Which types of steam traps are classified as mechanical traps?

Mechanical traps operate based on physical movement and the principles of buoyancy or gravity. In the case of ball-float and bucket-type traps, they utilize a moving element to open and close the outlet of the trap in response to the presence of condensate and steam.

Ball-float traps employ a buoyant ball that rises and falls with the water level, allowing steam to escape while holding back condensate. Similarly, bucket-type traps use a hollow bucket that fills with condensate, causing it to sink, which then opens an outlet to release the trapped steam. These designs rely on mechanical motion to effectively manage the flow of steam and condensate, which is a defining characteristic of mechanical traps.

In contrast, thermal and chemical traps utilize changes in temperature or chemical reactions to operate, while electronic and magnetic traps involve technology to control flow, and impulse and pressure traps rely on changes in pressure dynamics. These classifications highlight the distinctive mechanisms of operation between mechanical traps and other types.