A fully automatic zero-gas consumption drain valve

By using a float plate and valve ball linkage mechanism and a motor-driven rotating impeller design, the steam leakage and high energy consumption problems of steam traps are solved, achieving efficient separation and automatic drainage, making them suitable for complex industrial environments.

CN224680546UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-25UNICAL MASCH & ENG (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521666791.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-06
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Estimated Expiration
2035-08-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing steam traps suffer from high steam leakage rates, high energy consumption, and frequent maintenance, failing to completely solve the problem of steam waste.

Method used

It adopts a linkage mechanism of float plate and valve ball, combined with the design of glass fiber tube and aluminum square tube. The float plate automatically controls the drainage channel according to the liquid level change, and the centrifugal force generated by the motor-driven rotating impeller separates fluid impurities. Non-contact control is achieved through magnet drive.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient separation and automatic drainage without the need for an additional air source, reducing operating costs and improving stability and reliability, making it suitable for industrial scenarios requiring efficient separation and automatic control.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to a full-automatic zero-gas consumption drain valve and relates to the technical field of drain valves, which comprises a support, the inside of the support is fixedly connected with a glass fiber pipe, the inside of the support is fixedly connected with an aluminum square pipe, the outside of the aluminum square pipe is provided with a drainage mechanism, the inner wall of the support is provided with a connecting mechanism, one side of the inside of the support is fixedly connected with a water inlet block, one side of the outside of the support is provided with a centrifugal separation mechanism, the drainage mechanism comprises a limiting bolt, the outside of the limiting bolt is threadedly connected at the top of the aluminum square pipe, and the outside of the limiting bolt is fixedly connected with a floating ball plate. The application realizes efficient separation and automatic drainage by automatically controlling the opening and closing of a drainage channel according to the condensate liquid level through the linkage mechanism of the floating ball plate and a valve ball, does not need an additional gas source for driving, reduces operation cost, and improves stability and reliability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of steam trap technology, and in particular to a fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap. Background Technology

[0002] Steam traps are key energy-saving devices in steam systems, used to automatically drain condensate and prevent steam overflow. Traditional steam traps generally suffer from high steam leakage rates, high energy consumption, and frequent maintenance. With increasing industrial energy conservation demands, the market's need for zero-leakage, high-efficiency steam traps is becoming increasingly urgent. In recent years, although mechanical, thermostatic, and thermodynamic steam traps have been continuously improved, they still cannot completely solve the problem of steam waste.

[0003] A search revealed Chinese patent publication number CN222256100U, which discloses a fully automatic drain valve body structure, including a lower end cover. The outer surface of the lower end cover is connected to a water inlet, and the bottom end of the lower end cover is connected to a water outlet. A float ball is disposed inside the lower end cover. An upper end cover is disposed on top of the lower end cover, and a stud is fixed to the top of the lower end cover. The stud slides inside the upper end cover, and a threaded disc is threadedly connected to the outer surface of the stud. Limiting teeth are fixed to the outer surface of the threaded disc. An anti-rotation mechanism is provided on the top of the upper end cover to prevent the threaded disc from rotating. This invention, through the setting of the limiting teeth and the anti-rotation mechanism, can prevent the threaded disc from rotating, thereby avoiding the threaded disc from falling off the outer surface of the stud after prolonged water flow impact, which would cause the upper end cover to separate from the lower end cover, affecting the performance and improving safety. Although the aforementioned patent has been approved, the use of limiting teeth and anti-rotation mechanisms can prevent the threaded disc from rotating, thus avoiding it from detaching from the outer surface of the stud after prolonged water flow impact. However, in actual operation, malfunctions are prone to occur, leading to steam not being discharged in a timely manner or the entrainment of a large amount of uncondensed steam during the discharge process. This phenomenon not only reduces the thermal efficiency of the system but also causes a significant waste of energy. Therefore, a fully automatic zero-gas-consumption steam trap is proposed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a fully automatic zero-gas-consumption steam trap, which aims to improve the problem of steam waste that some existing devices cannot solve.

