The Spirax Sarco CA46 and CA46S stainless steel ball float air and gas traps feature an austenitic stainless steel body and a maximum operating pressure of 40 barg. The CA46S has a maximum operating temperature of 400°C. The range covers DN15 to DN25 for both the CA46 and CA46S, as well as the larger DN40 and DN50 CA46S sizes. Multiple international flange standards are available, and the products hold certifications including TÜV. They are designed for condensate drainage at collection points or drain points in industrial air and gas networks.
CA46 Product Photograph
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CA46/CA46S Stainless Steel Ball Float Air and Gas Trap | Spirax Sarco
Stainless steel ball float air and gas traps for condensate drainage at low points in air and gas networks.
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Specifications
- Connection Size (CA46)
- DN15, DN20
- Connection Size (Small-Bore CA46S)
- DN15, DN20, DN25
- Connection Size (Large-Bore CA46S)
- DN40, DN50
- Flange Standard
- EN1092 PN40, ASME 150, ASME 300, JIS/KS 20
- Maximum Working Pressure
- 40 barg (subject to the pressure-temperature limitation chart)
- Maximum Working Temperature (CA46)
- 200°C @ 29 barg
- Maximum Working Temperature (CA46S)
- 400°C (subject to the relevant size-specific TI)
- Minimum Working Temperature
- 0°C
- Minimum Allowable Temperature (CA46S DN40/DN50)
- -10°C
- Maximum Cold Hydraulic Test Pressure
- PN40/ASME300: 60 barg, ASME150: 30 barg, JIS/KS20K: 49 barg
- Maximum Differential Pressure (CA46S)
- 4.5, 10, 14, 21, or 32 barg (depending on the model and specific gravity of the discharged liquid)
- Body Material
- Austenitic stainless steel 1.4408/CF8M
- Valve Seat Material
- Stainless steel BS 970 431 S29
- Float and Lever Material
- Stainless steel BS 1449 304 S16
- Valve Cone Material (CA46)
- Viton fluoroelastomer
- Valve Cone Material (CA46S)
- Stainless steel
- Insulation Restriction (CA46S DN40/DN50)
- Do not insulate
- Certifications
- TÜV, AD-Merkblatt WO/TRD100, PED 97/23/EC
- Material Certification
- EN 10204 3.1
Application scenarios
Low-Point Drainage for Industrial Air and Gas Mains
CA46/CA46S traps can be installed at low-point collection or drainage points in industrial air and gas lines to remove accumulated condensate from the system. Select DN15-DN25 or DN40/DN50 according to the load and pipe size.
Selection points
Stainless Steel Body, Float, and Lever Assembly
The body is made of 1.4408/CF8M austenitic stainless steel, while the float and lever are made of 304 stainless steel.
Different Valve Cone and Temperature Ratings for CA46 and CA46S
The CA46 uses a Viton fluoroelastomer valve cone and has a maximum working temperature of 200°C at 29 barg. The CA46S uses a stainless steel valve cone and can operate at temperatures up to 400°C within the pressure-temperature limits for the relevant connection size.
CA46S Selection Based on Differential Pressure and Liquid Specific Gravity
The CA46S is available with maximum differential pressure ratings of 4.5, 10, 14, 21, or 32 barg. The applicable rating depends on the model and the specific gravity of the discharged liquid.
Multiple International Flange Standards
The series is available with EN1092 PN40, ASME 150, ASME 300, and JIS/KS 20 flanges for selection according to the piping flange standard.
Installation & maintenance notes
Do Not Insulate Large-Bore CA46S Models
CA46S DN40 and DN50 models must not be externally insulated. After installation or maintenance, ensure that the valve body is not covered by insulation.
Verify the Model and Pressure-Temperature Limits
Before commissioning, verify the specific model and its pressure-temperature limits. The actual pressure and temperature must remain within the applicable range. The maximum working temperature of the CA46 is 200°C @ 29 barg.
FAQ
How do CA46/CA46S traps operate in air and gas systems?
CA46/CA46S units are float-operated traps. When installed horizontally in the direction indicated by the flow arrow on the body, the valve opens and closes automatically as the accumulated liquid level changes, draining condensate from air and gas systems. The CA46S uses a metal valve cone and is suitable for condensate drainage control within the limits of the relevant model and connection type. A separate balance line must also be fitted during installation to prevent air or gas locking and ensure correct operation.
How should I select between the CA46 and CA46S, what are the main differences, and which sizes are available?
Both models are used to drain condensate from air and gas systems. The CA46 uses a Viton fluoroelastomer valve cone, while the CA46S uses a stainless steel valve cone permanently attached to the float and lever. The CA46 is available in DN15 and DN20. The small-bore CA46S is available in DN15, DN20, and DN25 (TI-P148-04), while the large-bore CA46S is also available with DN40 and DN50 horizontal flanged connections (TI-P148-07). CA46S-4.5/10/14/21/32 models are differentiated by maximum differential pressure and must be selected according to the liquid specific gravity and discharge capacity curves.
What are the pressure and temperature limits of this trap?
For a PN40 body design, the maximum allowable pressure and maximum working pressure are generally 40 barg. The maximum allowable and working temperature is approximately 200°C @ 29 barg for the CA46 and approximately 400°C for the CA46S (400°C @ 20 barg in the small-bore documentation and 400°C in the large-bore documentation). The minimum working temperature is generally 0°C, while the minimum allowable temperature for the large-bore CA46S can be as low as -10°C. The maximum working pressure must not exceed 48 bar, as higher pressure may damage internal components. Always verify the limits against the pressure-temperature limitation chart in the relevant TI.
Which installation arrangements are suitable for the CA46/CA46S, and what precautions are required?
Install the trap horizontally below the drainage point and in the direction indicated by the flow arrow on the body, ensuring that the float mechanism can move freely in the vertical direction. To prevent gas locking, a separate balance line must be installed and connected upstream of the trap. For easier maintenance, a union may be fitted in the balance line close to the cover. For a large-bore CA46S operating against backpressure, a check valve is recommended at the outlet. A silencer is recommended for direct discharge to atmosphere. Isolation valves should be fitted upstream and downstream, and the trap must not be insulated.
What should be considered when maintaining this product or replacing spare parts?
Perform maintenance in accordance with the installation and maintenance instructions IM-P148-37 supplied with the product. Small-bore spare parts include the CA46 soft valve cone, main valve assembly with float, and gasket set. For the large-bore CA46S, the main valve assembly with float and the gasket set are available. Specify the model and connection size when ordering.