Y-strainer and basket strainer comparison for industrial piping systems

Y-Strainer vs. Basket Strainer: Which One Should You Use?

What Is the Difference Between a Y-Strainer and a Basket Strainer? A Y-strainer is a compact pipeline strainer commonly used in steam, gas, condensate, and liquid applications, particularly when debris loading is relatively light. A basket…
Industrial technician inspecting a steam trap for signs of failure

How Do You Know When a Steam Trap Is Failing? 7 Signs to Watch For

How Do You Know If a Steam Trap Is Bad? A steam trap may be failing if it continuously passes live steam, stops removing condensate, causes equipment to heat slowly or unevenly, contributes to water hammer, or develops unusual temperature or…
Technician using a thermal camera to inspect steam and condensate piping for heat-related performance issues during summer.

How Does Summer Heat Affect Steam and Condensate System Performance?

Steam systems are often associated with winter heating demands, but summer heat can also create operating challenges. In July, mechanical rooms, boiler areas, and process spaces may become hotter, equipment may run under different load conditions,…
Technician documenting tagged steam trap stations during a mid-year steam trap survey in an industrial mechanical room.

What Should Be Included in a Mid-Year Steam Trap Survey?

A steam trap survey is one of the most practical ways to understand the health of a steam system. By mid-year, facilities have usually moved past winter heating demands and have time to correct issues before fall. At Colton Industries, we…
Facility engineer reviewing steam system efficiency data on a tablet beside insulated piping, valves, gauges, and a condensate return line.

How Can Facilities Improve Steam System Efficiency Before Summer Slowdowns?

For many industrial and commercial facilities, June brings a shift in operating conditions. Heating loads may decrease, production schedules may change, and summer maintenance planning begins. That makes early summer a valuable window to…
Technician using a thermal camera to inspect a steam trap and valve station for maintenance or replacement needs.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace a Steam Trap?

Steam traps are small components with a big job. They remove condensate and air from the system while preventing live steam from escaping. When a steam trap fails, the impact can show up as wasted energy, poor heating, water hammer, or equipment…
Engineer inspecting steam and condensate return piping with a tablet in a mechanical room during spring maintenance.

What Should Facilities Inspect After Spring Startup in Steam and Condensate Systems?

Spring startup is an important transition point for steam and condensate systems. After a long winter season, many facilities reduce heating loads, adjust operating schedules, or bring certain systems back online after partial shutdowns. That…

What Spring Maintenance Should You Do on Steam and Condensate Systems?

Spring is the ideal time to inspect insulation, verify steam trap performance, check drainage and condensate return, and review start-up/shutdown procedures after a long winter. A focused spring maintenance walk-through helps you find damage,…

What Should You Expect from an Industrial Valve Manufacturing Partner in 2026?

In 2026, a strong industrial valve manufacturing partner should offer reliable products, documented quality, engineering support, and responsive service—not just a catalog. Colton Industries works with engineering, maintenance, and purchasing…

How Do Strainers Protect Your Steam and Condensate System?

Strainers protect steam and condensate systems by removing dirt, scale, and debris before they reach sensitive components like valves, steam traps, meters, and regulators. Without strainers, particles in the line can erode seats, plug orifices,…