Leaking traps can be a significant source of energy loss. It is important that the steam traps are properly inspected and maintained. The steam tracing system should be able to operate under a wide range of operating conditions and should not freeze if the steam is shutoff when ambient temperatures are below freezing.

It is, however, more costly to install than electrical tracing. Steam tracing cannot overheat the contents of the line that it is protecting because its maximum temperature is that of the incoming steam. It is generally reliable (as long as workers do not stand on it) and it does not have the potential to create electrical sparks―something that is possible with electrical tracing. Steam tracing is used because it is efficient―steam has a high latent heat thus making it an effective heating medium. Representative temperatures for high, medium, and low steam pressure are 150–180☌, 200–270☌, and 350–400☌. Depending on the temperature requirements of the fluid in the pipe different levels of steam pressure can be used for tracing.

The temperature of the fluid in the line can be controlled by an automatic controller that turns the supply of steam on and off. The steam condenses as it flows along and is collected in a steam trap. The steam tubing can be connected to the pipe either with straps or by special heat-conducting cement. Steam tracing consists of small bore piping connected to the steam header and that is wrapped around the piping that it is protecting. Ian SuttonAuthor, in Plant Design and Operations (Second Edition), 2017 Steam Tracing

Steam trap isometric symbol