Faulty steam traps can leak or not function properly; this can be a costly process with negative impact on product quality, safety and energy loss. Controlling steam traps with ultrasound technology is quick and simple. Most mechanical parts produce ultrasound – easily detected by special instruments.
Faulty steam traps produce a distnct sound, a characteristic one for each fault. It’s a straightforward task for the inspector to understand the type and extend of damage inside the steamn trap.
Types of steam traps:
-streaming (float)
-on-off (inverted bucket, thermodynamic and thermostatic)
Steam traps can be easily checked for the following poor working conditions:
blockage, permanently open, partially open, broken springs, loose bucket.
The ultrasound specialist should be able to tell apart emitted sounds and be able to identify the differencies in quality and volume of sound.
Same as estimating air leaks cost, ultrasound also helps work out the cost of lost live steam, according to the orifice of the steam trap and the price per ton of steam production.
Finding valve leaks in the closed position is quite easy and it is made by simultaneous measuring of four points, two on each side of the valve. The number of the check points is depended on the margin of the valve’s location.
Valve control (eg. reciprocating compressors) is carried out by recording the sound and comparing it with future measurements. Leaks are checked in the closed position and by timing the open position.
Control of pumps includes bearings inspections and cavitation. This is done by comparative method through trending its measurements at regular basis.