|
|
You are here: Knowledge Base > Ultrasonic Inspection
|
Steam Trap & Valve Testing through Ultrasonic Inspection Last Updated: 06/27/2013 |
||
|
Steam Trap & Valve Testing through Ultrasonic Inspection A major source of energy loss in facilities that use steam for building heat or facilitating manufacturing process is through leaking steam traps and valves. Leaking steam traps are tremendously inefficient, and bad steam traps are surprisingly common, typically 15 to 30% of the traps in a plant with no trap testing programs will be leaking! Steam traps can fail in either the open or closed position. Failing open produces a loss of steam and energy. Failing closed results in lost heating capacity and damage to equipment. By using a contact probe supplied with your ultrasonic leak detector, a technician can hear the internal flow through valves and traps. As the instrument only hears ultrasonic frequencies, it can detect the most minute leak and is not effected by ambient background noise. Use the contact probe to quickly hear internal flow through steam traps and valves. One can easily hear the opening the valve, and the passing of steam until the valve is closed. A technician can hear if a problem is occurring with the proper operation and depending upon the instrument used, will have an analog or digital visual reference as well. A poor performing or blocked valve requires service or replacement. An ultrasonic inspection tool is a cost effective tool to determine a problem and schedule corrective action. Reliability Direct, Inc. is pleased to offer a large variety of ultrasonic inspection tools – from simple instruments for HVAC applications to digital units with memory and software for predictive maintenance programs in a large facility.   
|