Improvements in Steam and other Vapour and Liquid Traps.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1894-Accepted, 19th May, 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Steam and other Vapour and Liquid Traps.
We, THOMAS PASCHAL BORDEN, of Engle Street, Englewood, New Jersey,
and FREDERICK LAMPLOUGH of No. 80 Clinton Place, New York, both in the
United States of America, Engineers, 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 :-
Our invention relates to that class of traps employed in engines, radiators, or in
other situations where it is desired to permit the escape of liquids, such as water of
condensation, and prevent the escape of vapor such as steam.
Our invention
relates more particularly to that form of such traps in which the controlling valve
moves directly towards and from a valve seat against which it is adapted to be
firmly forced, and is actuated by an expansion chamber, the direction of move-
ment of which or of its movable side or diaphragm is also towards and from
the said valve seat. Certain features of our invention, however, are not
necessarily dependent upon the above arrangement of valve and expansion
chamber, for instance the use of an expansion chamber partly filled with a
volatile fluid and having air excluded from the remaining space not occupied
by the fluid, producing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or at least eliminating from
the trap all gas which is not condensable into liquid form. The expansion
chamber thus partially charged may be employed with various forms of valves and
in various situations.
Our improved trap depends in operation upon the principle of movement by
expansion and contraction under changes of temperature. That is to say, the
escape of vapor from the trap when it is open, will cause an expansion and a move-
ment which will close the trap, whereupon the consequent change in temperature to
a lower degree in the part or parts formerly acted upon by the steam or vapor, will
result in a reverse movement and cause the trap to open to its position first referred
to, permitting the discharge of any liquid which has in the meantime accumulated.
This operation is automatic and continuous.
We do not claim broadly the application of this principle to traps, but I have
devised an improved construction in which the trap is very sensitive to changes of
temperature and operates very quickly and perfectly; which is very compact in
arrangement and adapted to be used in many places where a bulky device cannot
be employed; the parts of which can conveniently be constructed and put together
and can be readily taken apart for cleaning or repairs; in which the valve is in
perfect equilibrium so that its operation is not in any way retarded or otherwise
interfered with by the pressure of the steam or other vapor which is to be
controlled, the expansion chamber of the trap at the same time being, exposed
to the outer or atmospheric air so as to be quickly cooled when the closure of
the trap should take place. It results from the last mentioned feature of con-
struction and operation, that a very small quantity of the steam or vapor which is
to be retained will escape with the water of condensation which is desired to
be ejected.
We furthermore provide a construction in which the trap valve is perfectly
balanced so as to be sensitive in operation and which is nevertheless suitable for use
with water or other fluid containing grit or other impurities which are likely to
impede the operation of any equilibrium device of ordinary construction.
The further features of advantage of our present improvement will be hereinafter
and fath

page_text: YY TUM SUCH Objects in view our invention consists in the parts and combinations.
thereof hereinafter set forth and claimed.
In order to make, our improvement more clearly understood we have shown in
the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical effect,
without, however, confining the invention in its useful applications, to the particular
construction which, for the sake of illustration, we have delineated. In said
drawings:
-
Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of an automatic trap embodying our
improvement.
Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view on line II-II of Fig. 1, showing also by
side views the means for uniting the two portions of the trap casing.
Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of another form of automatic trap also
embodying our improvement.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line IV-IV, Fig. 3, showing the mode of connecting
the discharge chamber with the main portion of the trap.
Figs. 5 and 6 are detail views showing different forms of equilibrium pistons for
the trap valve.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view of another form of trap in which also the valve is
balanced.
Referring to said drawings 1 indicates a casing formed of brass or other suitable
material and provided at its lower end with a valve seat 2. At a suitable point
above the said valve seat the casing has one or more perforations 3 through which
the liquid to be discharged from the trap is admitted to the interior of the casing.
The upper portion of the latter forms a cylinder 4 closed at its upper end and
adapted to receive a close fitting piston 5. The latter is preferably formed
of thin copper stamped into bell shape and possessing a certain amount of
resilience. Secured to the piston 5 and having a central opening which communi-
cates with the space in the casing and above the piston, is a tube 6 which extends
to the lower end of the casing and carries the valve 7 faced with rubber or any
other appropriate material adapted to make a tight closure upon the valve seat 2
when forced upwards against the same.
