DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of steam traps used for removal of condensate fluids from steam equipment.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A steam trap apparatus facilitates separation of condensate from useful steam. Conventional steam traps employ a trap seat that is fitted onto a trap body. The trap seat is fixed to the trap body along with deflector tubes. The assembly of the trap seat onto the trap body causes formation of crevices in the clearance spaces between the trap seat and the trap body. These crevices lead to accumulation of condensate which is corrosive in nature. Additionally, high working pressures and temperatures worsens the problem of corrosion. If the trap seat and the trap body are made of distinct materials, the condensate acts as an electrolyte between the two and leads to galvanic corrosion. Moreover, the impinging action of the high velocity condensate on the inner walls surrounding the clearance spaces causes erosion on the trap body. These factors compromise the efficiency of the steam trap apparatus which is undesired.
Thus, there is therefore a need of a steam trap apparatus that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a steam trap apparatus for condensate removal that prevents accumulation of corrosive condensate.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a steam trap apparatus that offers enhanced flow rate of condensate.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a steam trap apparatus that eliminates crevices.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure discloses a steam trap apparatus comprising a trap body having a space defined by the walls of the trap body, a seat configured to be attached inside the space. The seat has an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is configured on the seat and positioned towards the outlet. A main passage is defined inside the seat connecting the inlet and the outlet. An auxiliary passage configured on the sidewalls of the seat is configured to be in fluid communication with the main passage. The main passage and the auxiliary passage are configured to direct flow of condensate from the inlet to the outlet.
In a preferred embodiment, wherein the auxiliary passage is configured on the sidewalls of the seat.
In an alternate embodiment, wherein the dimensions of the cross section of the main passage at the inlet is smaller than the dimensions of the cross section of the main passage at the outlet.
In another embodiment, the cross section of the main passage is circular.
In another embodiment, the cross section of the main passage is conical.
In still another embodiment, a tube is positioned downstream of the deflector. The tube is welded to the deflector.
In yet another embodiment, a plurality of the main passages is configured on the seat.
In another embodiment, at least one interconnecting passage is configured to be in fluid communication with the plurality of passages.
In another embodiment, the cross section of the interconnecting passage is circular.
In another embodiment, the cross section of the interconnecting passage is conical.
In another embodiment, the cross section of the interconnecting passage varies along the length of the interconnecting passage.
In still another embodiment, the axis of the auxiliary passage/s is/are configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the main passage
In yet another embodiment, the axis of the auxiliary passage/s is/are inclined at right angle with respect to the main passage.
In another embodiment, the axis of the of the auxiliary passage is variable to the axis of the main passage.
In yet another embodiment, the axis of each of the auxiliary passages is at similar angles with respect to the axis of the main passage.
In yet another embodiment, the axis of each of the auxiliary passages is at different angles with respect to the axis of the main passage.
In an embodiment, the deflector is configured downstream of the outlet of the seat, to direct the flow of condensate in an operative upward direction into the trap body, thereby eliminating impingement of the high velocity condensate on the inner walls of the body surrounding the space.
In another embodiment, the seat is configured to be fastened to the trap body.
In an embodiment, wherein the space is configured to be in an L-shaped form.
In an embodiment, wherein the space is configured to be in an irregularly-shaped form.
In yet another embodiment, the cross section of the tubes varies along the length of the tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A steam trap apparatus of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1a shows a sectional view of the steam trap apparatus of prior art;
Figure 1b shows a detail of the figure 1a;
Figure 1c shows a front view of the trap seat of the figure 1a;
Figure 1d shows a sectional view of the trap seat of the figure 1c;
Figure 1e shows a top view of the trap seat of the figure 1c;
Figure 1f shows an isometric view of the trap seat of the figure 1c;
Figure 2a shows a sectional view of the steam trap apparatus, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2b shows a detail of the figure 2a;
Figure 2c-2f show various views of the trap seat of the figure 2a with the auxiliary passage oriented at an inclination, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3a-3d show various views of the trap seat with the auxiliary passage oriented vertically, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4a-4d show various views of the trap seat with an interconnecting passage, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5a-5d show various views of the trap seat with the auxiliary passage having a tapered profile, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6a-6d show various views of the trap seat with a tapered auxiliary passage and an interconnecting passage, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7a-7d show various views of the trap seat with a tube attached to the deflector, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 8a-8d show various views of the trap seat with an open operative top and an open operative bottom, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1000’ – apparatus of prior art
1000 – apparatus of present disclosure
100 – body
110 – space
115 – condensate stagnation zone
200’ – seat of the prior art
200 – seat of the present disclosure
202 – inlet
204 – outlet
210 – main passage
220 – deflector
222 – tube
230 – auxiliary passage
240 – interconnecting passage
300 – float and lever assembly
400 – cover
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a steam trap apparatus to facilitate evacuation of condensate from crevices formed between parts of a process equipment. The steam trap apparatus facilitates elimination of corrosion of the components of the apparatus by eliminating condensate buildup in crevices or condensate stagnation zones.
