1: If it’s working it doesn’t mean it’s efficient
Steam systems that may have gone without a formal survey for as long as five years can have blockages or leaks in up to 30% of their steam traps. This reduced system efficiency can have a massive effect on energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions.
2: Check for leaks
As many as 10% of steam traps may be leaking as soon as one year after system start-up. That number is likely to increase by 7% for every year that the system remains unchecked.
3: Count the cost
The effects of leaks both on processes and costs is striking. A malfunctioning steam trap will lose steam at an average rate of 11kg/h, which equates to a total steam loss for the year of 66 tonnes, with a cost per tonne of £25-30. Overall, that’s an annual loss of £1,650 to £1,980.
4: Regular audits are a must
A steam system’s relative simplicity does not mean that it is maintenance-free and can be forgotten. Regular system audits are a must and can reveal a variety of costly and damaging problems in addition to leaks, including water build-up which creates water hammer, along with damage to pipes and valves.
5: Audits are more than visual
An audit is more than just a visual inspection. It should also involve ultrasonic and infrared thermographic measurements, which identify blockages and leaks, and assess the functionality of every system component.
6: Steam is a health and safety risk
Steam is dangerous because it is hot and unpredictable. High pressure leaks can prove extremely hazardous to workers, with a risk of scalding. The impact this can have on people and on corporate reputation can be long-lasting in the event of an industrial accident.
7: Don’t think audits can’t offer a real return on investment
With increasing pressure to reduce energy costs, waste and CO2 emissions, an expert steam system audit can often be a quick and easy win, with the possibility of achieving a return on investment in as little as two to four months.
For information on Eriks UK & Ireland’s flow control products and services, visit www.eriks.co.uk/Flow-Control/4543 or call 0121 508 6000.