Overview
EN ISO 5117:2023 - Automatic steam traps: Production and performance characteristic tests sets out standardized test requirements for automatic steam traps used for condensate removal and recovery in refineries, power generation and other steam-heat-transfer applications. Published jointly by ISO and CEN (approved June 2023), this document specifies both production tests (shell integrity) and performance characteristic tests (functional behaviour) and briefly describes the corresponding test methods, data and inspection practices.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test categories
- Production tests - shell testing to confirm pressure integrity of each unit.
- Performance characteristic tests - type/functional tests to verify operational behaviour.
- Performance test items (examples listed in the standard)
- Operational check
- Minimum and maximum operating pressure (including PMO)
- Maximum operating back pressure (PMOB)
- Air venting capability
- Operating temperature (TO)
- Condensate discharge capacity (QH or QC)
- Live steam loss (steam leakage)
- Test methods and determinations
- The standard describes methods to determine each characteristic (see clauses 4.2.x and Annexes).
- Annex A (normative): test methods for determination of discharge capacity.
- Annex B (normative): test methods for steam loss determination, including calculation formulae and data sheets.
- Production shell test specifics
- Hydraulic shell test performed at 1.5 × maximum allowable pressure at 20 °C.
- For traps DN ≤ 50 up to PN 40/Class 300, a gas test at 6 bar (0.6 MPa) gauge is allowed with safety measures.
- Terminology and scope
Applications and practical value
- Ensures reliable condensate removal for energy optimization and safety in steam systems.
- Provides objective, comparable test data for:
- Manufacturers performing production quality control.
- End-users and specifiers selecting steam traps based on verified capacity and steam loss.
- Test laboratories and inspection bodies carrying out type and acceptance testing.
- Helps reduce unintentional design flaws, clarify purchaser–manufacturer expectations and improve total cost of ownership by enabling specification of durable, type-tested steam traps.
Who should use this standard
- Valve and steam trap manufacturers
- Plant engineers in power plants, refineries, chemical and process industries
- Procurement/specification writers and quality inspectors
- Accredited test laboratories
Related standards
- ISO 6553 (marking of automatic steam traps)
- Replaces/supersedes earlier EN/ISO documents (refer to EN ISO 5117:2023 foreword for full list)
Keywords: EN ISO 5117:2023, automatic steam traps, steam trap testing, production tests, performance characteristic tests, condensate removal, condensate capacity, steam loss, PMO, PMOB.
