Abstract A steam trap to be utilized on exit tubing from steam appliances to permit return of condensed water to a boiler while simultaneously preventing return of pressurized steam. The trap comprises a sealed holding tank having a steam pipe leading from the appliance into the tank, and an upright standpipe extending vertically into the tank. The lower end of the standpipe includes a bottom opening through which the water condensate is free to pass. The upper end of the standpipe includes an electrode that is situated within the standpipe adjacent the top of the tank. A portion of the standpipe extends vertically above the top of the holding tank and is connected to a drainpipe. The pipe includes a solenoid-operated valve connected in an electrical circuit with the electrode. The electrode is located within the standpipe so that buildup of condensate within the holding tank must reach a certain level before the electrode is engaged by the accumulating condensate. Once engaged, the circuit is completed and the solenoid valve is actuated to open, allowing the condensate within the holding tank to be forced vertically through the standpipe and out the drainpipe. As the tank empties, the condensate leaves engagement with the electrode and the circuit is broken. This releases the solenoid valve and the pressurized steam is prevented from leaving the confines of the holding tank.
A steam trap for separating pressurized steam from water condensate comprising: an enclosed holding tank for receiving pressurized steam and water condensate from a steam pipe leading into the tank, an upright standpipe extending into the tank and having a bottom opening adjacent the bottom of the tank; sensing means within the standpipe and elevationally located within the tank for sensing presence of condensate at a prescribed level within the standpipe and tank; a drainpipe openly communicating with said standpipe at a location elevationally above said prescribed level; a relief aperture formed through said standpipe elevationally above said prescribed level for allowing escape of gas from within said standpipe as condensate raises therein: valve means mounted on said standpipe for opening the drainpipe and closing said drainpipe; and power supply means operatively interconnecting said sensing means and said valve means responsive to said sensing means for actuating said valve means to open said drainpipe as said condensate reaches said prescribed level and engages said sensing means, and to actuate said valve means to close said drainpipe when said condensate passes beyond the sensing means and becomes disengaged with said sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A steam trap for separating pressurized steam from water condensate comprising: an enclosed holding tank for receiving pressurized steam and water condensate from a steam pipe leading into the tank, an upright standpipe extending into the tank and having a bottom opening adjacent the bottom of the tank; sensing means within the standpipe and elevationally located within the tank for sensing presence of condensate at a prescribed level within the standpipe and tank; a drainpipe openly communicating with said standpipe at a location elevationally above said prescribed level; a relief aperture formed through said standpipe elevationally above said prescribed level for allowing escape of gas from within said standpipe as condensate raises therein: valve means mounted on said standpipe for opening the drainpipe and closing said drainpipe; and power supply means operatively interconnecting said sensing means and said valve means responsive to said sensing means for actuating said valve means to open said drainpipe as said condensate reaches said prescribed level and engages said sensing means, and to actuate said valve means to close said drainpipe when said condensate passes beyond the sensing means and becomes disengaged with said sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
126 words
The invention set out in claim 1 wherein said power supply means is comprised of an electrical circuit with a source of electrical energy; and wherein said sensing means comprises an electrode, connected to said electrical circuit and electrically insulated from said standpipe and tank and having an exposed tip at said prescribed condensate level; and wherein said valve means includes a solenoid operated valve connected in said circuit to said source of electrical energy and to said electrode, said source of electrical energy being connected in said circuit to said condensate, whereby engagement of said condensate with said electrode completes said circuit and disengagement of said electrode and condensate opens said circuit to thereby operate said solenoid operated valve to open and close said drainpipe.