Inverted Bucket Steam Trap Maintenance

Able to resist waterhammer.

Inverted bucket steam trap maintenance.

As its name implies the mechanism consists of an inverted bucket which is attached by a lever to a valve. Capacities to 4 400 lb hr 2 000 kg hr armstrong offers two sizes of cast steel inverted bucket traps with in line horizontal pipe connections and integral strainers with a choice of screwed socketweld or flanged connections. Complete isolation of the trap from both supply and return line is required before any servicing is performed. When steam or air flows into the underside of the inverted bucket and condensate surrounds it on the outside the steam causes the bucket to become buoyant and rise.

Inverted bucket traps rely on the density difference between steam and water to drain condensate as it forms. To review a specific inverted bucket steam trap select a series and go to the menu. Inverted bucket steam trap. Since the valve of an inverted bucket is either fully closed or open dirt particles pass freely.

As the bucket moves up and down in the condensate a linkage connected to the bucket closes or opens a discharge valve trapping the condensate or allowing it to escape. With check valve fitted in the inlet they can be used with superheated steam. The inverted bucket within the trap will rest on the bottom of the trap body keeping the valve open and allowing condensate to be discharged figure a in the top of the bucket there is a small bleed hole which allows air to escape from inside the bucket and exit through the outlet port figure b when steam arrives through the inlet of the trap it fills the inverted. And the swift flow of condensate from under the bucket s edge creates a unique self scrubbing action that sweeps dirt out of the trap.

Figure 11 3 3 shows the method of operation. Inverted bucket traps are the most robust type of the mechanical traps. Cast steel for horizontal installation with integral strainer for pressures to 600 psig 41 barg. In inverted bucket steam traps the bucket within the trap is attached to a lever that opens and closes the trap valve in response to the bucket s motion.

An essential part of the trap is the small air vent hole in the top of the bucket. The trap should be disassembled periodically for inspection and cleaning. An inverted bucket floats in condensate that surrounds the bucket.