🔍 Key Concepts

• Internal operating element: Notice the flexible, accordion-like component in the upper section of the trap and what it does when heated or cooled. • Thermostatic vs. thermodynamic: Think about whether this trap works mainly from temperature change (thermostatic) or from velocity/pressure of steam (thermodynamic). • Float vs. bellows/bi‑metal: Look carefully for a round float ball, separate bi‑metal plates, or a sealed bellows capsule and match what you actually see in the illustration.

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Does the main moving part look like a float ball, a flat bi‑metal strip/stack, or a sealed bellows that expands and contracts? • Consider: Would this design respond to the condensate level (rising and falling liquid), or primarily to the temperature difference between steam and cooler condensate? • Examine the inlet, outlet, and valve seat: Which part is directly connected to the flexible element shown, and how would that part move to open or close the discharge?.

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm whether there is a float ball present; if not, you can rule out any answer that requires a float. • Identify if the element looks like a sealed bellows capsule (accordion shape) versus flat bi‑metal plates; this will distinguish between options that mention bellows vs. bi‑metal. • Decide if the trap’s action appears to be controlled by temperature-driven expansion/contraction of the internal element; if so, focus on the choices that are clearly thermostatic rather than thermodynamic.