Market Forge Industries STM-E, Owner'S Manual, Page: 27 / 36

25
SECTION 5 ASSEMBLY
TO REPLACE A THERMOSTATIC ELEMENT
1. Remove the cap of the steam trap (
turn it counter-clockwise
).
2. Unscrew the diaphragm and seat and discard.
3. Wipe all dirt and scale from the inside of the steam trap.
4. Place a new diaphragm and seat securely into the steam
trap and replace the cap (
New Style
-
Part No. 98-1719
).
THE STEAM TRAP
The Steam Trap has the very important automatic, dual
function of exhausting all air from the sterilizing compartment,
and of making a suitable seal to allow a pressure build-up of
live steam during a cycle of sterilization. Also, a slot is milled
at an angle through the seat to allow a constant bleed-off of a
slight amount of steam during the cycle to completely
eliminate any air pockets in the cylinder (see 'A' in figure)
Failure of the trap to operate properly will result in an uneven
distribution of live steam within the compartment.
HOW IT WORKS
With the introduction of steam into the sterilizing compartment, cold air will escape. When
sufficient generated steam displaces the cold air, it will then start to exhaust through the
steam trap to heat the thermostatic element. The expansion of the thermostatic element will
make a seal against the seat to enclose the live steam within the sterilizing compartment and
a steam pressure build-up will occur.