Managers at all levels should be encouraged to look for methods and procedures that will improve system efficiencies and locate potential problems before they become costly. While there are measures that can be taken requiring a review of all components within a steam system, some of which can end up requiring major capital outlays with over 2 years of payback, a simple, cost effective approach is to schedule routine steam trap and valve inspections. This relatively inexpensive step will help identify those traps or valves that are on the verge of failure. These can then be scheduled for repair before they lead to more costly and potentially damaging results.

As an example, a steam trap leak with an orifice of 1/8" in a 100-psi system with a cost of $5/1000lbs can cost $2312.64 annually. In a system with just 100 traps and only 10% were leaking, the loss per year would be $23,126.40. Now add to that the cost of potentially damaged product, man-hours etc. and you can see how this really adds up.

If you want to report savings or learn how to set up a steam trap survey, UE Systems has a guide called: Steam Trap Inspection Methods And Steam Cost Analysis. To get your free copy, send us an email: info@uesystems.com


Ultraprobe Tip:
If you're running through an inspection routine and discover that you have to skip a memory location in your digital Ultraprobe. Here's what you do: If you are using the Ultraprobe 10,000, put your display into the Storage Display mode and click the Sensitivity dial until the memory location blinks, spin to the record number you wish to use and store the data. If you use the Ultraprobe 9000, press the Store button, then spin to the memory location you wish to use and store the data.


Comments and Contributions:
As energy prices continue to escalate, we must re-visit all opportunities for reducing our energy costs. Here are some more Energy Conservation Tips from Spence Engineering, manufacturer of Nicholson Steam Traps:

Reasons to Conduct Annual Steam Trap Surveys...

• Assure steam traps are functioning properly.
• Assure maximum removal of condensate and prevent premature cooling of steam.
• Prevent failed open steam traps from wasting valuable steam.
• Prevent or correct water hammer conditions (a major safety hazard) as a result of failed closed steam traps.
• Clean and Blow down integral steam trap strainers and in line strainers.
• Maintain maximum thermal efficiency.
• The average steam trap life is approximately 5 years. Therefore, if not maintained and inspected regularly, over time, at any given moment a plant may have 20% of their steam traps failing, causing energy inefficiencies and waste.