Steam Trap With Inlet And Outlet Shut-Off Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condensate drains require complex assembly and long downtimes due to the need to shut down the entire condensate line for maintenance and repair, with existing solutions involving numerous assembly steps and separate installation of condensate drains and shut-off valves.

Innovation Solution

A compact condensate drain design with shut-off valves in both the inlet and outlet channels, allowing for selective shutdown and easy maintenance, featuring a control element housed within a chamber that can be depressurized and exchanged, and valve inserts that can be angled for efficient space use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate condensate drain and shut-off valve installation is used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but assembly complexity and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the shut-off valve directly into the condensate drain housing, creating a single assembled unit that combines both the drainage function and the shut-off function. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of two components, reducing assembly complexity and installation time while maintaining full functionality of both the condensate drain and shut-off valve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the entire condensate line is shut down for maintenance, then complete system safety is achieved, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance safetyVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of a shut-off valve directly on the condensate drain creates a localized isolation segment. This allows maintenance personnel to shut down and service only the specific condensate drain unit without affecting the rest of the condensate line, thereby maintaining system safety for the targeted component while minimizing overall system downtime and preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If control element is permanently fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and ease of replacement decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcontrol element replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control element is designed with a dynamic mounting arrangement that allows it to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining a stable, fixed position during normal operation. The design enables the control element to be securely mounted for structural stability during use, yet readily replaceable when maintenance or upgrades are needed, balancing both stability and adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1925872B1Steam trap

Publication Date: 2016.04.27 AWH ARMATUREN WERK HALLE

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AI summary

Diverter comprises stop valves (7-11) on a housing (2) in the region of a flow line. Preferred Features: One stop valve is arranged in the inlet channel (3) and one stop valve is arranged in the outlet channel (4). A chamber is arranged in the housing and is connected to the inlet channel, the outlet channel and a run-off channel (16).