TRAPChecker - Steam Trap Testing

Overview

TRAPChecker is an ultrasound detector created specifically for testing steam-trap performance. A focused solution for fast diagnostics and condition assessment of steam systems.

What is a steam trap

Purpose

A steam trap is a device that:

• Discharges condensate from a steam system
• Prevents steam from escaping (passes condensate, not steam)
• Ensures efficient heat transfer

The problem of failures

Failed steam traps:

• Pass steam — direct energy losses
• Fail to discharge condensate — equipment damage
• Become blocked — loss of efficiency

TRAPChecker features

Specialisation

TRAPChecker is designed exclusively for steam traps:

• Working traps — correct diagnosis
• Failed traps — issue identification
• Fast checks — minimal time required

Diagnostic simplicity

• Comparative analysis
• Acoustic indication
• Visual assessment
• Results in seconds

Streaming Screen

The firmware update adds:

• Real-time histogram
• Sound-wave visualisation
• Historical trend
• Update via USB

Testing method

Operating principle

A working steam trap:

1. Opens — to discharge condensate (turbulent flow)
2. Closes — to stop steam (silence)

Types of failure

Condition	Sound	Cause
Working	Cyclical: noise/silence	Normal
Steam blow-through	Continuous noise	Stuck open
Blocked	Silence	Stuck closed

Testing procedure

1. Calibrate against a reference trap
2. Compare the sound of the trap under test
3. Assess the condition
4. Document the result

Application areas

Industry

• Oil refining — heating systems
• Chemical — reactors and heat exchangers
• Food — sterilisation and cooking
• Pulp and paper — drying

Power generation

• CHP plants and boiler houses — steam pipelines
• Combined heat and power plants — turbines
• Boiler rooms — heating

Manufacturing

• Textiles — pressing and heat treatment
• Pharmaceutical — sterilisation
• Brewing — boiling

Advantages

Focused

• A single purpose — steam traps
• Optimised for this task
• Fast learning curve

Simple

• Requires no expertise
• Fast diagnostics
• Obvious results

Affordable

• Low cost
• Fast payback
• Reduced steam losses

Economic impact

Losses from failed traps

• Steam blow-through — up to 50 kg/hour per trap
• Steam cost — roughly $25-50 per 1000 kg
• Annual losses — thousands of dollars

ROI

• Pays for itself within months
• Continuous savings
• Reduced energy costs

Integrated approach

Role in a reliability programme

1. TRAPChecker — fast check of all traps
2. SDT340 — in-depth analysis of problem traps
3. Repair or replacement — fixing the failures
4. Monitoring — regular checks

Testing programme

• Monthly — critical systems
• Quarterly — primary equipment
• Annually — secondary systems

Firmware update

SDT Updater

1. Download the SDT Updater software
2. Connect TRAPChecker via USB
3. Run the update
4. Get the streaming screen

Switching modes

• Press On/Off to switch
• Default — primary mode
• Streaming — real-time histogram

Checker Range

TRAPChecker is part of the series:

• LEAKChecker — air leaks
• LUBEChecker — bearing lubrication
• TRAPChecker — steam traps
• TIGHTChecker — tightness
• HATCHecker — ship hatches
• ULTRAChecker — universal