Patent ID: 6220519
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: F16T

Abstract:
A thermostatic steam trap for use in sanitary environments, comprising:a steam trap body defining a steam trap cavity said steam trap body comprising:an inlet body portion defining an inlet port in communication with an inlet cavity portion, andan outlet body portion defining an outlet port in communication with an outlet cavity portion,said inlet cavity portion disposed in communication with said outlet cavity portion to define said steam trap cavity,a centering member disposed generally between said inlet body portion and said outlet body portion,a thermostatic bellows/plug assembly mounted to said centering member, said thermostatic bellows/plug assembly adapted to move within said steam trap cavity, generally along a vertical steam trap axis, between a first position in engagement with a seat defined by said steam trap body, thereby to resist flow of fluid between said steam trap cavity and said outlet port, and a second position spaced from engagement with said seat, thereby to permit flow of fluid between said steam trap cavity and said outlet port, anda sanitary seal releasably securing together said inlet body portion and said outlet body portion at an interface, with said inlet cavity portion and said outlet cavity portion arranged in communication and generally along said vertical steam trap axis, with said centering member secured therebetween; andwherein said thermostatic steam trap has an inlet-axis-to-outlet-axis vertical dimension of less than about 3 inches for standard 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch sanitary fittings and clamps, with each of said inlet body portion and said outlet body portion being integrally made with polished, sanitary surface finishes, and clamps at sanitary connection ferrules at said inlet port, said outlet port and said interface having clearance for tightening without interengagement.