8 is a vacuum and expansion chamber tightly sealed and formed of thin elastic
metal the top and bottom heads or diaphragms of which are adapted to be readily
caused to approach each other or to be forced apart by the formation of a vacuum
within the said chamber or by the outward pressure of any vapor which may be
caused to be generated or expand within it. For this purpose I prefer to partly
charge the chamber 8 before it is exhausted and sealed with a highly volatile
fluid such as ammonia, or other fluid with a like vaporizing power adapted to be
quickly acted upon by changes of temperature. The lower head of the chamber 8
is supported by a vertically adjustable set-screw 9 mounted in a stationary seat or
nut 10. This latter is by preference formed integral with a cross bar 11 adapted
to be mounted upon any suitable support and which is formed with a vertical
longitudinal cut or slit 12 passing through the screw seat and which permits the
two portions of the nut to be sprung slightly apart upon the insertion of the screw.
The latter is somewhat larger than the female screw-threaded bearing within the
nut and fits tightly within the latter, so as to be held securely in place at
whatever point of adjustment so that the necessity of any jam nut upon the screw
is obviated.
The device as herein before described is adapted to be secured to any coupling,
pipe or chamber, which contains or conducts the vapor from which the liquid of
condensation is to be collected. In Fig. 1 of the drawings, such chamber is
indicated at 13 and consists of an ordinary elbow coupling into which the casing 1
is screwed by means of an external thread 14 formed upon the latter and engaging
one of the screw-threaded openings of the elbow.
Attached to the lower end of the casing 1 is a funnel shaped plate 15 adapted
to receive the steam or vapor as it is discharged between the valve seat 2 and the
valve 7 and to direct it upon the vacuum and expansion chamber 8 so as to quickly

page_text: affect the temperature of the latter and its contents and cause the valve to be
promptly actuated and closed. This funnel also prevents the discharged water from
splashing or blowing through the ventilating openings hereinafter described.
16 is a bell shaped discharge chamber which is preferably secured in place by
having the internal flange at its upper end clamped between the casing 1 and the
elbow or chamber 13, and which extends down over and covers the chamber 8 so
as to conceal and protect the latter and receive the discharge from the valve.
The lower end of the discharge chamber 16 is closed by a cover 17 which, like
the chamber, may be formed of thin metal such as brass. This cover 17 serves
as a stationary support for the cross bar 11 hereinbefore referred to and has a
central discharge opening or nozzle 18. The said cover is united with the
chamber 16 by any suitable form of joint, but preferably one which can be
readily operated so as to detach the cover, per nitting the removal of the vacuum
and expansion chamber with its valve, tube 6, and piston 5, for cleaning or repair.
For this purpose the chamber 16 is provided on its outer surface with pins 19,
and with an aperture 20. The flange of the cover 17 is formed with an aperture 21
corresponding with the aperture 20 and with horizontal slots 22 adapted to receive
the pins 19 and having vertical passages 23 at one end through which the pins may
pass as the cover is thrust upwards into position. When the cover is thus in place
it may be given a short horizontal twist and the pins will be securely held in the
horizontal slots 22. To secure the cover from rotation we provide a pin 24
mounted upon a substantially circular spring 25 the ends of which latter are
secured at 26 to the interior of the chamber 16. The pin 24 projects outwardly
through the aperture 20, and is thrust back as the cover is forced upward, the
spring 25 yielding for this purpose. When the cover is turned into its final
position the pin 24 will spring outwards through the aperture 21 and act as a
lock. When it is desired to remove the cover the pin 24 is first pressed inward
and then the cover may be freely rotated.
In order to permit thorough ventilation of the interior of the discharge
chamber 16 so that a cool atmosphere may have ready access to the exterior of the
chamber 8 and cause the prompt operation of the valve, we prefer to form in the
upper part of the chamber 16 air openings 27 through which any warm air may
escape, the place of which will be taken by a cooler air ascending through the
nozzle 18.
28 is a hood clamped between the casing 1 and the chamber or elbow 13 and
extending somewhat over the upper end of the discharge chamber and guarding the
air apertures 27 thereof.
Any water of condensation accumulating in the chamber 13 will pass readily by
the opening 3 to the interior of the valve casing 1 and collect above the valve 7.
In the meantime this valve is held shut by an expansion or volatilization of the
contents of the chamber 8 which has previously taken place by reason of the
discharge of vapor or warm fluid from the trap. The action of the atmosphere
upon the exterior of the chamber 8 as already described, will, however, soon lower
the temperature of the latter with its contents, causing the heads or diaphragms to
be drawn together and the valve 7 to be separated from the valve seat 2. There-
upon the water collected as aforesaid will immediately run out and over the vacuum
and expansion chamber into the discharge chamber and then out through the
discharge opening 18 of the latter. The warmth imparted by such fluid and by
a small quantity of the vapor which will follow it through the open valve will
immediately act upon the chamber 8, being directed fully upon it by the funnel 15,
and will raise the temperature of the contents of the chamber, volatilizing the
ammonia contained therein, and cause the prompt closure of the valve 7 upon the
seat 2. Thereupon the collection of water will proceed as above described, to be
again in like manner discharged.
