The inverted bucket steam trap is a mechanical steam trap that uses an inverted float and lever system to control the valve’s opening and closing. It exploits the density difference between condensate and steam. Upon activation, the valve opens fully to discharge condensate and air. Steam enters the trap, and the float rises to close the valve. Once the steam condenses, the float sinks and reopens, creating an intermittent drainage cycle.
In addition to utilizing density differences, the pilot inverted bucket steam trap’s pilot structure guides and controls the main valve’s operation, optimizing the valve’s opening and closing process and improving response speed and control accuracy. The pilot inverted bucket steam trap’s top-entry design reduces the number of bolts required to connect the valve body to the trap under high pressure and large diameter conditions, enhancing valve reliability and overcoming the effects of system deadweight on valve operation.
Function of pilot inverted bucket steam trap
Extra-Large Discharge
The pilot inverted bucket steam trap features a large main valve port that remains continuously open during the discharge phase, resulting in a discharge capacity far greater than that of a conventional mechanical steam trap of similar size. It can handle very large and fluctuating condensate loads. This is particularly important during startup of equipment requiring rapid heating (such as large heat exchangers, autoclaves, and dryers).
Ability to Operate at Extremely Low Pressure Differentials
Its operation relies on the buoyancy and weight difference of the inverted bucket, rather than on changes in steam pressure or temperature like thermostatic or thermodynamic steam traps. It operates as long as there is a density difference (steam is light, water is heavy). It is suitable for applications with very low steam pressures (even near atmospheric pressure), such as at the end of a steam distribution line or in vacuum heating systems.
Energy-Efficient, Extremely Low Steam Leakage
When closed, the buoyancy of the inverted bucket creates a very tight mechanical seal. The tiny pilot orifice allows only a minimal amount of steam to pass through, ensuring a high backpressure ratio, significantly saving energy and reducing steam loss.
High Water Hammer Resistance
As a mechanical steam trap, its robust internal structure withstands water hammer, a common phenomenon in steam systems. It’s not easily damaged by pressure fluctuations, offers a long lifespan, and offers high reliability.
Excellent Automatic Air Venting
Air, like condensate, causes the inverted bucket to sink. This allows for rapid air evacuation during startup, preventing air locks within the system and ensuring uniform and efficient heating.
In short, the core function of the pilot inverted bucket steam trap is the same as that of all steam traps: automatically and efficiently draining condensate, air, and non-condensable gases like carbon dioxide from the steam system while minimizing steam leakage.
Furthermore, it is a high-performance steam trap that combines the reliability of a mechanical trap with the precision of a pilot control, delivering excellent drainage and energy savings under demanding operating conditions.
Pilot Inverted Bucket Steam Trap Installation Tutorial
Pre-Installation Preparation
Pipeline Purging: Welding slag or impurities in the piping can clog or damage the trap. Therefore, before installation, the piping system must be thoroughly purged and drained with pressurized steam to ensure smooth operation of the piping and trap.
Inspecting the Trap: Carefully inspect the trap for damage or defects. Verify that the valve specifications and model are consistent with the actual operating conditions. The actual operating conditions must not exceed the maximum allowable pressure and temperature indicated on the valve body, nor the maximum working pressure. Otherwise, safe and effective operation cannot be guaranteed. If possible, use a position number tag to ensure that each trap corresponds to the selected design data.
Prepare Tools and Materials: Gather the necessary installation tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers, as well as sealing materials, such as gaskets and teflon tape.
Installing a Filter: It is recommended to install a filter before the trap to effectively prevent impurities from entering the trap and clogging the valve orifice. Also, ensure that the filter screen needs regular cleaning.
Installation Process
Valves should be installed before, during, and in the bypass of the steam trap. This allows for online cleaning of filter screens or inspection and maintenance of the trap without shutting down the machine. The bypass can be used to assist with drainage during this time, ensuring normal production.
Determine the Installation Location: Install the trap in a location that is easily accessible for inspection and maintenance, making it easy to inspect and maintain the trap. Install the trap as low as possible from the drain point or water accumulation point, and at the lowest point of the pipe or equipment outlet, but no further away, to ensure that condensate flows smoothly by gravity into the trap. If the trap is not installed at the lowest point in the equipment, add a return bend (condensate riser connection) at the lowest point of the highest outlet to raise the condensate level and avoid steam resistance. Install the trap as close to the drain point as possible to prevent steam lock and reduced discharge capacity.
Connect the trap correctly: When installing the trap, ensure the flow arrow on the trap aligns with the condensate flow direction. The valve body must be installed correctly according to its design to avoid reverse installation. Pay attention to the connection between the trap and the pipe, ensuring it is secure. Use gaskets or raw tape to seal it to prevent leaks and loosening.
Horizontal Installation Requirements: Pilot Inverted Bucket Steam Traps are mechanical traps and typically require horizontal installation to ensure proper operation of the inverted bucket and other components within them.
Outlet Pipe Installation: The trap outlet pipe should not be submerged in water to prevent impaired drainage.
Post-Installation Inspection
Check the connections: Re-inspect the connections between the steam trap and the pipe to ensure all bolts are tightened, seals are good, and there are no loose connections or leaks.
Commissioning: Slowly open the valves before and after the steam trap to allow steam and condensate to gradually enter the system. Observe the operation of the steam trap to ensure it can properly discharge water and air, and to check for any abnormal sounds or vibrations.
Pressure and Temperature Monitoring: Monitor the system pressure and temperature to ensure they are within the allowable operating range of the steam trap. If any abnormalities are detected, close the valves immediately for inspection and adjustment.
If you have any questions about the above installation tutorial, please feel free to contact us. Newton has a professional technical team to answer your questions at any time.
