Orifice Steam Trap - How It Works
The plate keeps live steam from flowing, and the hole or orifice allows
either condensate or a small amount of live steam to escape. When orifice
plate steam traps are properly sized for the flow conditions, they can function
properly, but they are not suitable for all applications. Steam will escape
when no condensate is present, and condensate backups can occur at start up
and during periods of high demand. Orifice plate steam traps are best suited
for situations where the pressure difference across the plate and the condensate
load remain constant.