Thermodynamic Steam Trap - How It Works
- On start up, incoming pressure acts on underside of disc, raising it and
allowing air and cool condensate to be immediately discharged.
- When steam flows up the inlet passage into the control chamber
it flows at a higher velocity than the condensate and thus the
pressure between the disc and the seating surfaces is reduced.
The high velocity steam creates low pressure under the disc and
pulls it towards its seat.
- Simultaneously flash steam pressure
building up above the disc forces it to seat and close the inlet.
The disc also seats on the outer ring, trapping pressure in the
chamber.
- When steam condenses in the chamber above the disc
the pressure decreases and the disc rises. Pressure below the
disc raises it again and the cycle repeats.