Steam trap work principle

1. Steam traps are installed between the steam heating equipment and the condensate return header. When driving, the bucket is at the bottom and the valve is fully open. The condensate enters the trap bottom and flows to the bottom of the bucket. It fills the valve body and completely immerses the bucket. The condensate then drains through the fully open valve to the return header.

2. Steam also enters the trap from the bottom of the barrel and occupies the top of the barrel, creating buoyancy. The barrel slowly rises and gradually moves the lever toward the seat until it closes the valve completely. Air and carbon dioxide gas collect through the exhaust vents of the bucket and collect at the top of the trap. The steam discharged from the vent hole will condense due to the heat dissipation of the trap.

3. When the incoming condensate begins to fill the bucket, the bucket begins to exert a pull on the lever. As the condensate level continues to rise, the force generated increases until the pressure difference is overcome and the valve opens.

4. As the steam trap begins to open, the differential pressure acting on the flap decreases. The barrel will drop quickly, leaving the valve fully open. The non-condensable gas accumulating on the top of the trap discharges first and then the condensate drains. When water flows out of the barrel, it drives the dirt out of the trap together. At the same time as the condensate drains, the steam starts to enter the trap again, and a new cycle begins again.