Figures 1a-1f show a steam trap apparatus 1000’ (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1000’) of the prior art. The apparatus 1000’ comprises a body 100 to which a float and lever assembly 300 is attached. The body 100 has a space 110 defined therein. A cover 400 engulfs the float and lever assembly 300 and is attached to the trap body 100 (hereinafter referred to as body 100). A condensate fluid, such as steam is maintained at a desired level inside the cover 400. The condensate fluid level rises as a result of accumulation, which needs to be evacuated from the cover 400. An orifice is configured on the body 100 facilitates removal of the condensate. A seat 200’ is configured to be attached inside the space 110 of the body 100. The seat 200’ includes an inlet 202 and an outlet 204. A main passage 210 is defined inside the seat 200’ which connects the inlet 202 and the outlet 204. A deflector 220 is configured towards the outlet 204 of the seat (200’) to direct the flow of condensate in an operative top direction into the body 100.
As shown in figure 1b, a condensate stagnation zone 115 is formed between the sidewalls of the body 100 and the seat (200’), in which the condensate fluid accumulates. Over a period of time, the condensate causes corrosion. Additionally, the corrosive action is accelerated due to high working temperatures and pressures of the condensate. Moreover, the material of the seat (200’) and the trap body 100 are distinct which gives rise to galvanic corrosion due to interaction of the body 100 and the seat 200’ in presence of the condensate, as the condensate acts as an electrolyte.
To overcome the aforementioned drawback, the present disclosure envisages a steam trap apparatus. Referring to the figures 2a-2f, the steam trap apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus 1000”) of the present disclosure is described in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
The apparatus 1000 comprises a trap body 100. A space 110 is configured inside the trap body 100. A seat 200 occupies the space 110 and is configured to be attached inside the space 110 of the trap body 100. The seat 200 has an inlet 202 and an outlet 204. A deflector 220 is configured on the seat 200 and is positioned towards the outlet 204. A main passage 210 is defined inside the seat 200 which connects the inlet 202 and the outlet 204 for passage of the condensate fluid. An auxiliary passage 230 is configured on the sidewalls of the seat 200. The auxiliary passage 230 is configured to be in fluid communication with the main passage 210. Each of the main passage 210 and the auxiliary passage 230 is configured to direct the flow of condensate from the inlet 202 to the outlet 204.
A condensate stagnation zone 115 of the present disclosure is shown in the figure 2b. The auxiliary passage 230 interconnects the condensate stagnation zone 115 to the main passage 210. Thus, the condensate accumulated in the condensate stagnation zone 115 is routed to the main passage 210 to facilitate continuous evacuation of the condensate. In one embodiment, the orientation of the auxiliary passage 230 is at right angles to the direction of main passage 210 from inlet 202 to the outlet 204. In another embodiment, the orientation of the auxiliary passage 230 is adjustable to the direction of main passage 210 from inlet 202 to the outlet 204. The deflector 220 is configured towards the outlet 204 of the seat 200 to direct the flow of condensate in an operative top direction into the body 100. This eliminates impingement of the high velocity condensate on the inner walls of the body 100 surrounding the space 110.
