1. The steam trap is installed between the steam heating device and the condensate return header. When driving, the bucket is at the bottom and the valve is fully open. After the condensate enters the trap, it flows to the bottom of the bucket, fills the valve body, and is completely immersed in the barrel. Then, the condensed water is discharged to the return header through the fully open valve.

2. Steam also enters the trap from the bottom of the barrel, occupying the top of the barrel and creating buoyancy. The barrel slowly rises and gradually moves the lever in the direction of the seat until the valve is completely closed. Air and carbon dioxide gas collect through the exhaust orifice of the barrel and collect at the top of the trap. The steam discharged from the vent hole will condense due to the heat dissipation of the trap.

3. The barrel begins to exert a pulling force on the lever when the incoming condensate begins to fill the barrel. As the condensate level continues to rise, the resulting force continues to increase until the pressure differential can be overcome and the valve is opened.

4. When the valve begins to open, the pressure differential acting on the valve flap will decrease. The barrel will drop rapidly and the valve will be fully open. The non-condensable gas accumulated on the top of the trap is discharged first, and then the condensed water is discharged. When the water flows out of the barrel, it drives the dirt out of the trap together. At the same time as the condensate discharges, the steam restarts into the trap and a new cycle begins.