It will be observed that at all times the valve 7 is in perfect equilibrium, the
pressure upon the upper surface exposed to the action of the vapor within the

page_text: chamber or coupling 13 being exactly balanced by that upon the lower surface of
the piston 5. This latter pressure will keep the said piston always tightly expanded
in place against the inner surface of the cylinder or hood 4. This upward pressure
upon the under side of the piston is entirely unresisted by reason of the opening
through the tube 6 which places the space above the piston in constant com-
munication with the atmosphere.
Or to express this invention in different words, the tube 6 and piston 5 may be
considered as extensions of the valve 7 and as portions thereof, and the top
surface of the piston as the inner face of the valve, which inner face is cut off or
separated from the steam chamber of the trap by means of the hood or casing 4.
The piston 5 may be formed in the manner hereinbefore particularly described,
or may be a piston of ordinary character provided with a fibrous packing. Or it
may
be formed in bell shape as indicated but of rubber of suitable composition to
resist a considerable degree of heat. These last mentioned forms of piston are
shown respectively in Figs. 5 and 6.
The plate which constitutes in effect the inner surface of the trap valve may,
however, be so constructed and combined with other parts as to obviate the sliding
contact which must take place where a piston like that indicated at 5 is employed.
The construction now about to be referred to is, therefore, especially desirable for
use in a water or liquid in which there is present a grit or other impurities calculated
to clog and impede the action of a piston.
Referring especially to Fig. 3 it will be observed that there is connected with
the valve a plate or diaphragm having a certain elasticity or resilience, with which
plate there is combined a chamber covering one side of the plate and having a
duct or opening communicating with the same atmosphere as that to which the
outer or under side of the trap valve is exposed. Such plate or diaphragm is
indicated at 29, and the said chamber at 30. This chamber may be made in all
essential respects similar to the principal vacuum or expansion chamber, the
plate 29 constituting one of the heads or diaphragms. Such plate is secured to
the stem or extension 31 of the valve, which in this instance is made solid in that
respect differing from the tube or stem 6. The other head or diaphragm of the
chamber 30 is soldered or otherwise securely fastened to a screw-threaded thimble 32
which latter is removably mounted in the upper portion of the steam chamber.
This thimble or bushing by means of a passage or conduit 33 has a communication
with the atmosphere. With this form of device no difficulty can occur in the
operation of the valve by reason of any grit or impurity which may enter the
steam chamber with the steam or water of condensation.
In the form of trap illustrated in Fig. 3 the funnel which directs the water
and steam inward upon the vacuum chamber is cast integral with the steam chamber
as indicated at 34, and the discharge chamber is formed by a casting 35 the upper
edge of which is provided with notches or perforations 36 for ventilation and to
promote the cooling of the vacuum chamber. The upper edge of the casting 35
fits within a depending shield 37 which is cast integral with the main body or
steam chamber of the trap. Set screws 38 passing through said shield engage
the outer face of the casting 35 and hold the latter in position, the shield 37
being of such larger diameter than the casting 35 as to leave an annular space
communicating with the atmosphere and with the openings 36.
The casting 35 carries the stationary nut and set screw for adjusting the vacuum
chamber in the same manner already described in connection with Fig. 1. To make
more secure the engagement of the set screws 38 the casting 35 is formed with a
peripheral groove 39 into which the inner ends of said screws enter.
пе
By employing as the means for actuating the trap valve a vacuum chamber
are enabled to insure that the valve shall be operated by a very strong
pressure as high as fifteen pounds to the square inch, thus making certain the
action of the trap.
Referring to Fig. 7, 1 indicates a chamber of dome shape provided with an

page_text: inlet 2, for connection with a steam cylinder, radiator, conduit or other vapor-
containing chamber, and which for convenience of attachment may have at its other
end a peripheral flange 3.
4 is a somewhat similar casting having a flange 5 adapted to be clamped to
the flange 3 by bolts 6 so as to form a steam tight joint, and having a reduced
neck 7. In the latter are formed a chamber 8, an internal screw-thread 9, an
internal flange 10, and a stuffing chamber 11. In the latter is fitted a gland 12
adapted in connection with the flange 10 to hold and compress a packing material,
and said gland is controlled and forced into place by a cap 13 engaging a
screw-thread on the neck 7.
