Abstract: A condensate trap comprises a trap element 12 disposed in a trap chamber 6, and a sensor chamber 16 containing a sensor element 24 for monitoring the performance of the trap element 12. The sensor chamber 16 communicates with the trap chamber 6 through a first passageway 26 and one or more second passageways 28. The first passageway 26 opens into the sensor chamber 16 at an upper region of the sensor chamber, while the second passageway 28 opens at a lower region, so that the sensor element 24 is situated at a level above the lowermost part of the port at which the second passageway 28 opens into the sensor chamber 16. If the trap element 12 does not close the outlet 10 properly, condensate accumulating in the sensor chamber 16 will be forced into the trap chamber 6 through the second passageway 28, and the level will fall to expose the sensor element 24 which will react to provide an alarm signal.

Abstract: A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.