Inverted Bucket Steam Trap

Inverted Bucket Steam Trap utilizes the density difference between steam and condensate to provide robust, intermittent condensate discharge in high-pressure and heavy-duty steam systems. A open-bottomed stainless steel bucket is suspended inside the trap body, connected by a mechanical lever mechanism to a discharge valve located at the top of the chamber.

When condensate enters the trap from the bottom, it fills the body and completely submerges the inverted bucket, keeping it resting at the bottom. This holds the discharge valve wide open, allowing condensate and non-condensable air to escape through a tiny vent hole at the top of the bucket into the return system. As steam enters, it collects inside the inverted bucket, causing it to become buoyant and float upward. This upward motion instantly pulls the discharge valve shut against its seat, creating a tight seal that prevents live steam loss until new condensate arrives to displace the steam inside the bucket and sink it once again.

Practical Advantages in the Field

• Extreme Resistance to Water Hammer: The rugged stainless steel bucket and top-mounted internal valve mechanism withstand severe pressure surges and hydraulic shocks better than delicate float or diaphragm traps.

• Self-Cleaning Valve Action: Because the discharge orifice is positioned at the top of the trap, dirt, pipe scale, and heavy particulate matter sink to the bottom and are flushed away during discharge without scoring the valve seat.

• Zero Live Steam Loss: Steam entering the inverted bucket provides positive buoyancy that snaps the valve tight, keeping live steam locked in the system with maximum thermal efficiency.

• High Back-Pressure Tolerance: The mechanical leverage system operates reliably even against back-pressures up to 99% of inlet pressure without shifting the operating set-point.

• Continuous Venting of Air & CO2: A small vent hole in the top of the bucket continuously vents air and carbon dioxide to eliminate air-binding and prevent carbonic acid corrosion in condensate lines.

Brands We Provide

• GCC VALVES

• SVR GLOBAL

• FLOWORK

• EMERSON

• KITZ CORPORATION

Typical Deployments

• High-pressure steam main drips, steam headers, and distribution lines

• Power plant turbine drainage, superheater drain legs, and steam separators

• High-pressure heat exchangers, reboilers, and industrial steam autoclaves

• Refinery blowdown systems, laundry presses, and vulcanizing equipment

• Steam tracing lines and outdoor high-pressure process equipment

Our Inverted Bucket Steam Traps at AustraliaValves.com are manufactured and tested in accordance with international safety standards, complete with internal check valve options and high-pressure alloy bodies for severe duty service across Australia.

For sizing calculations, condensate load evaluations, or to request a quote, please contact us.