Frequently Asked Questions:

 

How often should steam traps be tested?

According to the Department of Energy high pressure steam traps (150 psig and above), should be tested weekly to monthly. Medium pressure steam traps (30-150 psig) should be tested monthly to quarterly. Low pressure steam traps (below 30 psig) should be tested annually. Remember also per the Department of Energy, that steam systems that have not been maintained for 3 to 5 years, between 15 to 30 % of the installed steam traps have probably failed. For example, in a 10 psig system, every steam trap that has failed, assuming a cost of steam of $15.00/1000 lb pressure has a loss value of $3,005.

 

 

How long does it take to conduct a steam trap survey?

Typically, American Plant Maintenance, Inc. can tag, inventory, test and evaluate 50-70 steam traps per day.

 

 

Why should the customer utilize APM as opposed to doing the steam trap survey in house?

When testing steam traps, there are different factors to take into consideration that affect the test results of the trap. American Plant Maintenance, Inc. tests steam traps using a combination of temperature differential and ultrasound. The expertise of APM’s technicians also take into consideration the technology of the trap (F&T vs. Bucket vs. Disc, etc.), the duty cycle of the trap and the condensate loading of the trap to arrive at an accurate conclusion. Many in house programs simply test traps using temperature differential, which is very misleading.

 

 

What is the average return on investment from adopting the recommendations of a steam trap survey?

Assuming all the defective traps get repaired, the return on investment is typically under 6-9 months.

 

 

What do I, as the customer, need to do to facilitate a steam trap survey?

American Plant Maintenance, Inc.’s technicians perform steam trap surveys everyday. They do not need a lot of assistance. What we do need is for the customer to facilitate our technicians access to the facility, including mechanical rooms which may need to be unlocked for access. Additionally, if the customer has walked the survey route beforehand and has cleared debris out of the way, this will greatly facilitate access to the traps. Lastly, there must be steam to the traps to perform the steam trap survey.

 

 

Will a steam trap survey be disruptive to your facility?

American Plant Maintenance, Inc. believes in customer service, ongoing relationships and win-win projects with our customers. When we are in your facility, we will abide by your plant rules with the utmost of consideration and we will complete the survey with minimum disruption.