A ball float steam trap is a mechanical steam trap used in steam heating systems to discharge condensate. It operates based on the principle of buoyancy, similar to the float trap. The ball float steam trap consists of a chamber partially filled with water, with an inlet at the bottom for steam and an outlet at the top for condensate. A hollow ball is suspended in the chamber by a lever mechanism. When the chamber is full of steam, the ball rises and seals the outlet, preventing steam from escaping. As condensate accumulates in the chamber, the ball falls, opening the outlet and discharging the condensate.

The ball float mechanism in a ball float steam trap operates based on the principle of buoyancy. The hollow ball is less dense than the condensate and floats on the surface. When the chamber is full of steam, the ball rises and seals the outlet. As condensate accumulates in the chamber, the ball falls with it, opening the outlet and discharging the condensate.

Ball float steam traps are suitable for handling high condensate loads and can operate across various steam pressures. They are commonly used in process heating, steam tracing, and steam-jacketed vessels. However, they can be sensitive to dirt or debris in the system, which can cause the ball mechanism to malfunction.