Energy Savings: Steam

According to a U.S. Department of Energy report, the amount of fuel used to generate steam for heating and manufacturing processes in 3 major industries is more than 5.3 million Btu annually. The energy savings potential for were estimated to exceed 12% for each of the three industries.

Ultrasound is used to improve energy efficiency in steam systems by:

• Detecting faulty steam traps an effective steam trap maintenance program
• Finding and confirming repairs of steam leaks in valves, hoses, fittings, boilers, and more.

Why Use Ultrasound To Maintain Steam Traps

Traditional methods of steam trap evaluation and leak detection can be time-consuming and ineffective. Using the UL101 Ultrasound Detector is quick and effective. Implementation of a routine ultrasonic inspection program can have a payback between 2 weeks and 24 months. Per Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MTAP), University of Minnesota, a proactive steam trap inspection program can reduce energy loss through steam traps and leaks quite dramatically.

For example:
$25,000 energy loss - A facility that repairs steam traps only when there is obvious indication of a problem
$4,000 energy loss - The same facility that proactively inspects traps and tracks results

U.S. Department of Energy Recommendations

• Less than 30 psig - annual inspection
• 30 to 150 psig - monthly/quarterly inspections
• More than 150 psig - weekly/monthly inspections