The working of the apparatus (1000) is explained with reference to figures 2a-2f that illustrate the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The condensate enters through the inlet 202 and leaves through the outlet 204 of the seat 200 following the main passage 210 of the seat 200. The condensate accumulated in the condensate stagnation zone 115 between the seat 200 and the body 100 is thus sucked into the condensate stream flowing through the main passage 210. This is caused due to high velocity of the condensate flowing through the main passage 210. Thus, the condensate is evacuated continuously and corrosion is avoided.
Figures 3a-3d show the apparatus 1000, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the apparatus 1000 of the second embodiment correspond to the components of the apparatus 1000 of the first embodiment with the exception of the auxiliary passage 230 configured to be oriented at 90 degrees to the direction of the main passage 210 from the inlet 202 to the outlet 204.
Figures 4a-4d show the apparatus 1000, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the apparatus 1000 of the third embodiment correspond to the components of the apparatus 1000 of the second embodiment with the exception of an interconnecting passage 240 configured on the seat 200. The interconnecting passage 240 connects a plurality of auxiliary passages 230. This facilitates faster evacuation of the condensate from the seat 200.
Figures 5a-5d show the apparatus 1000, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the apparatus 1000 of the fourth embodiment correspond to the components of the apparatus 1000 of the second embodiment with the exception of the main passage 210 having dimensions varying the direction from the inlet 202 to the outlet 204 resembling a tapered profile. The tapered construction of the seat 200 facilitates enhanced flow capacity of the condensate fluid from the inlet 202 to the outlet 204. The increased flow capacity is needed to compensate for an increased volume of condensate due to flashing.
Figures 6a-6d show the apparatus 1000, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the apparatus 1000 of the fifth embodiment correspond to the combination of the apparatus 1000 of the second embodiment, and the apparatus 1000 of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment. The seat 200 includes a tapered main passage 210, an auxiliary passage 230 oriented perpendicular to the direction of main passage 210 and an interconnecting passage 240. This facilitates enhanced condensate removal rate as well as prevention of condensate stagnation.
Figures 7a-7d show the apparatus 1000, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the apparatus 1000 of the sixth embodiment correspond to the components of the apparatus 1000 of the fourth embodiment with the exception of the deflector 220 attached with a tube 222 towards the outlet 204. The deflector 220 along with the tube 222 facilitates flow of the condensate fluid directly from the seat 200 without any contact with the body 100. The tube 222 is a welded tube.
Figures 8a-8d show the apparatus 1000, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. The seat 200 includes the main passage 210 with the operative top and the operative bottom open to facilitate prevention of direct impingement of the condensate on the inner walls of the body 100.
In another embodiment, the space 110 is configured to extend inside the trap body 100 in an L-shaped form.
In another embodiment, the space 110 is configured to extend inside the trap body 100 in an irregularly shaped form.
In an embodiment, the shape of the interconnecting passage 240 is in the form of a cylinder.
In an embodiment, the shape of the interconnecting passage 240 is in the form of a cone.
In an embodiment, the cross section of the interconnecting passage 240 varies along the extent of the interconnecting passage 240.
In an embodiment, the axis of each of the auxiliary passages 230 is oriented at similar angles with the axis of the main passage 210.
In an embodiment, the axis of each of the auxiliary passages 230 is oriented at distinct angles with the axis of the main passage 210.
In an embodiment, the cross section of the tube 222 varies along the length of the tube 222.
In an alternate embodiment, the cross section of the main passage 210 is conical, the axis of the auxiliary passage 230 is disposed at a predetermined angle in relation to the axis of the main passage 210, the interconnecting passage 240 is in fluid communication with the passages 210 and the cross section of the tube 222 varies along the length of the tube 222.
In yet another embodiment, the cross section of the main passage 210 is conical, the axis of the auxiliary passage 230 is disposed at a predetermined angle in relation to the axis of the main passage 210 and the interconnecting passage 240 is in fluid communication with the passages 210.
In still another embodiment, the cross section of the main passage 210 is conical, the axis of the auxiliary passage 230 is disposed at right angle in relation to the axis of the main passage 210 and the interconnecting passage 240 is in fluid communication with the passages 210.
In another embodiment, the cross section of the main passage 210 is conical, the axis of the auxiliary passage 230 is disposed at a predetermined right angle in relation to the axis of the main passage 210 and the tube 222 is attached to the deflector 220.

