The TLV LV13N is a brass balanced pressure thermostatic steam trap designed with a "fail-open" feature. It is suitable for medium capacity applications up to 0.5, 0.8, 1.3, or 2.1 MPaG (75, 115, 185, or 300 psig). The LV13N is primarily utilized for steam-using equipment that discharges condensate at temperatures slightly below saturation temperature, such as tracer lines, vessels, and heaters.

Specifications

The nameplate specifies the exact maximum allowable and operating conditions. Maximum allowable pressure (PMA) and maximum allowable temperature (TMA) are pressure shell design conditions, not operating conditions.

WARNING

To avoid malfunctions, product damage, accidents or serious injury, do not use the product outside the specification ranges.

Configuration and Exploded View

The LV13N features a brass body and cover, housing the internal components necessary for its thermostatic operation.

No.	Description	Replacement Part
1	Body
2	Cover
3	X-element	√
4	Valve Seat	√
5	Screen	√
6	Nameplate
7	Spring Clip	√
8	Cover Gasket	√
9	X-element Guide	√

Note: Replacement parts marked with √ are available in the repair kit.

Installation and Piping

Proper installation and piping ensure the longevity and efficiency of the steam trap.

• Orientation: There may be a slight increase in the amount of steam leakage when the LV13N is installed vertically.
• Preparation: Before installing, remove all protective seals and blow out the inlet piping to remove dirt and oil.
• Positioning: Install the trap in the lowest part of the pipeline or equipment so condensate flows naturally downward into the trap by gravity. The inlet pipe should be as short and have as few bends as possible.
• Accessories: Install a bypass valve to discharge condensate, and inlet and outlet isolation valves. Install a check valve at the trap outlet if the discharge pipe leads to a recovery line or connects to multiple traps.
• Piping Support: Support the pipes within 0.8 meters (2.5 ft) on either side of the trap.
• Rust Prevention: To prevent rust and scale from flowing into the trap, connect the inlet pipe 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 in) above the base of the T-pipe.

Operational Check

Visual inspection can help determine the necessity for maintenance if the trap discharges to the atmosphere.

State	Description
Normal	Condensate is discharged intermittently with flash steam and the sound of flow can be heard.
Blocked	No condensate is discharged. The trap makes no noise and the surface temperature is low.
Blowing	Live steam continually flows from the outlet, potentially with a high-pitched whistling sound.
Steam Leakage	Live steam is discharged with condensate, potentially with a high-pitched whistling sound.

INFO

Flash steam is sometimes mistaken for steam leakage during visual inspections. Diagnostic instruments like the TLV TrapMan are recommended.

Inspection and Maintenance

Operational inspections should be performed at least twice per year. The LV13N can be maintained without being removed from the pipeline, provided the surrounding pipes are securely supported.

Disassembly and Reassembly

Before opening the trap, close the isolation valves and wait until it cools to room temperature.

Part	Disassembly	Reassembly
Cover (2)	Use an open-end wrench to remove.	Clean seating surfaces; tighten to 80 N·m (59 lbf·ft) torque.
Cover Gasket (8)	Remove carefully.	Replace with a new gasket only if worn or damaged.
Spring Clip (7)	Use pliers to remove.	Insert securely into the 3 slots in the guide.
X-element (3)	Grasp the ball at the tip with pliers to remove.	Insert right side up; ensure it does not catch on the guide.
Valve Seat (4)	Use a socket wrench to remove.	Do not coat threads with anti-seize; tighten to 35 N·m (26 lbf·ft) torque.
X-element Guide (9)	Be careful not to bend the guide.	Fix with Valve Seat and ensure the X-element inserts smoothly.
Screen (5)	Be careful not to bend the screen.	Be careful not to bend the screen.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem	Possible Cause	Remedy
Blocked or Poor Discharge	X-element stuck to valve seat, clogged seat, or clogged screen.	Clean the components.
	Steam-locking.	Perform bypass blowdown or allow trap to cool.
	Operating pressure exceeds maximum.	Study inlet pressure.
Steam Leakage or Blow-off	Valve closure obstructed by rust.	Clean (inspect screen).
	Worn or damaged X-element or Valve Seat.	Replace X-element or Valve Seat.
	Cover loose or gasket damaged.	Tighten cover or replace gasket.