ASTM F1139-88(2019)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Steam Traps and Drains
Standard Specification for Steam Traps and Drains
ABSTRACT
This specification provides the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains. Hydrostatic proof test, hydrostatic production shell test, steam production shell test, air production shell test, operational check steam test, and performance characteristics test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 provides the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2019
- Technical Committee
- F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
- Drafting Committee
- F25.11 - Machinery and Piping Systems
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
Overview
ASTM F1139-88(2019) - Standard Specification for Steam Traps and Drains establishes minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains. Published by ASTM International, this standard supports manufacturers and end users in ensuring that steam traps and drains provide safe and reliable fluid discharge in various steam system applications. ASTM F1139 covers performance, pressure containment, and operational testing requirements, encouraging consistent product quality and safety across industries.
Key Topics
Design and Fabrication
Specifies minimum requirements for design and construction of steam traps and drains, including pressure retention, housing, and component selection in alignment with recognized ASME and MSS standards.Pressure Rating and Testing
- Defines procedures for establishing maximum allowable pressure (PMA) and temperature (TMA), including hydrostatic proof tests, and design calculations per ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
- Requires production tests for pressure containment using hydrostatic, steam, or air test methods.
- Mandates operational checks to validate opening and closing under varied condensate and steam conditions.
Marking and Identification
- Outlines marking requirements such as manufacturer identification, key pressure ratings, flow direction, and reference to ASTM F1139.
- All relevant performance and safety data are to be clearly indicated on the product or attached identification plates.
Material Selection
- Stipulates use of high-quality materials verified by mechanical and chemical property tests.
- Requires compatibility with specified pressure ratings and resistance to chemical reactions inherent to application environments.
Performance Characteristics
- Addresses condensate and steam discharge capacity, operational pressure and temperature ranges, maximum differential pressures, and air venting capabilities.
Inspection and Quality Assurance
- Ensures all products are visually examined and tested before shipment.
- Requires manufacturers to retain certification and compliance records for the defined lifespan of the product.
Applications
Steam traps and drains covered by ASTM F1139-88(2019) serve critical roles in:
- Industrial steam piping systems, including power plants, refineries, and manufacturing operations.
- HVAC and building heating systems, ensuring efficient and safe removal of condensate from steam lines.
- Chemical and petrochemical processing, where reliable drainage and steam loss minimization are key to energy conservation and safety.
- Marine and shipboard systems, ensuring proper fluid discharge in dynamic operational environments.
By adhering to this ASTM standard, manufacturers, system designers, and maintenance teams ensure that installed steam traps and drains can withstand designated pressures, temperatures, and operational demands, thereby supporting long-term system reliability and safety compliance.
Related Standards
ASTM F1139 references several essential American and international standards for compatibility and best practices, such as:
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII & IX)
- ASME B16 series (e.g., B16.1, B16.3, B16.4, B16.5, B16.11, B16.15)
- ANSI/ASME PTC 39.1 (Condensate Removal Devices for Steam Systems)
- MSS SP-25 (Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions)
- MSS SP-51 (150 lb Corrosion Resisting Cast Flanges and Flanged Fittings)
These documents, together with ASTM F1139, form a comprehensive basis for product specifications, safety, marking, and operational verification for steam traps and drains.
Keywords: ASTM F1139, steam trap standard, drain specification, steam system safety, pressure rating, condensate removal, industrial piping, ASME standards, performance testing, steam drains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F1139-88(2019) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Steam Traps and Drains". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification provides the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains. Hydrostatic proof test, hydrostatic production shell test, steam production shell test, air production shell test, operational check steam test, and performance characteristics test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed. SCOPE 1.1 This specification2 provides the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification provides the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains. Hydrostatic proof test, hydrostatic production shell test, steam production shell test, air production shell test, operational check steam test, and performance characteristics test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed. SCOPE 1.1 This specification2 provides the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, pressure rating, marking, and testing of steam traps and drains. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM F1139-88(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 47.020.30 - Piping systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F1139-88(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F1139-88(2015). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F1139-88(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1139 −88 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Steam Traps and Drains
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1139; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope B16.3 Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings: Classes 150 and
1.1 This specification provides the minimum requirements
B16.4 Gray Iron Threaded Fittings: Classes 125 and 150
forthedesign,fabrication,pressurerating,marking,andtesting
B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2 through
of steam traps and drains.
NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
B16.15 Cast Copper Alloy Threaded Fittings: Classes 125
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and 250
and are not considered standard.
B16.18 Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the B16.22 Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder-Joint
testmethodportionofthisspecification.Thisstandarddoesnot
Pressure Fittings
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated B16.24 Cast Copper Alloy Pipe Flanges, Flanged Fittings,
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
and Valves: Classes 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500
to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental B16.34 Valves — Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
B31.1 Power Piping
tions prior to use. 4
2.2 MSS Standards:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
SP-25 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Flanges, and Unions
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
SP-51 150 lb Corrosion Resisting Cast Flanges and Flanged
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Fittings
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3 3.1.1 coldcondensatecapacity(QC),n—maximummassof
2.1 ASME Standards:
condensate that the steam trap/drain can discharge in1hata
ANSI/ASME PTC 39.1 Condensate Removal Devices for
given pressure and temperature, the trap/drain being fully open
Steam Systems
(lb/h (kg/h)).
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Di-
vision I, Pressure Vessels 3.1.2 drain, n—device having no moving parts permitting
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, Weld- the discharge of fluids at a fixed or adjustable rate.
ing and Brazing Qualifications
3.1.3 hot condensate capacity (QH), n—maximum mass of
B16.1 Gray Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: Classes
condensate that a steam trap/drain can discharge in1hata
25, 125, and 250
given pressure and temperature (lb/h (kg/h)).
3.1.4 hydrostatic proof test (PTHP), n—test used in deter-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
mining maximum allowable pressure (PMA) and maximum
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.11 on 2 2
allowable temperature (TMA) (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
Machinery and Piping Systems.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published January 2020. Originally
3.1.5 maximum allowable pressure (PMA), n—maximum
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F1139 – 88 (2015).
pressure that the shell of the steam trap/drain can withstand
DOI: 10.1520/F1139-88R19.
2 2
permanently at a given temperature (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
This specification was developed from Fluid Controls Institute Standards, 69-1
Pressure Rating Standards for Steam Traps and 85-1 Standard Production Test for
Steam Traps.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http:// AvailablefromManufacturersStandardizationSocietyoftheValveandFittings
www.asme.org. Industry (MSS), 127 Park St., NE, Vienna, VA22180-4602, http://www.mss-hq.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1139 − 88 (2019)
3.1.6 maximum allowable temperature (TMA), 4.1.3 Nominal pipe size.
n—maximum temperature to which the shell of the steam 4.1.4 Maximum operating pressure, psig (kPa). See 3.1.5.
trap/drain can be raised permanently (°F (°C)). 4.1.5 Capacity, lb/h (kg/h) (QC or QH). See 3.1.17 and
3.1.18.
3.1.7 maximum differential pressure (∆PMX), n—maximum
4.1.6 Connection type (that is, threaded, socket weld,
difference between operating pressure and operating back
2 2
flanged). See 5.2.1.
pressure (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
4.1.7 Materials—external and internal.
3.1.8 maximum operating back pressure (PMOB),
4.1.8 Type of trap/drain.
n—maximum permissible pressure measured at the outlet of
4.1.9 Maximum test pressure, psig (kPa). See 3.1.12.
the steam trap/drain allowing correct functioning (lb/
4.1.10 Maximumallowablepressure,psig(kPa).See3.1.14.
2 2
in. (kg⁄mm )).
4.1.11 Pressure differential (operating, maximum, or
3.1.9 maximum operating pressure (PMO), n—pressure for
minimum, or combination thereof).
which a steam trap/drain is rated by the manufacturer.
4.1.12 Notice for Acceptance Test—If the purchaser wishes
to witness the production tests, this shall be specified in the
3.1.9.1 Discussion—This pressure is normally a function of
order. See 8.2.
the limitations related to the internal mechanism of the steam
2 2
trap/drain (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
5. Materials and Manufacture
3.1.10 maximum test pressure (PTMX), n—maximum pres-
sure applied to the steam trap/drain under test including its
5.1 Materials:
2 2
internal mechanism (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
5.1.1 The pressure ratings established under this specifica-
tion are based upon materials of high quality produced under
3.1.11 minimum differential pressure (∆PMN), n—minimum
regular control of chemical and mechanical properties by a
difference between operating pressure and operating back
2 2
recognized process. The manufacturer shall be prepared to
pressure (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
certify that his product has been so produced and that the
3.1.12 operating back pressure (POB), n—pressure mea-
mechanical and chemical properties thereof, as proved by test
sured at the outlet of the steam trap/drain under operating
specimens and nondestructive testing or as documented by
2 2
conditions (lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
certifications from the producer or recognized distributor of
3.1.13 operating differential pressure (∆P), n—difference
these materials, are at least equal to the requirements of the
betweentheoperatingpressureandtheoperatingbackpressure
appropriate specifications.