14 is a tube the upper end of which forms at 15 a valve seat, the intermediate
portion of which passes through and can be turned and adjusted vertically in
the stuffing box 16 formed by the parts 7, 10, 12 and 13, and the lower end of
which may communicate with the open air or with a drain or with any vessel
in which the liquid escaping through the trap is collected. 17 is a nut secured
upon the tube 14 to assist in turning the latter. The upper end of said tube
is provided with an external screw-thread 18 adapted to engage the thread 9, so
that upon turning the tube 14 it may be adjusted slightly inward or outward
in the trap-case formed by the parts 1 and 4. This adjustment will regulate the
amount of opening of the valve hereinafter described, and the position of the
tube 14 will depend upon the temperature at which it is desired that the trap
should open.
19 is the trap valve situated in proximity to the seat 15 where it is supported
by a collar 20 secured by a pin 21 upon a spindle 22. The latter is provided with
a head 23 at its upper end and below said head with a screw-thread 24, and is
carried by a diaphragm 25 of elastic material such as sheet metal. The spindle
passes down through said diaphragm and is clamped thereto by a nut 26 which
engages the screw-thread 24 and bears against the outer surface of the diaphragm.
This joint where the spindle passes through the diaphragm is hermetically sealed
by solder or in any other suitable manner. 27 indicates a dome of suitable
material such as brass or copper which corresponds approximately with the interior
contour of the case 1, and which is hermetically joined around its lower edge, as
by soldering with the edge of the diaphragm 25. The air-tight chamber thus
formed is soldered or otherwise secured in a bearing plate 28 provided with a
peripheral flange 29 which is clamped between the parts 1 and 4 of the trap
case, and with a central bearing or sleeve 30 situated beneath the diaphragm
and in the chamber 8. 31 indicates apertures in the plate 28. 32 is a cylinder
opened at both ends, fitting in the sleeve 30, having a central bearing 33 which
fits loosely around the spindle 22 beneath the nut 26 and provided with a lateral
flange 34 beneath which is carried an elastic packing ring 35, preferably rubber.
The latter rests upon and forms a steam tight joint with the valve 19. 36 indicates
an aperture or apertures through the valve 19. The operation thereof is as
follows: The inlet 2 being connected with any chamber or conduit containing
steam, or other condensable vapor of similar nature, will permit the ingress of
steam into the chamber 37 surrounding the upper portion of the air chamber.
The heat thereby communicated to the confined air will cause the latter to expand
and force outwards the diaphragm 25, which latter is preferably corrugated as
shown so as to have the greater elasticity. It will be observed that the arched.
form of the dome 27 prevents any bulging outwards of the upper side of the air
chamber and confines the whole expansion of the air to that side of the air
chamber on which the diaphragm is situated thereby rendering the latter more
sensitive. The shape of the chamber 37 is also such as to direct the steam
(and also the cooling fluid hereinafter referred to) around and in close proximity
to the air chamber, which also contributes to the readiness and accuracy of
operation of the trap. The diaphragm 25 being forced outward as above mentioned
carries with it, through the spindle 22, the valve 19 causing the latter to be
closed upon the valve seat 15. The nut 26 acting upon the bearing 33 at the same
1.

page_text: time forces the cylinder 32 in the same direction as and with the valve, so that the
latter is caused by the pressure of the packing 35 to be accurately seated and make
a steam tight joint preventing any escape of vapor from the trap. The elastic
diaphragm in its expansion may throw the spindle 22 and the valve 19 slightly out
of their true axial position, but this tendency is controlled by the cylinder 32
which reciprocates accurately in the bearing 30, and the yielding character of the
packing 35 will permit such movement of the valve 19 as is necessary for the latter
to find a firm and uniform seat.
The valve is now closed, but it will be observed that it is not confined in any
way by the steam pressure, which would interfere with its freedom of opening, for
the reason that the space above the valve of equal area with the upper end of the
tube 14 is in direct communication by openings 36 with the space below the valve.
Moreover the chamber or space 38 at the outer side of the diaphragm 25 is
similarly in direct communication with the atmosphere through the open cylinder 32
and the said openings 36 of the valve, so that the sensitiveness and ready response of
the elastic diaphragm to changes of temperature are not impaired by any external
steam pressure.