[0005] The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: it includes a bracket, a glass fiber tube is fixedly connected inside the bracket, an aluminum square tube is fixedly connected inside the bracket, a drainage mechanism is provided outside the aluminum square tube, a connecting mechanism is provided on the inner wall of the bracket, a water inlet baffle is fixedly connected to one side of the bracket, and a centrifugal separation mechanism is provided on one side of the bracket. The drainage mechanism includes a limiting bolt, the external thread of which is connected to the top of the aluminum square tube. A float plate is fixedly connected to one side of the limiting bolt, a fixing bolt is threaded to the top side of the float plate, a valve ball is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing bolt, a flow component is fixedly connected to the other side of the bracket, an inflow groove is opened on the other side of the bracket, and an air outlet is opened on one side of the bracket. By adopting the above technical solution, the fluid enters the steam trap through the inflow tank, undergoes initial separation through the fiberglass tube and aluminum square tube, and the accumulation of condensate causes the liquid level to rise. When the liquid level reaches a certain height, the float plate rises, causing the valve ball to open the drainage channel, and the condensate is discharged through the drainage mechanism. After the liquid level drops, the system returns to the condensate collection point.

[0006] Preferably, the flow assembly includes a three-way pipe, the three-way pipe is fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket, i.e., to the side near the inflow groove, and a connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the outside of the three-way pipe; By adopting the above technical solution, after the fluid enters the drain valve through the inflow tank, it is guided to the tee pipe, where the fluid is initially distributed. The connecting pipe connected to the tee pipe further guides the fluid out, ensuring that the separated fluid can be smoothly discharged from the outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the connecting mechanism includes a sheet metal side plate, the outside of which is fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket, i.e., the side near the inflow groove, and a quick connector is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket, i.e., the side near the sheet metal side plate. By adopting the above technical solution, the sheet metal side plate is fixed to the outside of the bracket, providing external support and protection for the connection mechanism and preventing external interference. Quick couplings are installed inside the sheet metal side plate, enabling rapid connection and disconnection of fluid pipelines, improving installation and maintenance efficiency. The quick couplings ensure a tight seal at the connection point through a sealing device, guaranteeing the stability and safety of the fluid system.

[0008] Preferably, a valve stem seat is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket, i.e., the side away from the quick connector, and an aluminum lever is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket, i.e., the side near the valve stem seat. By adopting the above technical solution, the valve stem seat is fixed to the inner wall of the bracket, providing stable support for the valve stem and ensuring sealing performance. The aluminum lever amplifies the force using the lever principle, improving control efficiency, and achieves magnetic actuation through an internal magnet. This design enhances the automated control capability of the steam trap, making its operation more flexible and efficient, and adaptable to complex industrial environments.

[0009] Preferably, a circular magnet is installed inside the aluminum lever; By adopting the above technical solution, the circular magnet inside the aluminum lever achieves non-contact motion control through magnetic drive, avoiding the wear problems associated with mechanical transmission. The magnetic drive of the magnet enables the aluminum lever to respond quickly to changes in the external magnetic field, achieving precise automated operation. This design enhances the reliability and service life of the steam trap, adapting to the needs of complex industrial environments.

[0010] Preferably, the centrifugal separation mechanism includes a motor, which is externally fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket near the water inlet baffle, and a rotating impeller is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor; By adopting the above technical solution, the motor is fixed outside the bracket to provide power to the centrifugal separation mechanism, and its output end drives the rotating impeller to rotate at high speed. When the rotating impeller rotates at high speed, it generates centrifugal force, which throws impurities in the fluid to the outside of the impeller and collects them in the oil collection box, while the lighter fluid continues to flow.

[0011] Preferably, a flow guide box is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket, that is, the side closest to the rotating impeller, and an oil collection box is fixedly connected to the bottom of the bracket; By adopting the above technical solution, the guide box directs the fluid into the rotating impeller, and the optimized flow channel design accelerates the fluid, improving centrifugal separation efficiency. Under centrifugal force, impurities in the fluid are thrown to the outside of the impeller and flow into the oil collection box for collection, ensuring fluid purity. The synergistic effect of the guide box and the oil collection box ensures the efficient operation of the entire centrifugal separation mechanism and improves the stability and reliability of the steam trap.

