Types of Steam Traps
- Mechanical traps: These use the mechanical characteristics of steam vs condensate to extract condensate. Usually, the liquids will sink to the bottom of the system since it is denser than steam. A bucket or float rises and falls in proportion with the condensate level in mechanical traps. This is frequently connected to a mechanical linkage that opens and closes the valve.
- Thermostatic traps:The temperature difference between the steam and liquid phases eliminates condensate in this type of trap. The valve is controlled by the expansion and contraction of an element exposed to steam or condensate heat. To open and remove condensate, these traps require a temperature drop below the saturation curve. This can be accomplished with a filled element, bellows, or bimetallic element in these traps.
- Thermodynamic traps: The dynamic concepts of steam vs condensate and Bernoulli’s principle are used in this trap. Condensate is released via an opening at a faster rate, resulting in a pressure drop. This will cause a burst of steam to provide enough pressure to close a valve (disc) or slow the trap’s discharge speed.
What is a Steam Trap Inspection?
Leaks, both to the atmosphere and through valves and steam traps, become a major source of waste and inefficiency. Preventing steam leaks and maintaining steam traps are two ways to improve a steam system.
The prime objective of a practical steam trap inspection system is to repair any malfunctioning steam traps or steam leaks that can compromise safety, energy efficiency, and quality.
A successful steam trap maintenance program should also include properly training employees to effectively execute the steam trap inspection.
To increase the overall effectiveness of the steam trap survey, knowing what the potential problems are and how to identify them is essential—having a strong understanding of how the steam system works can also help the inspector spot any faults when performing the steam trap survey.
Ultrasound Inspection Technique
Ultrasound technology is employed by maintenance and quality professionals worldwide, and it is often regarded as one of the most effective methods of predictive maintenance technology.
Various inspection technologies are combined to keep up a world-class standard for the steam trap inspection process. Likewise, visual inspection or temperature measurement can also be used with an ultrasound inspection technique.
How is Ultrasound Testing in Steam Traps Performed?
Hand-held airborne and structure-borne ultrasonic devices detect and receive high-frequency sound waves generated due to various reasons, including friction (caused by non-lubricated bearing), ionisation, and turbulence (caused by a pressurized air leak or a failed steam trap). Since these high-frequency sounds are outside the typical human hearing range, they are not audible to us.
The ultrasonic testing instrument can receive these high-frequency sounds and convert them into an audible sound that the inspector can hear through his headset. The sound is then quantified in decibels (dB) on the instrument’s display screen and can also be displayed as a spectrum in the Fast Fourier Transfer (FFT) or Time Wave Form, depending on the device.
Every inspector begins by using a simple spot radiometer to take temperature data. The temperature will tell the inspector whether steam is entering the trap or not, but it can also estimate steam pressure.
If the steam trap is cold, the inspector should double-check that the valves are open and that the trap has not been removed from use. If the steam trap temperature is high, the inspector should note the input and exit temperatures before doing an ultrasonic test.
SONOTEC's SteamExpert
SONOTEC’s SteamExpert is a one-of-a-kind ultrasonic steam trap examination instrument offered by Technomax. SONOTEC provides its customer’s solutions that are tailored and compactable with their ultrasonic preventative maintenance requirement. Thus, the SteamExpert app was developed to quickly and affordably test Steam traps of various types and brands.
The software is for use with the SONAPHONE digital ultrasonic testing instrument and the BS20 ultrasonic and temperature sensor (Broadband Structure-Borne Sound and Temperature Sensor), which is used to detect and categorise leaks in compressed air, gas, and vacuum systems and save money on energy.
The SONAPHONE performs all the testing processes and provides us with all necessary information regarding the condition of the tested steam traps. These tests can be scheduled in sections using the DataSuite software, and the results can be thoroughly studied and reviewed. The ultrasonic test results can be stored, analysed, and managed using the SONAPHONE DataSuite.
All SONAPHONE users receive free access to the newest software versions, and a modern support structure, including SONAPHONE wiki, FAQs, and tutorials videos through the mySONAPHONE.com end customer site. The software can be used on a PC, server, or in the cloud, and it can be customised using application-specific modules.
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