GB709722A - Improvements in traps for removing entrained water from compressed air pipe lines - Google Patents

Abstract

709,722. Trapping water from compressed air pipe lines. STEWART-WARNER CORPORATION. Feb. 8, 1951, No. 3135/51. Class 64(2) A trap or receptacle for separating and automatically ejecting entrained water from compressed air flowing through a pipe line operates by a differential pressure set up by the normal flow of air through the trap through means responsive to a predetermined rise of water level in the receptacle to apply the differential pressure to open a water ejection valve. In the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2, air entering at 20 meets a baffle 32 having openings leading to an inner annular space having an outlet 36 connecting with a channel 58 that passes to the air outlet 24 by way of a passage 64 containing a 'spring-pressed valve 68, Fig. 2. The water falling from the baffle collects in a float chamber '12 from which it is ejected, as the float 90 rises, by the raising of a valve 42, the stem 44 of which is connected to a diaphragm 46 secured between the upper and lower parts of the trap casing. A pressure drop on the top of the diaphragm is produced by flow of air as the valve 68 opens, the space above the diaphragm being connected to outlet 24 by passage 72 whilst the space below the diaphragm is subject to the pressure of incoming air. These pressures are normally neutralized by a valve passage 98 in the diaphragm so that the water-ejection valve is kept closed. An upward extension 88 on the float 90 engages a resilient disc valve 78 on a ring 80 which can slide on the extension 88. When the float rises, the disc 78 closes passage 98 in the diaphragm and the differential pressure opens the ejection valve 42. The float 90 then falls and. after an interval due to lost motion, the valve disc 78 is drawn away from passage 98 to allow spring 52 to close the ejection valve 42. In the modification shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the float control of the ejection valve 150 is dispensed with. This valve is controlled. as before, by a differential pressure on the top and bottom of a diaphragm 152 caused by the flow of air through the trap. Air entering at 114 passes through a venturi nozzle 128 leading to a convex surface 124 which disperses the entrained water that passes downwardly to the lower part of -the casing through ports 134, the air passing upwardly through ports 132 to leave through an outlet 118 after passing a gauze partition 136 serving to reduce turbulence. Leading from the air inlet to the water space at the bottom of the trap is a passage 174 and fine bore tube 178, the passage connecting by opening 172 with the space above the diaphragm. The space below the diaphragm leads to the air space by passage 170 so that the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm is normally equalized. As the water collects, the tube 178 becomes plugged with water and the consequent differential pressure on the diaphragm causes the waterejection valve 150 to open.