Description
When steam traps leak or fail, it can be extremely costly in terms of product quality, safety and energy loss. There are great differences in the way particular steam traps work (for example, inverted bucket trap versus float and thermostatic trap). The UltraProbe makes it easy to adjust for these differences and readily determine operating conditions while steam traps are on-line.
How Ultrasonic Leak Detection Works
Steam traps can either be defined as continuous (or modulating continuous) flow and on-off types. UE Systems’ Ultraprobe series helps an inspector readily identify the trap operation in all types of environments.
Inspectors can choose from simple “point and shoot” analog instruments to sophisticated digital instruments with on-board sound recording and data logging features. UE Systems unique frequency tuning feature enables users to literally tune into the trap sound and clearly identify leaking or blowing traps.
Leak Detection Method
Inspection methods vary depending on the type of steam trap. Therefore the primary rule is to know the details of your system, for example the way a specific trap may work under specific conditions. In order to determine trap condition such as leakage or blockage: touch upstream of the steam trap and reduce the sensitivity of the instrument until the meter/display panel reads about 50% of scale. If the instrument has frequency tuning, you may also use this feature to hear the trap sound quality more clearly. Simply tune the frequency (usually 25 kHz) until the sound you would expect to hear becomes clear. It's that simple.
Next, touch downstream of the steam trap and compare intensity levels. If the sound is louder down stream, the fluid is passing through. If the sound level is low, the trap is closed. Ultrasonic steam trap inspection is considered a "positive" test in that an operator can instantly identify sound quality and intensity differentials and thereby determine operating condition accurately. A steam trap troubleshooting guide is available from the factory upon request.
A steam trap troubleshooting guide is available from the factory upon request.