[0012] Preferably, a drain pipe is fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket, i.e., the side closest to the water inlet baffle, and the outer side of the drain pipe penetrates the inner wall of the bracket. By adopting the above technical solution, the drainage tube is fixed to the outside of the support, providing a discharge channel for the fluid after centrifugal separation and ensuring smooth fluid flow. Its design, which penetrates the inner wall of the support, allows the fluid to flow seamlessly from the inside to the outside, avoiding accumulation and pressure increase.

[0013] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. In this utility model, the opening and closing of the drainage channel is automatically controlled according to the liquid level of the condensate through the linkage mechanism of the float plate and the valve ball, so as to achieve efficient separation and automatic drainage. It does not require an additional air source to drive, which reduces operating costs and improves stability and reliability. This equipment is particularly suitable for industrial scenarios with strict requirements for efficient separation and automatic control, and can improve production efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

[0014] 2. In this utility model, a powerful centrifugal force is generated by a rotating impeller driven by a motor, which efficiently separates impurities such as lubricating oil from the fluid and collects them in an oil collection box. The lighter fluid after separation is smoothly discharged through a drainage pipe, ensuring smooth operation of the system. This mechanism operates automatically, reduces manual intervention, and improves the convenience and reliability of operation. It is particularly suitable for industrial scenarios that require efficient separation and automated control. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve ball structure of a fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap proposed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve stem seat of a fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the oil collection box of a fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap proposed in this utility model.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Bracket; 2. Drainage mechanism; 21. Inflow trough; 22. Limit bolt; 23. Float plate; 24. Fixing bolt; 25. Valve ball; 26. Flow assembly; 261. T-joint; 262. Connecting pipe; 27. Air outlet; 3. Connecting mechanism; 31. Sheet metal side plate; 32. Quick connector; 33. Valve stem seat; 34. Aluminum lever; 4. Centrifugal separation mechanism; 41. Drainage pipe; 42. Motor; 43. Flow guide box; 44. Rotating impeller; 45. Oil collection box; 5. Water inlet baffle; 6. Fiberglass tube; 7. Aluminum square tube. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 4 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0018] Example: A fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The system includes a support bracket 1, whose main function is to ensure the stability and integrity of the entire steam trap. A fiberglass tube 6 is fixedly connected inside the support bracket 1, providing a stable flow path for the fluid and ensuring that the steam trap can work normally. An aluminum square tube 7 is fixedly connected inside the support bracket 1, which is designed to provide good support capacity and is hollow inside. A drainage mechanism 2 is set on the outside of the aluminum square tube 7. A connecting mechanism 3 is set on the inner wall of the support bracket 1. A water inlet baffle 5 is fixedly connected on one side of the inside of the support bracket 1, which can extend the service life of the steam trap. A centrifugal separation mechanism 4 is set on one side of the outside of the support bracket 1. The drainage mechanism 2 includes a limiting bolt 22, which serves to fix and limit the flow. The external thread of the limiting bolt 22 is connected to the top of the aluminum square tube 7. A float plate 23 is fixedly connected to one side of the limiting bolt 22. The float plate 23 moves up and down according to the change of fluid level, which serves to sense the fluid level. A fixing bolt 24 is threadedly connected to the top side of the float plate 23. A valve ball 25 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing bolt 24. The fixing bolt 24 fixes the valve ball 25 to the float plate 23, ensuring that the valve ball 25 can move with the movement of the float plate 23. A flow component 26 is fixedly connected to the other side of the bracket 1. The flow component 26 includes a three-way pipe 261. The external fixed connection of the three-way pipe 261 is on the outside of the bracket 1, that is, on the side close to the inflow groove 21. The external fixed connection of the three-way pipe 261 is a connecting pipe 262. The three-way pipe 261 and the connecting pipe 262 introduce fluid from the inflow groove 21 and discharge it through the air outlet 27. The inflow groove 21 is opened on the other side of the bracket 1, and the air outlet 27 is opened on one side of the bracket 1. Its design is to transport the condensate inside the bracket 1 out. Specifically, the fluid enters the steam trap through the inlet trough 21. After initial separation, the condensate in the fluid is collected inside the aluminum square tube 7. When the condensate level reaches a certain height, the float plate 23 rises, causing the valve ball 25 to open the drainage channel, and the condensate is discharged through the drainage mechanism 2. When the level drops, the float plate 23 descends, the valve ball 25 closes the drainage channel, and the system returns to the condensate collection mode. The entire process operates automatically in a cycle, requiring no additional air supply, achieving efficient separation and automatic drainage, and is suitable for industrial scenarios requiring efficient separation and automatic control.

