Where Tradition Meets Innovation: The Success Story of Venturi Orifice Steam Traps

A simple physical principle allows Venturi orifice steam traps to function without any moving parts.

A simple physical principle allows Venturi orifice steam traps to operate without moving parts. Who discovered this principle, and why has there been room for further optimization of this proven technology in recent years?

Although Venturi orifice steam traps entered the market in the 1990s, the principle behind them has been known for centuries. In the late 18th century, Italian physicist Giovanni Battista Venturi discovered the "Venturi effect." This phenomenon occurs when fluid passes through a narrowing pipe, causing an increase in flow velocity and a drop in pressure. Venturi's discovery laid the groundwork for many advancements in fluid mechanics, enabling engineers to efficiently control fluid flow in various applications. Over 200 years later, this principle became the foundation for Venturi orifice steam traps.

The Ingenious Design of Venturi Orifice Steam Traps

In 1995, the first Venturi orifice steam trap was patented in Bristol, UK, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional mechanical traps. Nigel Egginton, then Marketing Director at EBE Engineering, was captivated by the simplicity and brilliance of the design, noting that "a technology that works without moving parts and leverages the natural properties of steam and condensate is truly remarkable."

Venturi orifice steam traps rely on the different densities of steam and condensate to separate and drain condensate without losing steam. The thermodynamic properties also play a role, as residual energy in the condensate creates flash steam, generating a back pressure that reduces flow velocity and forms a fluid seal within the trap.

Ongoing Development for Market Needs

Since the original patent, the technology has evolved significantly. After a career shift, Egginton founded EBE Engineering to further improve the design, resulting in the 2017 launch of the ECOFLOW Venturi steam trap. This innovation featured a fully cast single housing with no weld joints, allowing it to handle a broader range of flow rates. The modular design of removable venturi inserts made the product versatile and reliable, with enhanced durability through encapsulated graphite seals and a design that prevents torsional stress.

These advancements have minimized downtime, improved heat transfer efficiency, and reduced steam costs in industrial systems, making modern Venturi orifice steam traps a top choice for industrial users.