Programmable steam trap apparatus

摘要

An apparatus and a method for removing condensate and unwanted gas from vapor/liquid systems while preventing steam loss are provided. The steam trap apparatus replaces the automatic valve type steam trap with an efficient, controllable, and programmable steam trap. In addition, the improved steam trap apparatus allows for real-time data collection during sterilization and other operations.

主权项

1. An apparatus for removing condensate, air, or non-condensable gas from vapor space in a vapor system while preventing the loss of vapor, the apparatus comprising:
a first temperature sensor at a first position in the apparatus, a second temperature sensor, at a second position in the vapor system where condensate, air, or non-condensable gas collect, wherein the second position of the second temperature sensor is different from the first position of the first temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an actuated valve in a position allowing for release of condensate, air, or non-condensable gas from the vapor space, and a control system which receives output from the first and second temperature sensors and from the pressure sensor and determines whether to open the actuated valve to release condensate, air or non-condensable gas from the vapor space based on temperature reading from the temperature sensors and the pressure reading from the pressure sensor; wherein the control system opens the actuated valve if it determines that condensate, air or non-condensable gas is present in the vapor system.