Operation
Principles of air and condensate discharge:
1. Initial Air Discharge
At start-up, before steam is supplied the system is cold and air occupies the system.
When steam is first supplied to the system, air is discharged through the drain hole (B)
while the orifice (A) is closed by the float.
2. Condensate Discharge
As steam is supplied, condensate flow begins. The rising condensate level causes the
float to rise due to buoyancy, opening the orifice (A) and allowing condensate to be
discharged. In this manner, continuous condensate discharge occurs while the opening
size of the orifice varies depending on the condensate flow rate.
3. Discharge of Large Quantities of Condensate
Increases in the condensate inflow rate cause the condensate level in the trap to rise.
The float consequently rises and enlarges the opening of the orifice (A), allowing more
condensate to be discharged.
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