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 trap monitoring is a critical aspect of maintaining an efficient and reliable steam system. Steam traps are designed to remove condensate and prevent steam loss, but faulty or failed traps can lead to significant energy waste, reduced equipment performance, and safety hazards.

Steam trap monitoring usually involves regularly inspecting and testing traps to identify issues before they cause problems, however thanks to DCO technology manual on-site monitoring is greatly reduced, 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 maintenance and repair activity in a targeted resource-efficient manner.

About Steam Traps

Steam traps are devices used in steam systems to remove condensate (water) that forms as steam cools and loses its heat energy. Steam Traps are an essential component of steam heating and process systems, as they prevent steam from escaping from the system and wasting energy.

Steam traps are important because if condensate is allowed to build up in a steam system, it can cause a number of problems.

There are several different types of steam traps, including mechanical traps, thermostatic traps, and thermodynamic traps. Mechanical traps use a float or bucket to separate steam from condensate, while thermostatic traps use a temperature-sensitive element to open and close a valve. Thermodynamic traps use the difference in pressure between steam and condensate to operate a valve

Steam traps require maintenance to ensure proper operation. Neglected steam traps can lead to energy losses and reduced system performance. A properly functioning steam trap can help improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and prolong the life of equipment in the steam system.

Steam Trap Monitoring

Energy savings: Steam traps that are not functioning properly can waste significant amounts of energy, leading to increased operating costs. By monitoring steam traps, operators can identify and repair or replace faulty traps, which can lead to substantial energy savings.

Improved equipment performance: Steam traps that are not functioning correctly can cause equipment to operate at suboptimal levels, leading to reduced performance and potentially even equipment failure. By monitoring steam traps, operators can identify and address issues before they cause problems.

Increased safety: Steam systems that are not operating correctly can pose a safety risk to personnel, as well as to the surrounding environment. By monitoring steam traps, operators can identify potential safety hazards and take corrective action to mitigate the risk.

Reduced maintenance costs: By identifying faulty steam traps early, maintenance costs can be minimized. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Regulatory compliance: Steam systems are subject to various regulations and standards, and monitoring steam traps can help ensure compliance with these requirements.

Advantages of DCO Technology

The DCO Steam Trap Monitoring Technology offers many advantages over manual monitoring – first and foremost the reduction of labour required for manual monitoring.

Autonomous

A truly wireless and battery-free solution designed to fit within pipework networks

Predictive Maintenance

Receive alerts in real time so that you deal with any issues before they get out of hand. The DCO Technology also allows you choose if your reporting frequency, available in hours / minutes / days

Measurements

Onboard sensing for ambient temperature, humidity and pressure conditions

To maximise monitoring performance, DCO have introduced a remotely accessible, self-contained, steam trap monitoring solution to ensure that steam trap performance data is collected round the clock.

Overall, steam trap monitoring can help to improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of steam systems, while also reducing operating costs and ensuring compliance with regulations and the DCO Systems offer remote monitoring solutions for steam systems and plant processes, and the software to understand the data collected.