The thermostat closes when the temperature surrounding the element reaches steam temperature. As the trap fills with condensate, the float will rise and open the valve to discharge the condensate. Temperature Regulating Valves Temperature regulating valves automatically control the temperature of a fluid by positioning the valve in proportion to the temperature deviation sensed by the bulb. Thermodynamic Steam Traps Cool condensate and air enter the trap, raises the disc and flow out the discharge orifice. The disc starts to close the outlet port.
Flash steam goes around the disc into the upper chamber.
This flash steam collecting in the upper chamber is stationary, and exerts a downward pressure forcing the disc to close the discharge port. Once the steam above the disc condenses, pressure is reduced and the discharge cycle continues. At start up, the bucket is down holding the lever arm and ball head away from the orifice seat, allowing condensate and air to discharge. When steam reaches the trap, it floats the bucket up, raising the lever arm and forcing the ball head into the orifice seat. As steam condenses, and condensate fills the trap, the bucket sinks, pulling the ball head away from the orifice seat allowing condensate discharge.