Inverted Bucket Steam Trap - How It Works
- Condensate reaches trap and flows under the bucket to fill the trap body.
The weight of the bucket keeps the valve off its seat. The bucket
remains submerged and condensate discharges through the valve
at the top.
- When steam enters the trap , it also collects under
the bucket but gives it a buoyancy. Buoyancy causes the bucket
to rise, thus closing the valve by returning it to its seat.
- The
enclosed steam condenses and escapes through the vent hole. The
weight of the bucket pulls the valve off its seat and the cycle
repeats.
- The vent hole in the bucket will bleed air and steam
into the top of the trap. The vent hole is small and will vent
air slowly. Blockage of this vent hole will cause the trap to
fail.