Steam is widely used in many industries around the world.  Leaking steam traps and valves waste energy, impact on product quality and can even effect the environment.  Leaks cost money: thousands to millions of dollars annually can leak through a system if unchecked and unrepaired.  In fact, if a facility has no steam trap inspection program in place, chances are that up to 50% of the traps in that plant are leaking! The right steam trap inspection & maintenance program will immediately produce savings while cutting energy waste.

As energy prices escalate, it is becoming more essential to identify inefficiencies in steam systems.  Simply put, the more efficient a system, the more profitable the company. In this time of high energy costs, it is imperative that an effective steam trap and valve inspection program be put in place.  Traps and valves can leak at any time.  A program that allows for routine inspection, repair and analysis can provide dividends beyond the obvious energy reduction.  Issues such as life expectancy of components and product quality, effective utilization of personnel and more can be improved with this type of program.

This steam page is designed to provide you with Sound Advice – offering essential steam trap & valve maintenance tips and tools you can immediately execute yourself or with the assistance of expert consultants at UE Systems.

CLICK HERE for a UE Systems Energy Conservation Guide

Below, you will find some simple tips you can apply today to enhance your steam trap routine.

On the left navigation bar, you can also find several resources and guides to help you calculate loss and potential savings in order to ensure your inspection program is energy efficient and incredibly productive.

	Review your compressed air system by walking the lines, listening and looking for obvious leaks (better to hear when the plant systems are down and the areas are quiet)
	Review small sections at a time allowing you to be more efficient
	Continuously educate yourself on steam operations through training and support
	Provide education/training for all involved with the program
	Design a maintenance program or plan an audit to consistently monitor the system using specialized equipment, such as ultrasonic leak detectors
	Replace faulty equipment immediately
	Set up a data base. Develop a spreadsheet of suppliers, components, etc. to help analyze each facet of the trap that may be a contaminant
	Create a steam trap and valve testing procedure for your plant
	Review existing maintenance procedures and specifications and make appropriate changes where needed
	Review areas where there may be sizing issues or fitting problems. Some areas may have excessive corrosion.
	Tag all traps.
	Have data prefixes or suffixes that correlate in the system. A simple walk through your route will enable you to set this up.
	Replace all failed traps and valves

Rely on Experts for Technology, Training and Support

Although there are several ways you can improve plant efficiencies today, the need for expert analysis and technology may be a necessary next step in eliminating the potential for increased energy waste and machine failure.

To the left, you will find several resources to help you improve steam trap maintenance and energy conservation. We recommend you review them all and then register to receive the Energy Conservation Guide, which will provide you with detailed information on how to protect your plant from machine failure and waste as well as help you calculate current energy loss. You just may be shocked by what you find.