Piston steam traps are in the thermodynamic trap category that are actuated by the principles of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. Thermodynamic steam traps are phase detectors in that they can discriminate between liquids and gases, but they do not discriminate between steam and air or other non-condensable gases. Therefore, they have a reduced ability to bleed-off those gases. Small amounts of steam may also be passed. Piston steam traps utilize the heat energy in hot condensate, and the kinetic energy in steam, to open and close a valve. Like disc steam traps, they are phase detectors sensing the difference between a liquid and gas or vapor. During initial start-up, pressure created by the cold condensate lifts the piston valve, allowing discharge of condensate. During this phase, the control chamber pressure is low because the second or control orifice, can discharge more condensate than can be supplied to the control chamber through the first orifice. When the temperature of the ...
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