2 2
(lb/in. (kg⁄mm )).
5.1.2 Housings of traps/drains, and other parts or bolting, or
3.1.14 operating pressure (PO), n—pressure measured at combination thereof, used for pressure retention, shall be
the inlet of the steam trap/drain under operating conditions constructed of materials in accordance with ASME B31.1 or
2 2
(lb/in. (kg⁄mm )). Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code.
3.1.15 operating temperature (TO), n—temperature mea-
5.1.3 Seals and parts, in addition to pressure containing
sured at the inlet of the steam trap/drain under operating
parts and bolting used for pressure retention, shall be of
conditions (°F (°C)).
materials suitable for the service.
3.1.16 performance characteristics tests, n—tests carried
5.1.4 Users are cautioned against applications with fluids
out to determine the operational characteristics of a particular
that may react chemically with any materials used in these
design of steam trap/drain.
products.
3.1.17 production tests, n—tests carried out by the manu-
5.1.5 For materials not having values of allowable stress
facturertoconfirmthatthesteamtrap/drainfunctionscorrectly.
tabulated in Section VIII, Division 1, allowable stresses shall
be determined in accordance with the procedures outlined in
3.1.17.1 Discussion—These tests may be witnessed by the
Subsection C and Appendix P of Section VIII of the ASME
purchaser or his representative. In this case, these tests are
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Where it can be shown that
referred to as acceptance tests.
the values of allowable stress listed for a particular material in
3.1.18 steam trap, n—self-contained valve that automati-
one product form (because of similar chemistry, mechanical
cally drains the condensate from a steam containing enclosure
properties, directional properties, heat treatment, and so forth)
while remaining tight to live steam, or if necessary, allowing
are applicable to the same material in an unlisted product form,
steam to flow at a controlled or adjusted rate.
the listed values of allowable stress may be used.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—Most steam traps will also pass non-
5.2 Manufacture:
condensable gases while remaining tight to live steam.
5.2.1 Steam traps/drains with end fittings in compliance
with the following standards may be used within the pressure-
4. Ordering Information
temperature ranges permitted by the applicable standard pro-
4.1 Ordersforproductsunderthisspecificationshallinclude vided the trap/drain housing (less end fittings) is satisfactory
the following information as applicable:
for these conditions:
4.1.1 Performance characteristics required—See Section 7. 5.2.1.1 ASME B16.1,
4.1.2 Certification of performance characteristics if re- 5.2.1.2 ASME B16.3,
quired. See Section 7. 5.2.1.3 ASME B16.4,
F1139 − 88 (2019)
5.2.1.4 ASME B16.5, 7. Performance Characteristics
5.2.1.5 ASME B16.11,
7.1 Amanufacturer may describe the operation of a particu-
5.2.1.6 ASME B16.15,
lartypeofsteamtrapordrainbyreferringtooneormoreofthe
5.2.1.7 ASME B16.18,
performance characteristics. When this is done, the associated
5.2.1.8 ASME B16.22,
tests described in 8.6 must be performed on a representative
5.2.1.9 ASME B16.24,
production sample. A brief explanation of the derivation of
5.2.1.10 ASME B16.34, and
each characteristic is given as follows. Further details on test
5.2.1.11 MSS SP-51.
methods are specified in Section 8.
5.2.2 Weld design details, welding, and nondestructive test-
7.1.1 Certification of performance characteristics shall be
ing shall be in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1, of the
available if required by the purchaser (see 4.1.2).
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Welders and weld
7.2 Minimum Operating Pressure—The steam trap shall be
procedures shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of
the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. tested to determine the minimum pressure (atmospheric or
above) at which correct opening and closing will occur.
6. Requirements
7.3 Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO)—The steam trap
6.1 Pressure Rating and Design: shall be tested to determine the maximum pressure at which
6.1.1 The maximum allowable pressure (PMA) and maxi- correct opening and closing will occur.
mum allowable temperature (TMA) rating for steam traps/
7.4 Maximum Operating Back Pressure (PMOB)—The
drains conform
...




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