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Combing IR & Ultrasound for Steam Trap Testing

In order to increase the accuracy of thermographic inspections of steam traps, contact ultrasonic testing should be used as well as infrared imaging. Contact ultrasonics are much more sensitive to trap failures than temperature measurement alone.

When testing traps, begin by using your thermal imager to ascertain that steam is reaching the trap. The trap inlet should be above 212 F. Next, listen to the trap outlet with your ultrasonic unit. Although traps should cycle periodically, you should not hear a continuous hissing or rushing sounds.

While it takes some practice to become proficient with ultrasonic testing, the increased accuracy is worth the effort.