Improvements in Steam Traps and like Apparatus for Separating Water from Steam, Air, and Gases.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Sept,, 1899-Accepted, 18th Nov., 1899
Improvements in Steam Traps and like Apparatus for Separating
Water from Steam, Air, and Gases.
I, JOHANN STUMPF. of 27, Rankestrasse, Berlin, in the German Empire,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:
This invention relates to apparatus for separating water from steam, air and
gases. The said apparatus operates in a continuous manner, and the outlet-
valve with or without the co-operation of the float, acts by rotary motion.
All steam traps hitherto devised are unreliable. They operate intermittently,
whereby their action is rendered uncertain and to some extent dangerous. The
valve frequently becomes jammed, the slide gets out of order, or solid substances
such as sand, scale or the like, settle in the valve, and either prevent it from
closing or lock it in the position it occupies at the time. These and similar dis-
turbances lead to the result that apparatus of this class very frequently fail to
work when required.
Now the object of this invention is to remedy all these drawbacks.
To this end, in the first place, an arrangement is provided which permits the
outlet valve to be continuously kept open, and the outlet-orifice to be uncovered
by the action of the float and valve to an extent sufficient to cause the amount of
water escaping to be exactly equal to that of the water admitted, and inasmuch
as, owing to this arrangement, a predetermined water level must constantly be
maintained in the apparatus, the orifice of the valve is at all times sealed by a
certain volume of water, and no steam can at any time escape from the apparatus
into the atmosphere, whereby a difficulty, very frequently experienced in con-
nection with existing steam traps is overcome.
In the lower part of the valve spindle is made a perforation which communi-
cates with the interior of the float, the object of such perforation being to draw off
any water that may have found its way into the float.
In addition to this, rotary motion is imparted to the outlet valve or to the
float, or to both, whereby the operative parts are prevented from becoming
blocked, and the valve is caused to turn in close contact with its seat when
resuming its position thereon.
A steam trap constructed in accordance with this invention is represented by
way of example in longitudinal central section in the accompanying drawing.
A float a of adequate dimensions and of simple construction is arranged to
move in an upper and lower guide b and c respectively. To the lower end of the
float a valve is secured, for which a suitable seat f is provided in the guide c.
The valve spindle e passes through the aperture of the guide c and completely
closes such aperture. At a predetermined distance below the valve d, grooves
or notches g are formed in the valve spindle e, which grooves or notches extend-
ing as they do, obliquely in the downward direction, form discharge-channels
with downwardly increasing diameters. A perforation in the lower part of the
valve spindle e communicates with the interior of the float and affords an outlet

page_text: for any water that may have entered the float. Upon the lower end of the
spindle e is mounted a small turbine wheel h.
While the apparatus is empty, the float a together with the valve d, will by
its own weight remain in position upon the seat f in the guide c. But the
moment water is admitted into the trap, the buoyancy of the water gradually
comes into operation, until its effect balances the weight of the float plus the
stream pressure acting upon the valve orifice.
As more water is admitted, the increasing buoyancy will presently raise the
float a with its valve d. But inasmuch as the spindle e entirely closes the open-
ing in the guide c, no aperture is for the time being disclosed. Hence it follows
that the float a will rise higher and higher in consequence of the continued
influx of water; and not until the grooves or notches of the spindle e begin
to appear above the guide c, will some of the water be allowed to escape. The
float a, however will still continue to rise until the grooves y afford so wide au
aperture, that the amount of water discharged-which is determined by the area
of such aperture-becomes equal to the amount of water admitted; in other
words until a state of inertia or permanency is produced; the water level in the
trap will then become stationary, and the trap will deliver a continuous supply
of water. Hence the apparatus will operate constantly and steadily, unlike the
intermittently acting apparatus hitherto used.
Should any change occur in the quantity of water admitted, the trap will auto-
matically regulate itself in accordance with such change, it will directly
accommodate itself to any fluctuations that may take place in the water supply.
It is clear that under these circumstances a predetermined water level will
invariably exist in the apparatus. Consequently, the valve aperture will always
be closed by a volume of water, and no steam will at any time be allowed to
escape from the trap into the atmosphere.
The condensation water escaping with great rapidity through the grooves g,
under the influence of the steam pressure, sets the turbine and with it the
valve and the float drum or barrel a-in rotary motion. The turbine wheel h
is so mounted upon the spindle e, that a steady deflection of the vertically
delivered water into the horizontal direction of the radial turbine is ensured.
Owing to the rotary motion of the valve, any impurities, scale, sand, oil or the
like are loosened and washed away by the outflowing current of water. In fact
the whole system is by this rotation, maintained in a loose or mobile condition.
Besides, when the valve with the float resumes its position upon its seat, the two
seat surfaces will, in consequence of such rotation, automatically slide in close
contact with each other, whereby a tight joint will at all times be secured between
them, even should no water be available for shutting off the steam.
Rotary motion will take place the easier, inasmuch as the entire system floats,
so that a sort of water seal, or hydraulic step-bearing; as it were is created.
Instead of utilizing the kinetic energy or impact of the escaping water in pro-
ducing rotary motion which would primarily suggest itself the upper part of
the float might, if necessary, be fitted with wings or vanes, exposed to the action
of the steam, air or gas current from which the water is to be separated. Also,
the vis via of the inflowing water may be turned to account in producing rotary
motion. Indeed the rotary motion may be provided for in various ways.
be readily understood that, if desired, the arrangement may be such that the
It will
valve shall perform such motion by itself, without the float.
The work done by the turbine wheel may be utilized for example, by connect-
ing a fan to the spindle; or its work may be taken advantage of through any
suitable means of transmission.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. Apparatus for separating water from steam air or
roses in whi
1

page_text: valve, or the valve spindle closing the outlet orifice, is so constructed that, as it
rises, apertures gradually increasing in sectional area are uncovered, whence
must result a state of inertia or permanency, owing to which water is allowed to
escape in proportion as it is supplied, for the purpose of ensuring a constant and
steady operation of the apparatus, substantially as described.
2. In the said apparatus the provision of a perforation in the lower end of
the valve-spindle e, such perforation communicating with the interior of the
float a, for the purpose of ensuring the escape of any water that may have found
its way into the float, substantially as described.
3. Apparatus such as that claimed in the first claim, wherein rotary motion is
imparted to the outlet valve or to the float, or to both, for the purpose of pre-
venting the operative parts from becoming blocked or jammed and of causing
the valve to slide into contact with its seat when closing, substantially as
described.
Dated this 18th dar of Sentember 1800
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.