Electric steam trap system and method of draining condensate
OwnerHie Sheppardinventor
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Abstract
A proactive electronic steam trap device, system, and method of removing condensate from a steam plant is disclosed. The device ensures a controlled drainage of condensate to maintain condensate level within a control band. The basic invention comprises and utilizes a steam trap chamber, a condensate level sensing system, a condensate level control system, and a condensate discharge system. Alternate embodiments include an air purge system, a flashing utility which permits reuse of high temperature steam, and an electronic temperature/pressure sensing device that will constantly monitor temperature and pressure variables in the individual condensate lines to verify the integrity of the individual condensate lines that are going into a single manifold of a steam trap.
Claims39
An electronically operated steam trap system, said steam trap system comprising:
- a. a steam trap chamber which accumulates condensate therein;
- b. a condensate level sensor system, for detecting variations in condensate level within said steam trap chamber, said system comprising a multiplicity of electronic liquid level sensors;
- c. a condensate level control system, said condensate level control system in communication with said condensate level whereby said control system receives electronic input signals corresponding to the condensate level in said steam trap chamber, said condensate level control system in communication with a condensate discharge system to send an output signal that modulates the rate of flow of condensate discharged from said steam trap chamber in proportion to the sensed condensate level within said steam trap chamber.
A method of draining condensate from a steam system, which comprises:
- a. monitoring the pressure and temperature of steam lines carrying condensate to a steam trap;
- b. actuating an alarm if pressure/temperature of said steam lines deviates from predetermined parameters;
- c. storing condensate within a steam trap chamber;
- d. monitoring the level of said condensate within said steam trap chamber;
- e. computing a rate of discharge for said condensate that will maintain a steady level of condensate within said steam trap chamber;
- f. adjusting a condensate discharge valve in said steam trap chamber to discharge said condensate according to said rate of discharge necessary to maintain said level of condensate within steam trap chamber;
- g. discharging said condensate from said steam trap chamber;
- and
- h. actuating an alarm system if said storage or discharge of condensate exceeds preset parameters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.