Steam trap inspection & replacement

[neo]

We encounter several steam trap leaks and that too on frequent basis.
Should there be any steam trap inspection & replacement strategy in place to address this issue?

[mechcolor]

Looking at the case, would like to know if there has been any formal root cause or investigation performed before. In case if there is no investigation performed in this matter then that is the first thing to do. Steam traps if not installed of the correct type will result into a lot of operating and maintenance issues. At our site we have experienced failing of steam traps and the identied root cause was the incorrect type installed. With us, that was a heavy job to be done after the plant was newly commissioned.
Share more details with us to provide inputs.

[tuan]

Few questions if you can check these out:
1. Any mapping done for all the steam traps?
2. Have they been tagged, all?
3. Leak data? Sizes? Service pressure /temperature?
4. Make /manufacturer?
5. Type?
6. Failing cases installed with strainers upstream?
7. Failing cases have reported water hammering issues on lines?
8. Failing cases with possible back pressure issues?

Can you just have these indicators drawn for your plant site and check what comes up after this analysis?
Narrow down the issue and then you will get some indicators.

Sharing with you that steam leak through 1/8" orifice hole at 100 psig could result into a leak of around 2000 USD to anywhere 400 USD.