Everything you need to know about ultrasonic steam trap leak detection

A faulty steam trap can waste valuable heating dollars, destroy condensate pumps, create hot and cold spots within a heating space, cause production inefficiency, produce destructive water hammer, and lead to premature failure of other traps.

Ultrasonic steam trap leak detectors are the most convenient and least intrusive method of locating faulty steam traps. Here’s why: Most leaks generate ultrasonic noises — in the 35,000 to 45,000 cycles per second range — that are inaudible to the human ear. An ultrasonic steam trap leak detector converts and amplifies the noises to frequencies that can be heard by the human ear. The user can hear and evaluate whether the sound is normal or abnormal based on his/her real world experience. A good steam trap sounds one way, a faulty steam trap sounds another. It takes just a few trials to be comfortable with the differences.

An ultrasonic leak detector is simple to use and highly reliable. It does not rely on temperature or temperature differential. Its only requirement is that the trap cycles. 

The Ultrasonic Steam Trap Leak Detector unit, available from Keystone Steam Supplies, comes complete with a contact probe, microphone hand probe, ultrasonic noise generator (optional), concentrator cone, headphones (for noisy environments) and test kit. All are packaged in a sturdy carrying case. 

To test steam traps, the contact probe is used and the tip is placed on the steam trap. Since all steam traps work on an open/close cycle, it is easy to determine whether the probe is picking up an open/close cycle or a steady open cycle. “Open/close” means the trap is good, while “constant open” means the trap has failed.

The microphone hand probe (acoustic probe) hears airborne ultrasonic sound generated by compressed air and gas leaks, vacuum leaks and corona discharge. It is also used in conjunction with the optional ultrasonic noise generator to locate pin hole leaks in seals, containers, vans and tanks. 

For more information on leak detection products and services, contact Keystone Steam Supplies. 

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