On 4 April, Theo Wassenaar from Emerson Automation Solutions gave an informative presentation on ‘Steam trap monitoring with pervasive sensing and plantweb insight’.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Theo Wassenaar for the presentation.
Over the years, steam traps have been seen as mechanical devices that blow off water in steam lines at strategic places. They are typically audited once a year and repaired if failures are detected. As many as 30% of steam traps may be found to be unserviceable when audits are performed, leaving plants vulnerable for potentially long periods of time with a lack of visibility.
Statistically, expected steam trap failure rates range from 12,5-25% per year with 5-10% of total energy lost through leaking steam traps. Cold steam traps (trap valve is stuck closed) can cause water hammers (damage) and blow-through steam traps (trap valve is blocked open) can cause steam losses and excess energy costs.
Lucky draw winner Marthinus Venter (right).
The Rosemount 708 Wireless Acoustic Transmitter is designed to monitor steam trap behaviour. This continuous monitoring approach leads to effective and successful results.
The branch thanks Theo for this well-received presentation.
Note: All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology evenings. Planned dates for the rest of the year are as follows: 6 Jun, 11 Jul, 1 Aug, 5 Sep, 3 Oct and 7 Nov. All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons and any enquiries can be directed to Johan Maritz, +27 82 856 3865.
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