Bimetallic Steam Trap - How It Works
- On start-up the bimetallic element is relaxed and the valve is open.
Cooled condensate, plus air, is immediately discharged.
- Hot
condensate flowing through the trap heats the bimetallic element
causing it to pull the valve towards the seat.
- As the hot
condensate is discharged and approaches steam temperature the
bimetallic element closes the valve. When there is no flow through
the trap the condensate surrounding the element cools causing
it to relax and the upstream pressure opens the valve. Condensate
is discharged and the cycle repeats.