Bucket Trap

Definition

A bucket trap is a mechanical steam trap that operates on buoyancy to prevent the passage of steam through the mechanical system it protects.

Purpose

Bucket traps are used in steam systems to remove condensate without letting steam escape. This helps maintain the efficiency of the system by ensuring that only steam is used for heating or mechanical work, while condensate is efficiently removed and recycled.

Examples of Use

1. Steam Heating Systems: Bucket traps remove condensate from steam radiators, improving heating efficiency.
2. Industrial Steam Processes: Used in manufacturing to ensure steam purity and efficiency in processes such as drying, curing, and sterilizing.
3. Power Plants: Bucket traps help maintain steam quality in turbines and other steam-powered equipment.

Related Terms

• Steam Trap: A general term for devices used to discharge condensate and non-condensable gases from a steam system without releasing steam.
• Float Trap: A type of steam trap that uses a float mechanism to control the discharge of condensate.
• Thermostatic Trap: A steam trap that operates based on temperature differences between steam and condensate.

Notes

Proper sizing and regular maintenance of bucket traps are essential to ensure they function correctly and maintain the efficiency of the steam system. Incorrectly sized traps or lack of maintenance can lead to energy loss and system inefficiencies.