the ones closest to the float. The springs will then drop down.
6. Remove the (1) cotter pin holding the valve actuator clevis pin in place and pull the clevis pin
out.
7. Remove the valve actuator assembly (see Page 2, Figure 2).
8. Place new valve actuator assembly in position.
Note: When bolting the mechanism back on the cap it is critical to follow the proper
steps below. Operational problems can occur with improper valve settings.
1. Place the complete mechanism back on the cap; however, only hand tighten the main
mechanism bolts. (See Page 2, Figure 2 for drawing of the complete mechanism assembly.)
5

2. Holding the vent valve tightly to the seat pull down (toward the cap) on the rear spring arm. See
Page 2 Figure 2 for rear spring arm. This will push the vent valve tightly into the seat.
3. Holding the valve and springs in the above position tighten the main mechanism bolts all the
way down until they are snug.
4. Actuate the mechanism a few times by hand to make sure the operation is smooth and both the
motive and vent valves are seating properly.
5. Replace the cap on the body with a new body gasket.

TYPICAL HOOK-UPS
NOTE: Hook-up sketches depict the Pumping Trap for clarity. However, the cap inlet and vent
connections are actually located closer to each other than shown.

Vented System
FIGURE 5: Pumping of
condensate from vented receiver
handling single or multiple steam
trap discharges. Motive force of
steam is depicted.

Closed Loop Systems

A closed loop system must be installed with caution and if any questions arise, contact Armstrong
Fluid Handling's Application Engineering Department.

FIGURE 7: Draining liquid from

equipment under vacuum. The
Pumping Trap provides drainage
assistance whether liquid discharge
is to gravity or overhead.

FIGURE 8: Drainage from a heat

exchanger in a closed-loop system
where the supply pressure may
be higher or lower than the back
pressure. If the heat exchanger
pressure exceeds the back pressure
the pumping trap will be idle and the
steam trap will prevent the steam
from "blowing through" into the
return line. Motive force of steam is
depicted. NOTE: It is suggested that
Armstrong Fluid Handling's Application
Engineering Department be contacted
prior to installation.

TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHARTS

For Safety of Personnel - Motive line piping should be isolated from equipment and pump
pressure should be relieved prior to breaking connections. WARNING: WATER MAY RUN OUT
OF THE VENT CONNECTION WHEN PIPING IS BROKEN. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO
AVOID DANGER TO PERSONNEL OR DAMAGE TO NEARBY EQUIPMENT.

1. Pump Does Not Cycle During Start-Up

Is motive inlet supply closed?

Yes

No

No

Is the pumping trap filling with condensate?

Yes

Is condensate discharge line valved off?

Open necessary valve(s).

Yes

No

Yes

Is motive pressure too low to

overcome back pressure?
No

Increase motive pressure to 15 psi

(1.0 bar) greater than back pressure.

Yes
Is pump vented to
Yes
Make certain vent

line atmosphere.
is unrestricted and
self draining.

Is pump airbound?

No

No

Is filling head greater than 24

inches? (See Fig. 5 for filling head)
No

Consult Factory Representative.

Yes

For closed loop:

Isolate pump vent line from pressurized equipment
and with personnel clear, break vent connection
piping. If pump cycles, make sure line is self-
draining and consider a thermostatic air vent at high
point in vent line (if steam is used).

Is there steam motive?

Yes

Pump may be filling too quickly causing a temporary

flooded state. Change motive to air, if possible. If
not, install horizontal reservoir piping no more than
12 inches above the PT-104 cap. See Page 7,
Figure 5 for piping reservoir/vented receiver.

TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHARTS--Continued...

For Safety of Personnel - Motive line piping should be isolated from equipment and pump pressure
should be relieved prior to breaking connections. WARNING: WATER MAY RUN OUT OF THE VENT
CONNECTION WHEN PIPING IS BROKEN. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID DANGER TO
PERSONNEL OR DAMAGE TO NEARBY EQUIPMENT.
2. Excessive flash steam passed through vent
Are defective steam traps discharging into Yes

condensate inlet line?

Repair or replace traps.

No
Is reservoir piping or vented
receiver used before pump?

Yes

Vent valve may be leaking.

No
Add liquid reservior.

3. Pump cycles but equipment or piping is flooded

Is pump undersized per Bulletin
Catalog 326?
No
Does piping provide insufficient
filling head per Catalog 326?
No
Is motive pressure insufficient for
pump to provide rated capacity
per Catalog 326?
No
Is back pressure greater than
anticipated?
No
Is condensate inlet line restricted?

Isolate pump,
remove cap, and
inspect for dirt.
Visually inspect
valve and seat.
Replace if worn.

NOTE: See catalog 326 for sizing.

Yes

Install additional pump.

Yes

Lower pump as necessary.

Yes

Increase motive pressure as required.

Yes

Verify pump rated capacity per Catalog 326

at actual conditions and increase
motive pressure as required.

Yes

Use full ported fittings, open all valves fully

and eliminate any blockages.

No
Is inlet check valve hanging open?

Yes

Isolate and inspect check valve and clean

or replace as required.

Yes

TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHARTS--Continued...

