A float air-vent is placed at the top of a liquid filled system to release air. As air vents out and liquid rises, a float will rise and close the vent valve before liquid escapes.
A float steam trap is located at the bottom of a steam filled system. It will allow liquid condensate to drain out until the float falls and closes the drain valve to prevent steam from escaping. Many float steam traps also include a thermostatic air vent which will allow air in the system to vent out to the condensate line until hot steam reaches and closes the vent.
Float air traps are usually used for draining condensation from air receivers. Steam traps are used to remove condensate from steam lines and equipment and their selection is very sensitive to the application. If you have an application can help with selection....
