Could anyone tell me what the temperature drop should be across a steam trap. And any other ideas on having an effective steam trap inspection program.
Thanks
Will

Our September newsletter addresses tips for steam trap inspection:
http://www.reliabilitydirect.com/newsletter/vol6issue5.htm

The delta-T acrross a steam trap depends on type of trap. A very low delta-T would indicate that trap is not working properly or at all (if cold). Temperature is one of several (sight, sound, temperatue) methods for surveying steam trap condition and may not be the best.

You need to know:

1) How steam traps work
2) Different types of traps design and operation
3) Your steam system including where traps are located, their function, and type of trap [an inventory]
4) How to detect malfunctioning traps

A good text book for a broad overview is:
"The Steam Trap Handbook" by James F. McCauley, P.E. by The Fairmont Press, Inc. (Prentice-Hall)

Basic Tools:

1. IR Temperature Meter or IR Thermography Camera
2. Ultrasound Meter
3. Brass Tags
4. Inspection Procedure
5. Data Sheet

If you have a lot of traps to manage then add to tool list:

6. PDA Hand-held computer
7. Elecronic Datalogging Forms
8. Desktop/Notebook PC
9. Excel SS or Access Database for inspection survey reports and managing purchases and repairs

There is good economic return on investment, so get going!

Walt

We have set up a steam trap inspection program using ultrasound (UEsystems Ultraprobe 2000). The methodology used can be found in the attached paper.

Regards

Conem_trans1.pdf (226 Kb, 66 downloads) Trap inventory