Hello every body
What are all the important considerations while developing the PM program for steam traps.

1) Type of steamtrap
2) Function of steamtrap, manifolds, headers, don't look at the steamtrap as an isolated object. You need to understand the steam distribution system in its totality.
3) Know the effects of malfunctioning traps. Failed closed traps will fill the headers with condensate and will induce waterhammer with destructable effects.
4) Failed open traps will blow live steam in condensate headers, preventing other traps to discharge their load, which brings us back to item 3
5) The heat (energy) that is not transfered for heating, will be coming from other sources. If the steam tracing on viscous product lines (asphalth) fails, the pump will draw more electrical energy resulting in trips, motor burns and other appearantly not related side effects.
6) Most traps can be repaired in an early stage of malfunction, if leaving for a long time with a defect, the only solution is to replace it (cutting and welding) instead of just cleaning a strainer.
7) Ultrasound is a good tool detect early warnings
9) Know where the traps are
10) Know how to isolate the traps, especially in steam tracing.
11) Develop a logical inspection route, and develop a schedule for inspecting.
12) Identification, very important. "Steam trap leaking" without further details will drive everybody nuts, especially if there are more then 2 traps on the whole plant . Refineries and chemical plants are likely to have hunderds of traps scattered all over the place.

Prerequisite to a succesful PM program: Staff competency first!

Steam trap is part of boilerman or steam engineer training.