DON'T
WASTE ENERGY ON STEAM LEAKAGE
What is a steam trap?
They are valves that were created to discharge condensation, and vent air
without losing steam. Just like any mechanical item that uses various
mechanisms, over time you are going to have increased wear and tear. When this
happens you run into a common, yet real problem when your steam trap begins to
leak. When steam traps begin to leak wasting energy, affecting production
immensely, creating safety issues, and raising your maintenance costs. In order
to control a leaking steam trap, you have to be very proactive before the leak
gets out of control. Some of the most common reasons for a steam trap leak are
dirt, unplanned pressure surges, and oversized traps. Following these few steps
below will help in lessening your chance for a leak.
1. You want to develop a
regular routine and maintenance on the steam trap. Keeping up the checks, and
maintenance will find problems before they become too massive. In this step
also you are going to want to map out, and tag each of the steam traps to make
sure everything is being inspected.
2. Periodically test
your control valves. This is just another part of your maintenance to make sure
you are keeping your pressure levels down. Some motors are unable to handle
extremely high temperatures, and will fail over time. Doing this will help
making sure everything is staying regulated.
3. Check the thickness
of the piping. Over time the steam and condensate will start to erode your
pipes. If your thickness start to get really low you are going to have cracking,
which you guessed it, can start a leak.
4. Test your traps using
temperature. The inlet and outlet are going to have roughly a 10 degree
difference. Performing this test will also tell you if you equipment is capable
of handling the overall capacity.
Performing these actions
above are just a few items on a checklist that can help maintain your steam
trap, and hopefully prevent a problem before it's too late.
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