Not all types of steam traps can/should be insulated

Insulation of hot surfaces not only helps to reduce radiation and convection losses but also prevents safety hazards of scalding by lowering the exposed surface temperatures of accessories. However, not all types of steam traps should be insulated.

Insulating thermodynamic, inverted bucket, thermostatic steam traps can interfere with their normal operating cycle. For example, thermodynamic steam traps open only when the flash steam accumulated on top of the trap disc condenses. Insulating the trap delays flash steam condensation, extending the duration during which the trap remains closed.

Similarly, insulating thermostatic steam traps, which are designed operate on the temperature difference between steam and condensate, also delays prompt opening of the trap, resulting in condensate build-up. While inverted bucket steam traps operate on the density difference between steam and condensate, the trap remains closed until the bucket full of steam either passes through the small bleed hole provided in the bucket or condenses. Thus insulating these traps can hamper their operation. Ideally, only float type steam traps can be safely insulated without having any impact whatsoever on their operation.