Monitoring condensate traps
AssigneeSpirax-Sarco Limited
InventorMichael John Brint
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.
Claims11
A device for monitoring the condition of a condensate trap, the device comprising:
- an inlet passage;
- an outlet passage;
- a first flow path in the fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage;
- a flow restriction provided in the first flow path;
- a second flow path in fluid communication between the inlet passage, and the outlet passage;
- a condensate receiving chamber provided in the second flow path at a level below the inlet passage, the condensate receiving chamber being closed at its lower end;
- a first flow passageway in fluid communication between the inlet passage and the condensate receiving chamber;
- a second flow passageway in fluid communication between the outlet passage and the condensate receiving chamber, the second passageway opening into the condensate receiving chamber at a first level which is above the lower end of the condensate receiving chamber;
- and
- a sensor having a sensor element disposed within the condensate receiving chamber at a second level, wherein the second level is above the first level.
A condensate trap assembly comprising a condensate trap having an inlet and a monitoring device, the monitoring device comprising:
- an inlet passage;
- an outlet passage;
- a first flow path in fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage;
- a flow restriction provided in the first flow path;
- a second flow path in fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage;
- a condensate receiving chamber provided in the second flow path at a level below the inlet passage, the condensate receiving chamber being closed at its lower end;
- a first flow passageway in fluid communication between the inlet passage and the condensate receiving chamber;
- a second flow passageway in fluid communication between the outlet passage and the condensate receiving chamber, the second passageway opening into the condensate receiving chamber at a first level which is above the lower end of the condensate receiving chamber;
- and
- a sensor having a sensor element disposed within the condensate receiving chamber at a second level, wherein the second level is above the first level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.