We are trying to standardize the steam trap test results plants use for testing steam traps.  If you have any recommendations – please respond….

1. Good: the steam trap is operating properly
2. Blow: (failure) the steam trap is completely failed and blowing steam
3. Lk: (failure) the steam trap is severe leaking steam
4. US: (failure) the steam trap is undersized for the operation
   1. The leak level requires replacement or replacement
5. Cold: the steam trap is not up to temperature
   1. Cold could mean that the steam is shut off to the steam line or tracer system
   2. Cold could mean that foreign material has plugged the tracer line, steam trap, strainer, check valve, or steam line
   3. These test results require more investigation into the system and updating the log sheets with the proper test results
6. Installation

Too often the real reason for  steam trap failure is missed.  There are a number of things that can cause steam trap failure – one of them being corrosion material or other foreign material getting into the steam trap and affecting it’s operation.  When this occurs it can cause the steam trap to fail closed or fail open.  To help prevent this, a strainer with a 20 mesh or finer screen should be a part of all steam trap stations and blown down at least every six months.

We are interesting “Steam system ultrasound testing steam traps” after we have surveyed your web site. 

I have questions for ask with your technical,

Can ultrasound testing equipment measure quantity or volume of steam leaked?

 Posted for a client —

In today’s steam world, steam locking is very seldom detected. Almost always the problem is blamed on a steam trap malfunctioning. Steam locking was originally written about in detail in 1939. Currently, there is very little information available for the steam user regarding this common steam system problem.

What is steam locking?

If a steam trap is installed with a length of horizontal pipe 26 inches or longer from the discharge of the condensate outlet of the process, steam locking will occur. A steam trap in good operational condition will only open to pass any condensate and will close when steam enters the steam trap. A steam trap is a simple device; it senses three things, steam, condensate and non-condensable gas or air. If the steam trap senses steam (vapor) is present, the steam trap will shut off to prevent steam from passing through. After the steam trap has closed to prevent steam loss, the long horizontal pipe (26 inches or longer) will be momentarily full of steam.

Read the Best Practice Sheet – click below

http://www.plantsupport.com/download/PSE_BP_10.pdf

A steam trap has two major functions, to remove condensate as quickly as it is formed, and to prevent steam discharge. There are certain installation faults which negatively impact the ability for traps to effectively perform these functions efficiently.

A high percentage of steam trap failures are simply due to incorrect installation.

Proper installation should provide six years of maintenance free operation. The “Best Practices” for steam trap installations are outlined below:

The most important rule to remember for steam trap installation is GRAVITY. Condensate must flow from the process to the steam trap by the forces of gravity.

Read more about Steam Trap Installation…

http://www.plantsupport.com/download/PSE_BP_5.pdf