What is a Steam Trap? A steam trap is an automatic valve that holds the steam at the load until it gives up its heat energy and condenses to water (condensate). After the steam condenses to water, the steam trap allows only the condensate to pass, thereby contributing to plant efficiency. INVERTED BUCKET STEAM TRAPS In inverted bucket steam traps, the bucket within the trap is attached to a lever that opens and closes the trap valve in response to the bucket’s motion. When steam or air flows into the underside of the inverted bucket and condensate surrounds it on the outside, the steam causes the bucket to become buoyant and rise. In this position, the bucket will cause the trap valve to close. There is a vent hole in the top of the bucket that allows a small amount of the vapor to be released into the top of the trap, where it is discharged downstream. As vapor escapes through the vent hole, condensate starts to fill the inside of the bucket, causing it to sink and allowing the lever to open the trap valve and discharge condensate. The inverted bucket trap is known for its reliable operating principle. It’s simple design is a unique leverage system that multiplies the force provided by the bucket to open the valve against pressure. The inverted bucket has only two moving parts-the valve lever assembly and the bucket. That means no fixed points, no complicated linkage. Nothing to stick, bind or clog. Since the bucket is open at the bottom, it resists damage from water hammer, and wear points are heavily reinforced for long life. WHAT IS IBR? IBR i.e. Indian Boiler Regulations is the law of India, which was created on 15th September 1950 in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 28 & 29 of the Indian Boilers Act. It governs design, manufacture, installation and operation of all steam producing vessels which fall under its purview. It defines a boiler as a steam producing vessel having the capacity of more than 5 gallons (25 liters). IBR boilers mean any closed vessel exceeding 25 liters in capacity and which is used expressively for generating steam under pressure and includes any mounting or other fitting attached to such vessel which is wholly or partly under pressure when the steam is shut off.