The engineer's sketch-book of mechanical movements, devices, appliances, contrivances and details employed in the design and construction of machinery for every purpose

by Thomas Walter Barber

Section 82.—STEAM TRAPS.

To collect and discharge condensed steam from pipes, &c.

[1499]. Trap operated by a modified form of ball cock, which rises as the box fills with condensed water and opens the discharge valve.

[1500]. Effects the same object by a floating basin. The condensed water enters the box outside the basin, fills it, and lifts the basin which closes the discharge outlet; when the box is full the water overflows into the basin and sinks it, thus opening the outlet valve.

[1501]. Trap operated by expansion of a bent spring which closes the valve, on the principle that live steam is hotter than the water condensed from it.

[1502]. Tredgold’s trap. The valve is opened by a simple float.

[1503]. Wilson’s trap, like [1501], is dependent on the different expansion of a spring under the difference of temperature of the steam and condensed water. In this case the spring is formed of a steel and brass plate riveted together.

There are many other forms upon similar principles to the foregoing.

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