Steam trap monitoring

 
Automated monitoring systems provide continuous visibility of steam trap condition, enabling drops in performance to be identified instantly and corrected to improve energy efficiency and productivity. The problem, says Spirax Sarco, is that installing a wired system can be time-consuming and costly, with production interrupted by the installation of power and data lines.
 
The STAPS Wireless monitoring system eliminates these drawbacks by using Zigbee or ISA100 wireless networking standards. A STAPS head unit is simply clamped onto the upstream side of the steam trap, avoiding the need to isolate processes or cut into pipework. Furthermore, STAPS Wireless can be deployed almost anywhere, extending monitoring to remote and hard to access areas of the plant such as high level pipe racks.
 
STAPS Wireless complements a programme of regular steam trap surveys, inspections and maintenance which can identify performance issues across an entire steam trap population. It achieves this by using ultrasonics to continually monitor steam traps.
 
The sound signature of each steam trap is categorised and transmitted via the wireless network to a central PC, which uses purpose-built STAPS Wireless software to determine the trap condition and calculate steam loss in actual cost terms. The technology enables steam system operators to instantly identify steam traps that are blocked or stuck open and take immediate remedial action to maintain the highest productivity, protect end product quality and avoid unnecessary energy costs.
 
STAPS Wireless provides clear justification for steam trap upgrades and enables steam system operators to decide where to deploy maintenance staff. With user-defined reporting periods, the system can be set or adjusted to generate updates as frequently as required.