The trap remains in the above described condition, preventing any escape of
steam, until the water or liquid of condensation entering through the inlet 2 and
passing around the air chamber through the space 37, and onward through the
openings 31 into the chamber 8, has accumulated in sufficient quantity and risen to
such height as to cut off the access of steam to the dome 27 wholly or partially,
thereby decreasing the temperature and bulk of the air in the air chamber and
causing the diaphragm to move inward. This movement separates the valve 19
from its seat 15 and permits the escape of the collected liquid through the tube 14
into the open air or into any pipe or vessel arranged for its reception. The liquid
being thus exhausted from the chambers 37 and 8 the steam entering through the
inlet 2 immediately strikes upon and flows around the dome 27, heating the air
contained therein so as to force out the diaphragm 25 and close the valve 19 on to
its seat 15 as before.
The above described operation is repeated indefinitely with the result that the
steam cylinder, radiator, conduit or other chamber with which the trap is connected
is kept free from condensed liquid without escape or leakage of steam except in
inappreciable amount which may escape just before the valve closes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
:-
1. In a trap the combination with the expansion chamber and valve operated
thereby, of a partition serving to cut off the inner face of the valve, or the inner
face of a plate or piston connected with the valve, from the steam pressure, so as to
balance the valve, substantially as set forth.
2. In a trap the combination with the closed chamber adapted to operate under
changes of temperature as described, of a casing having a valve seat, a valve
movable towards and from said seat and in the direction of the expansion and
contraction of the chamber, said valve being connected with and operated by the
chamber, and means whereby said valve is placed in equilibrium and relieved from
unbalanced steam pressure, substantially as set forth.
3. In an automatic trap the combination with the valve, and the closed chamber
connected with and adapted to operate the same, of a plate connected with said
valve and of substantially the same area as that face of the valve which is exposed
to steam pressure, and means whereby the outer face of said plate is cut off from
steam pressure and exposed to atmospheric pressure, or to the same pressure to
which the outer face of said valve is exposed, substantially as set forth.
4. In an automatic trap the combination with a casing having a valve seat, of an
expansion chamber, a valve connected with and actuated by said chamber and
movable towards and from said seat in the direction of the movement of the

page_text: chamber, a plate or piston connected with the valve, and means for cutting off one-
surface of said plate from the steam chamber of the trap so that said plate operates
to balance the valve, substantially as set forth.
5. In an automatic trap the combination of a casing having a valve seat, an
expansion chamber, a valve connected with and operated by said chamber, and
movable towards and from said seat in the direction of movement of the chamber, a.
plate connected with the valve, a chamber covering one side of said plate, and a
duct or opening by which said chamber is placed in communication with the same.
atmosphere as the outer side of the valve, substantially as set forth.
6. In an automatic trap the combination with an expansion or vacuum chamber
operating by changes of temperature and pressure as described, of a casing having
a valve seat, a valve connected with the chamber and adapted to engage said seat
a plate or piston connected with the valve and a partition or chamber covering
said plate or piston and serving to cut off the inner face thereof from the steam.
chamber of the trap, the space above the said plate or piston having communication:
with the atmosphere to which the outer face of the valve is exposed, substantially
as set forth.
7. In an automatic trap the combination of the casing 1 having the valve seat 2,.
the valve 7 having the tube 6 and piston 5, the partition or chamber 4 covering
said piston, and means for actuating the valve, substantially as set forth.
8. In an automatic trap the combination with the valve, and the vacuum
chamber for operating it, of a flange or funnel surrounding the valve opening for
directing the discharge therefrom upon the vacuum chamber, substantially as set
forth.
9. In an automatic trap the combination with the valve, of the vacuum chamber 8
connected therewith, the bridge or bar 11 having a stationary nut 10 having the
slit 12, and the set screw 9 fitting in said nut and engaging the chamber 8,.
substantially as set forth.
10. In an automatic trap the combination with the valve and vacuum chamber,
of a discharge chamber enclosing the latter and having projections or pins 19, a.
cover for said discharge chamber having the slots 22, 23, and a pin 24 having an
actuating spring and engaging said discharge chamber and cover to prevent the
rotation of the latter, substantially as set forth.
11. The automatic trap substantially as shown and described with reference to.
Fig. 7.
12. In an automatic trap or valve, the combination with the valve proper, of a
sealed vacuum chamber for actuating the same, said chamber being partly charged
with a volatile fluid as described.
D
1
1004
T. P. BORDEN,
F. LAMPLOUGH,
Per W. H. Beck,
115, Cannon Street, London, Agent..