Inverted Bucket Steam Traps

Inverted Bucket Steam Traps are mechanically operated steam traps in which the operating force is provided by steam entering and being contained within an inverted bucket causing it to float in the condensate that surrounds the bucket itself. Similar to a F&T Trap, the bucket is attached to a lever and pivot point. One difference is that the valve seat is located at the top of the trap, and will only operate when water is present, allowing it to float.

Best suited for stable steady load and pressure conditions most often found in a steam distribution system, Inverted Bucket Steam Traps can withstand high pressures and a reasonable degree of tolerance to waterhammer damage.

One downside to selecting an inverted bucket steam trap is that it is limited in the amount of air and other gases it can discharge due to the small vent hole and low differential pressure driving that air. Inverted bucket traps are not well suited to environments with rapid pressure changes. When these changes occur quickly, the water seal cannot be maintained as the water boils off (flash).

For more on the how an inverted bucket steam trap operates, visit our Steam Trap Types and Applications page that includes diagrams and comparisons.

Cooney Brothers is proud to be an authorized distributor for Spirax Sarco. Explore our selection of Spirax Sarco Inverted Bucket Steam Traps, including Cast Iron Bucket Traps and Stainless Steal Bucket Traps, available from 1/2 in to 2 in. We also carry rebuild kits for Spirax Sarco B Series. Click on a product to view inverted bucket steam trap installation instructions, spec sheets, and more.