[0019] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connecting mechanism 3 includes a sheet metal side plate 31, which is designed to provide good support and isolation capabilities. The sheet metal side plate 31 is externally fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket 1, i.e., the side close to the inflow groove 21. A quick connector 32 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket 1, i.e., the side close to the sheet metal side plate 31. Its main function is to realize the quick connection and disconnection of the fluid pipeline, which is convenient for installation, disassembly and maintenance. A valve stem seat 33 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket 1, i.e., the side away from the quick connector 32. The valve stem seat 33 is a supporting component of the valve stem, which ensures that the valve stem can work normally, while preventing fluid leakage and ensuring the sealing performance of the steam trap. An aluminum lever 34 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket 1, which is near the valve stem seat 33. The lever principle improves the control efficiency, and the magnet is used to realize additional control functions, which enhances the operation flexibility and automation of the steam trap. A circular magnet is installed inside the aluminum lever 34, and the magnetic force is used to drive the aluminum lever 34, thereby indirectly controlling the movement of the valve stem or other components, which enhances the control function and automation of the steam trap. Specifically, when the fluid enters the steam trap, it first passes through the fiberglass tube 6 and enters the aluminum square tube 7 along a preset flow path. Inside the aluminum square tube 7, condensate gradually accumulates in the fluid, causing the liquid level to rise. At this time, the drainage mechanism 2 begins to function. The float plate 23 rises with the increase in liquid level, causing the valve ball 25 fixed on it to move upward, thereby opening the drainage channel. The condensate is discharged through the drainage channel, passing through the three-way pipe 261 and connecting pipe 262 of the flow assembly 26, and finally discharged from the valve through the vent 27. As the condensate is discharged, the liquid level gradually decreases, the float plate 23 also decreases, and the valve ball 25 closes the drainage channel, stopping the discharge of condensate, and the system re-enters the condensate collection mode. At the same time, the aluminum lever 34 in the connecting mechanism 3 senses changes in the external magnetic field through its internal circular magnet, assisting in controlling the movement of the valve stem, thereby achieving precise control of the entire steam trap, ensuring that the steam trap can operate stably under different working conditions, efficiently completing the fluid separation and drainage tasks, and ensuring the normal operation of the entire fluid system.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The centrifugal separation mechanism 4 includes a motor 42, which is designed to provide good driving capability. When energized, the output end of the motor 42 can rotate. The motor 42 is externally fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket 1 near the water inlet baffle 5. The output end of the motor 42 is fixedly connected to a rotating impeller 44. The high-speed rotation of the motor 42 generates centrifugal force to achieve fluid separation. The inner wall of the bracket 1, near the rotating impeller 44, is fixedly connected to a flow guide box 43. The flow guide box 43 is the channel for the fluid to enter the rotating impeller 44, which optimizes the flow path of the fluid. The bottom of the bracket 1 is fixedly connected to an oil collection box 45 for collecting the separated lubricating oil. The outside of the bracket 1, near the water inlet baffle 5, is fixedly connected to a drain pipe 41 to ensure that the fluid can flow smoothly out of the flow guide box 43. The outer side of the drain pipe 41 penetrates the inner wall of the bracket 1. Specifically, when the fluid enters the steam trap, it first enters the system through the guide box 43. Inside the guide box 43, the fluid is guided and accelerated, then flows into the rotating impeller 44. At this time, the motor 42 is energized and begins to run, its output driving the rotating impeller 44 to rotate at high speed. The high-speed rotation of the rotating impeller 44 generates a strong centrifugal force, causing heavier impurities such as lubricating oil in the fluid to be thrown to the outside of the impeller and flow along the inner wall of the guide box 43 into the oil collection box 45 for collection. The lighter fluid, after centrifugal separation, continues to flow along the channel of the guide box 43 and flows out through the drain pipe 41, completing the entire fluid separation process. The implementation principle of this application embodiment is as follows: During the operation of the fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap, fluid first enters the fiberglass tube 6 and flows into the aluminum square tube 7 along a predetermined flow channel. As the fluid continues to flow in, condensate gradually accumulates in the fiberglass tube 6, causing the liquid level to rise. At this time, the drainage mechanism 2 is activated. The float plate 23 rises due to the increased liquid level, which in turn moves the valve ball 25 connected to it upward, opening the drainage channel. The condensate then flows out through this channel, passing through the tee pipe 261 and connecting pipe 262 in the flow assembly 26, and finally exits the valve from the air outlet 27. After the condensate is discharged, the liquid level in the aluminum square tube 7 drops, the float plate 23 sinks, and the valve ball 25 closes the drainage channel, stopping the condensate discharge and resuming the condensate collection stage. At the same time, the aluminum lever 34 in the connecting mechanism 3 senses changes in the external magnetic field through its internal circular magnet, thereby driving the valve stem to move and achieving precise control of the entire steam trap. This process ensures that the steam trap can operate stably under different working conditions, efficiently complete the fluid separation and drainage tasks, and ensure the normal operation of the entire fluid system. In operation, the fluid initially enters the guide box 43 and is then guided to the rotating impeller 44. At this point, the motor 42 starts, and its output drives the rotating impeller 44 to rotate at high speed. The high-speed rotation of the impeller 44 generates significant centrifugal force, causing heavier impurities such as lubricating oil in the fluid to be thrown to the outside of the impeller and flow along the inner wall of the guide box 43 into the oil collection box 45 for collection. The lighter fluid, after centrifugal separation, continues to flow along the channel of the guide box 43 and is discharged through the drain pipe 41, thus completing the entire fluid separation process.

