Steam trap monitoring
Easy-to-deploy, advanced steam trap monitoring solutions
Energy harvesting
Real-time detection
Maintenance-free
Dashboard analytics
On average, 10% of steam traps fail annually. And with the steep increase in fuel prices, this means the cost of steam loss is getting more and more expensive. Steam traps are vital to operation, providing for the removal of condensate and non-condensable gases from the steam system. Because of this, regular monitoring of their performance is required to ensure that steam traps remain operational, and that neither steam leaks nor “cold” traps are present. To maximise monitoring performance, DCO have introduced a range of remotely accessible, self-contained, steam trap monitoring solutions to ensure that steam trap performance data is collected round the clock.
An updated approach that 'works' for you
Moving away from tedious manual testing, DCO use its autonomous energy harvesting sensor technology to create a solution that is precisely targeted at the requirements of steam trap monitoring.
Regular manual monitoring is eliminated, and common routine test and measurement tasks are automated. Furthermore, performance data is analysed in real time to identify current and historical issues. As a result, that analysis is used to schedule preventative and predictive maintenance and repair activity in a targeted resource-efficient manner.
Building a picture of performance
Monitoring the physical parameters of a steam trap is key to understanding its performance – both on short and long timescales. Every trap will have specified (as designed) a behaviour model and a corresponding real-world performance envelope. Therefore, detailed monitoring permits one to be mapped onto the other, building up a picture of the real-world performance of the device. Furthermore, rapid changes in performance can be indicative of localised or remote failure. Additionally, change over time can provide indication of degradation needing to be addressed by maintenance.
We currently offer 3 models for steam trap monitoring. The Easy STM series is our primary product line, catering to all trap types and almost all installation scenarios. For most installations the Easy STM model provides all the required options and functionality, but for customised installations we can also offer the Flex STM model that can be customised to different product configurations and support individual and non-standard mounting options.
Acoustic sensing – to refer to the environmental sensing (i.e. listening to the ambient environment around the unit)
Ultrasonic sensing – to refer to the ultrasonic pipe sensor (i.e. specific pipe mounted sensor monitoring inside the pipework)
Characterise your trap failures automatically
Temperature measurement is a particularly effective and rapid way of diagnosing traps that have failed shut. Traps that are leaking steam tend to attract more attention, but closed traps are a more significant source of safety and reliability issues. They prevent the effective removal of condensate from a system and allow it to build-up to levels that leads to water hammer with detrimental impact on equipment reliability and possibility of serious failure. A trap that is gradually failing shut will usually show a distinct and recognisable change in temperature profile over time that identifies impending failure and allows remedial action to be taken before it fails completely.
Our Technical Note on Remote steam trap monitoring techniques provides further details on the normal operation and open/closed failure of different types of traps. Read more.
Which steam trap monitor fits your requirements?
If you require something specific, please contact us. Isn’t it time you upgraded and extended your monitoring efforts?
Technical Note: 'Remote Steam Trap Monitoring' describes in detail how an automated approach to steam trap monitoring works versus manual inspection. Furthermore, understand how the monitors characterise trap failures automatically for different types of traps including float, inverted bucket, venturi traps, thermostatic, thermodynamic and more. READ MORE
Article: 'Are your leaking steam traps costing you a fortune?' discusses how leaking steam traps along with the manual techniques used to maintain such systems, are proving to be a costly combination. Furthermore, with the unrelenting increases in energy and gas prices, we look at how the costs of leaking traps identified in a steam trap survey from 2 years ago is 4 times as costly today. READ MORE
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