For Safety of Personnel - Motive line piping should be isolated from equipment and pump pressure
should be relieved prior to breaking connections. WARNING: WATER MAY RUN OUT OF THE VENT
CONNECTION WHEN PIPING IS BROKEN. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID DANGER TO
PERSONNEL OR DAMAGE TO NEARBY EQUIPMENT.
4. Pump stops cycling and equipment is flooded
Is motive pressure insufficient?

Yes

No
Are motive pressure and static back pressure at
pump equal?
No
Is discharge check valve stuck closed?

Yes

Check for a closed downstream valve or line

blockage.

Yes

Isolate and inspect check valve and clean or replace

as required.

Yes

Problem is within the vent line. Make sure piping

is not reduced below the vent connection size and
piping is pitched back toward the pump.

No
Isolate vent line from equipment being drained
and break piping at pump vent connection. Does
the pump cycle?

Increase motive pressure to 15 psi (1.0 bar) greater

than back pressure.

No
With condensate inlet and discharge lines closed
and motive pressure line slowly opened, does
leakage occur at vent connection?

Yes

Remove cap and inspect for dirt. Visually inspect

valve and seat. Replace if worn. (Valve replacement
requires removal of pump cap.)

No
Slowly open condensate inlet line and, with motive
pressure line open, observe vent connection
(keeping personnel clear). Does liquid run out
vent connection?

Yes

No

Yes

No
If mechanism does not cycle, is an upstream
valve closed?
No
Inlet check valve is stuck closed.

Yes

Replace
Required Parts

Contact local Armstrong Representative.

No
If mechanism cycled, open liquid discharge line.
Does pump work normally?

Are springs broken?

Yes

Yes

10

Vent line may be vapor locked. Ensure it's self

draining.
Open valve.
Isolate and inspect check valve and clean or replace
as required.

TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHARTS--Continued...

For Safety of Personnel - Vent line piping should be isolated from equipment and pump pressure should be
relieved prior to breaking connections. WARNING: WATER MAY RUN OUT OF THE VENT CONNECTION
WHEN PIPING IS BROKEN. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID DANGER TO PERSONNEL OR
DAMAGE TO NEARBY EQUIPMENT.
5. Chattering or knocking in return line after discharge
Piping design combined with
operation of pump creating vacuum
at pump outlet?

Yes

Install vacuum breaker at return line

high point.

No
Does condensate inlet pressure
equal or exceed static back
pressure?

Yes

Are failed steam traps increasing

condensate inlet pressure?

Yes
Repair or replace
traps.

No
A steam trap is required after the
pump in closed loop modulating
systems. See Figure 9 on page 8.

6. Excessive chatter from inlet check valve

(For low liquid inlet)
Is check valve either supplied by
Armstrong or follow
Armstrong recommendations?

Yes

Is check valve worn?

No

No
Install proper check valve.

Yes

Repair or replace
check valve as
required.

Consider installation of a stainless

steel in-line check valve.

For additional information on Pumping Traps, contact your Armstrong Representative and request
Catalog 326.

11

Armstrong Fluid Handling, Inc.

Limited Warranty and Remedy

Armstrong Fluid Handling, Inc. (Armstrong) warrants to the original user of those products
supplied by it and used in the service and in the manner for which they are intended, that such products shall
be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of installation,
but not longer than 15 months from the date of shipment from the factory [unless a special warranty period
applies as listed below]. This warranty does not extend to any product that has been subject to misuse, neglect
or alteration after shipment from the Armstrong factory. Except as may be expressly provided in a written
agreement between Armstrong and the user, which is signed by both parties, Armstrong DOES NOT MAKE
ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

The sole and exclusive remedy with respect to the above limited warranty or with respect to any
other claim relating to the products or to defects or any condition or use of the products supplied by Armstrong,
however caused, and whether such claim is based upon warranty, contract, negligence, strict liability, or any other
basis or theory, is limited to Armstrongs repair or replacement of the part or product, excluding any labor or any
other cost to remove or install said part or product, or at Armstrongs option, to repayment of the purchase price.
As a condition of enforcing any rights or remedies relating to Armstrong products, notice of any warranty or
other claim relating to the products must be given in writing to Armstrong: (i) within 30 days of last day of the
applicable warranty period, or (ii) within 30 days of the date of the manifestation of the condition or occurrence
giving rise to the claim, whichever is earlier. IN NO EVENT SHALL ARMSTRONG BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF USE OR PROFITS OR INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS. The
Limited Warranty and Remedy terms herein apply notwithstanding any contrary terms in any purchase order
or form submitted or issued by any user, purchaser, or third party and all such contrary terms shall be deemed
rejected by Armstrong.
Special Warranty Periods are as follows:
Three (3) years after installation, but in no event longer than 39 months after shipment from
Armstrong's factory.

PT100, 200, 300, 3500 and 400 Series Standard Pumping Traps.

PT100, 200, 300, 3500 and 400 Series Replacement Cap Assemblies and Rescue Cap .

2009 Armstrong International, Inc.

Designs and Materials are subject to change without notice.
Armstrong Condensate Management Group, 221 Armstrong Blvd., Three Rivers, MI 49093 -USA Ph: (269) 278-6500 Fax: (269) 279-3150
IB-108-B

armstronginternational.com
9/09

Printed In U.S.A.