[0021] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap, comprising a bracket (1), characterized in that: A glass fiber tube (6) is fixedly connected inside the bracket (1), an aluminum square tube (7) is fixedly connected inside the bracket (1), a drainage mechanism (2) is provided on the outside of the aluminum square tube (7), a connecting mechanism (3) is provided on the inner wall of the bracket (1), a water inlet baffle (5) is fixedly connected on one side inside the bracket (1), and a centrifugal separation mechanism (4) is provided on one side outside the bracket (1). The drainage mechanism (2) includes a limiting bolt (22), the external thread of which is connected to the top of the aluminum square tube (7). A float plate (23) is fixedly connected to one side of the limiting bolt (22), a fixing bolt (24) is threadedly connected to the top side of the float plate (23), a valve ball (25) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing bolt (24), a flow component (26) is fixedly connected to the other side of the bracket (1), an inflow groove (21) is opened on the other side of the bracket (1), and an air outlet (27) is opened on one side of the bracket (1).

2. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow assembly (26) includes a three-way pipe (261), which is fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket (1), i.e., to the side near the inflow groove (21), and a connecting pipe (262) is fixedly connected to the outside of the three-way pipe (261).

3. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism (3) includes a sheet metal side plate (31), the outside of which is fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket (1), i.e., the side near the inflow groove (21), and a quick connector (32) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket (1), i.e., the side near the sheet metal side plate (31).

4. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 3, characterized in that: A valve stem seat (33) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket (1), that is, the side away from the quick connector (32), and an aluminum lever (34) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket (1), that is, the side close to the valve stem seat (33).

5. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 4, characterized in that: The aluminum lever (34) has a circular magnet installed inside.

6. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The centrifugal separation mechanism (4) includes a motor (42), which is externally fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket (1) on the side near the water inlet baffle (5), and the output end of the motor (42) is fixedly connected to a rotating impeller (44).

7. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 6, characterized in that: A flow guide box (43) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bracket (1), that is, the side close to the rotating impeller (44), and an oil collection box (45) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the bracket (1).

8. The fully automatic zero-air-consumption steam trap according to claim 7, characterized in that: A drain pipe (41) is fixedly connected to the outside of the bracket (1), that is, the side near the water inlet baffle (5), and the outside side of the drain pipe (41) penetrates the inner wall of the bracket (1).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Full-automatic drain valve body structure

    CN222256100U