The new generation of Easy Steam Trap Monitor
Steam systems are not only energy intensive, but they can be a complex mix of new and old infrastructure. This means that many systems and components are difficult to gain access to. As a result, engineers or plant managers do not have day to day visibility on their systems. With that in mind, DCO Systems offers solutions to allow maintenance-free, remotely accessible steam trap monitoring solutions. A key goal was to eliminate the reliance on batteries because difficult to access places are not somewhere you want to have to be regularly changing batteries. The result was a monitoring system powered with energy harvesting technology that provided always-on monitoring. One box ticked and one large problem solved! Yet after assessing many of the common layouts encountered on client sites, another requirement emerged and led DCO Systems to introduce a new generation of steam trap monitoring solution.
What is the current challenge
Because of the intricacies and complexity of steam systems, it can be difficult to fit a monitoring solution, even a self-contained one, onto the pipework. Particularly in drip and line applications the space between components, unions and insulation is restricted and the free runs of pipe needed for installation become an issue. Notably, some wireless monitoring solutions on the market have components that can require as much as 230mm (9in.) of free pipe for fitting. Unfortunately, the area around the steam trap is usually crowded with other components and demands greater flexibility. DCO's Easy STM is much smaller than competitor models to maximise ease of installation.
How is this solving the problem
The Easy STM model requires just 25mm of free space for fitting onto trap pipework. A single clip-on harvesting and sensing module locates the entire assembly, and only one extra probe is required to sense on the condensate side of the steam trap. All components can now fit into less than a 25mm (1”) space and can much more easily be fitted around existing flanges, unions, and insulation jackets.
The Easy STM model is designed for use on all trap types, and pipe mounts up to DN50 (2") are available as standard sizes. The benefits of the compact fitting include the ability to significantly simplify installation and to reduce the cost of monitoring installation.
What can you do with it
The energy harvesting power source of the Easy STM model allows it to provide data on a much wider range of quality indicators than competing solution. Environmental monitoring, vibration/shock and movement are all provided as standard. Acoustic monitoring can be enabled to allow the sensor to listen to the surrounding environment and detecting leaks to adjacent equipment, such as isolation or control values. Ultrasonic monitoring of the trap pipework is available as an option to enhance the standard leak detection sensitivity on high value and/or high throughput traps. Indicators on the unit provide visibility to the engineer of monitor status and operation. All traps are monitored remotely, and data is sent to a dashboard providing analytics, alerts, and tangible insights.
3 Global Business Park
14 Wilkinson Road
Cirencester GL7 1YZ
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1285 359059
info@dcosystems.co.uk
Scope: Design, manufacture and supply of remote monitoring solutions
