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Ultrasonic Inspection: Steam Traps

Ultrasonic Testing

A steam trap can fail open or fail closed. Traps that have failed open result in the loss of steam and energy. Water is also lost when condensate is not returned. Heating costs will rise and boiler plant costs rise significantly. When a trap fails closed, heating capacity is lost and damage can be done to the steam heating equipment.

Experienced maintenance personnel are familiar with the characteristic sound difference between the passage of steam and condensate. The UL101 accurately reproduces these sounds. The trap is stuck open if there is sound all the time and, if there is no sound, the trap is stuck closed.

By simply pressing the tip of the solid probe (attached to the UL101 receiver) against the steam trap, the user can easily hear the trap functioning and determine its operating condition. When it is difficult to reach a steam trap safely, the PowerBeam 300 can be used because of its ability to enhance the distance and narrow the reception of the UL101 Receiver. If the trap is working properly, the operator, using the UL101, can hear the rising of the valve and passing the rush of steam until closed. This indicates the valve is functioning properly. If the operator only hears silence or only hears steam rush/roar, the steam trap is either open or closed all the time. The operator will sometimes hear the trap close partially when it should close completely. This means that they will hear a tiny rush or drip, when they should hear silence. A steam trap that is not working properly is probably due to clogging or worn parts and needs to be cleaned or replaced.

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