Thus, the apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure enhances flow rate efficiency of a steam trap. The auxiliary passage 230 and the interconnecting passages 240 route the fluid trapped in the condensate stagnation zone 115 to the main passage 210, which results in enhanced flow rates through the main passage 210. The tapered profile of the main passage 210 facilitates increased velocity at the inlet 202, while increased area at the outlet 204 results in enhanced flow rates of the condensate. Since, condensate accumulation in the stagnation zone 115 is prevented, possibility of corrosion is reduced. Hence, the steam trap apparatus 1000 is corrosion resistant, which extends the working life of the steam trap apparatus 1000.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a steam trap apparatus, that:
• has enhances flow rate efficiency of a steam trap;
• is corrosion resistant; and
• extends working life of the steam trap.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A steam trap apparatus (1000) comprising:
• a trap body (100) having a space (110) defined by the walls of said trap body (100);
• a seat (200) configured inside said space (110), said seat (200) having an inlet (202) and an outlet (204);
• a deflector (220) configured downstream of said outlet (204);
• at least one main passage (210) defined inside said seat (200) between the inlet (202) and the outlet (204); and
• at least one auxiliary passage (230) configured on said seat (200), said auxiliary passage (230) configured to be in fluid communication with said main passage (210),
wherein each of said main passage (210) and said auxiliary passage (230) is configured to direct the flow of condensate from the inlet (202) to the outlet (204).
2. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary passage (230) is configured on the sidewalls of said seat (200).
3. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the cross section of the main passage (210) at the inlet (202) is smaller than the dimensions of the cross section of said main passage (210) at the outlet (204).
4. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said main passage (210) is circular.
5. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said main passage (210) is conical.
6. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tube (222) is positioned downstream of said deflector (220).
7. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said tube (222) is welded to said deflector (220).
8. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of main passages (210) is configured on said seat (200).
9. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said apparatus (1000) includes at least one interconnecting passage (240), said interconnecting passage (240) being in fluid communication with said passages (210).
10. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cross section of said interconnecting passage (240) is circular.
11. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cross section of said interconnecting passage (240) is conical.
12. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cross section of said interconnecting passage (240) varies along the length of said interconnecting passage (240).
13. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis of said auxiliary passage/passages (230) is/are disposed at a predetermined angle to the axis of said main passage (210).
14. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the axis of said auxiliary passage/passages (230) is/are at right angles in relation to the axis of said passage/passages (210).
15. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the axis of each of said auxiliary passages (230) is at similar angles with the axis of said main passage (210).
16. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the axis of each of said auxiliary passages (230) is at different angles in relation to the axis of said main passage (210).
17. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said deflector (220) is configured downstream of the outlet (204) of the seat (200) to direct the flow of condensate, thereby eliminating impingement of the high velocity condensate on the inner walls of the trap body (100) surrounding the space (110).
18. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seat (200) is configured to be fastened to said trap body (100).
19. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the space (110) is configured to be in an L-shaped form.
20. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said main passage (210) is conical, the axis of said auxiliary passage (230) is disposed at a predetermined angle in relation to the axis of said main passage (210) and said interconnecting passage (240) is in fluid communication with said passages (210).
21. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said main passage (210) is conical, the axis of said auxiliary passage (230) is disposed at right angle in relation to the axis of said main passage (210) and said interconnecting passage (240) is in fluid communication with said passages (210).
22. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said main passage (210) is conical, the axis of said auxiliary passage (230) is disposed at a predetermined right angle in relation to the axis of said main passage (210) and said tube (222) is attached to said deflector (220).
23. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said tube (222) varies along the length of said tube (222).
24. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of said main passage (210) is conical, the axis of said auxiliary passage (230) is disposed at a predetermined angle in relation to the axis of said main passage (210), said interconnecting passage (240) is in fluid communication with said passages (210) and the cross section of said tube (222) varies along the length of said tube (222).
25. The steam trap apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary passage (230) is configured at the operative bottom of said seat (200).

Dated this 20th Day of August, 2021

MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN
of R.K. DEWAN & COMPANY IN/PA-25
APPLICANT’S PATENT ATTORNEY

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI