Inverted bucket pilot-operated steam trap
I. Introduction:
The inverted bucket pilot-operated steam trap functions to discharge condensate, air, and carbon dioxide gas from steam systems, while automatically preventing steam leakage to the greatest extent possible. There are many types of steam traps, each with different performance characteristics. When selecting a steam trap, first ensure its specific performance meets the operational requirements of the steam heating equipment, then consider other objective conditions. This is the correct and effective way to choose the steam trap you need. The function of a steam trap: Equipment that uses steam only requires steam. Condensate will definitely form inside such equipment, which becomes a harmful fluid. Additionally, air and other non-condensable gases mix in, causing equipment malfunctions and reduced performance.
II. Precautions:
1. Before installation, clean the piping and equipment to remove impurities and prevent clogging.
2. Steam traps should be installed as close as possible to the steam-using equipment and in locations where drainage is easy.
3. Steam traps should be installed in easily accessible locations for maintenance, and arranged as concentrated as possible for convenient management.
4. Each steam heating equipment should be equipped with a separate steam trap.
5. The bypass pipe must not be installed at a lower level than the steam trap.
6. During installation, ensure the arrow direction on the valve body is consistent with the flow direction of the piping medium.
7. The piping at the inlet and outlet of the steam trap should have a downward slope of 4%, and the nominal diameter of the piping must not be smaller than that of the steam trap.
8. If the drainage capacity of a single steam trap is insufficient, multiple steam traps can be installed in parallel. In locations where freezing may occur, antifreeze measures must be implemented.
III. Features and Performance:
1. Strong adaptability to condensate generation, capable of both intermittent and continuous discharge.
2. Equipped with a large-capacity double-seat differential pressure mechanism and SCCV closing system, offering small size and large discharge capacity.
3. All internal parts are made of stainless steel and mounted on the valve cover, making maintenance extremely convenient.
4. High back pressure rate of 90%.
5. Reliable steam-water separation: Steam and water enter through the U-shaped channel from the lower part of the valve body, and the valve is always in a water-sealed state, effectively preventing steam leakage.
6. The open-type float resists water hammer, and the bucket has no overflow vent holes, effectively preventing steam lock and air blockage.
7. Combined with a lever mechanism, it can be manufactured as a high-pressure valve.
IV. Working Principle:
The inverted bucket pilot steam trap has only one semi-floating spherical bucket as the moving part, with the opening facing downward. The spherical bucket serves as both the opening and closing component and the sealing component. When the device is just started, air and low-temperature condensate in the pipeline enter the steam trap through the discharge pipe. The bimetallic air vent element pops the spherical bucket open, the valve opens, and air and low-temperature condensate are quickly discharged. When steam enters the spherical bucket, the spherical bucket generates upward buoyancy. At the same time, the temperature inside the valve rises, causing the bimetallic air vent element to contract. The spherical bucket floats toward the valve port, and the valve closes. When the steam inside the spherical bucket turns into condensate, the spherical bucket loses buoyancy and sinks downward, the valve opens, and condensate is quickly discharged. When steam enters the spherical bucket again, the valve closes again, operating intermittently and continuously. Since the valve seat is isolated by a water seal, steam and water are separated, and there is no steam leakage during operation.
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