When steam traps leak or fail, it can be extremely costly in terms of product quality, safety and energy loss. There are differences in the way particular steam traps work. Ultrasound technology can be used for determining operating conditions of any type: inverted bucket, thermostatic, thermodynamic, float & thermostatic traps & one-way valves. We typically look for 2 factors in operating conditions:

1. Internal leakage: Partial, open or closed condition.
2. Modulation: in operating condition is it modulating accordingly to specification?

An Ultraprobe makes it easy to determine operating conditions while steam traps are on-line.

Why inspect steam traps?

It is important to maintain your steam traps correctly. The consequences of faulty steam traps cannot be ignored:

• Safety: Water hammer can cause serious damage to your equipment & people!
• Manufacturing Process efficiency: Maintaining correct temperatures in your process
• Preservation of condensate return lines: Water in pipes will cause rusting

A regular inspection route on a frequent bases is highly recommended. Statistics show that it will help you improve cost, efficiency and a good running process.

How ultrasonic leak detection works

Steam traps can either be defined as continuous (or modulating continuous) flow and