How to Test Steam Traps With Infared Thermometer

Testing A Steam Trap

• 1

  Draw a table with six columns on the scratch pad and as many rows as the number of steam traps that you are going to test.

  Mark the first column "trap location," the second "trap type and model," the third "inlet temperature," the fourth "discharge temperature," the fifth "12 inches upstream," and the sixth "12 inches downstream."

  Calibrate your infrared thermometer so that it reads in Fahrenheit and test it to make sure that it doesn't need batteries before you start.

• 2

  Write down the location of the steam trap that you are going to test in the first column.

  Write in the second column next to it, on the same row, the corresponding trap type and model number.

  Some models have different reading norms than others. Check to see if you have all the same type before you start. Test the same type first to get an average temperature reading. This will help you determine if a trap has failed to close or if it will not open properly.

• 3

  Getting as close as possible to the inlet of your first trap, point the infrared thermometer at it, holding it perpendicular to the pipe as you take the reading.

  Write down the reading in the inlet temperature column and take note of the size and diameter of the trap. The temperature of the inlet of the trap should be close to 212 degrees F. If it isn't, the trap may have a small delta T, which could be the cause of the trap's failing to open or close.

• 4

  Go to where the discharge pipe is located. Hold the infrared thermometer perpendicular to the pipe and take a reading. Write it down in the discharge temperature column.

  Take note of any temperature discrepancies. The temperature at this location should be close to 212 degrees F. If it's lower than this temperature, the trap has failed to open properly.

• 5

  Go 12 inches downstream of the trap and take a reading, write it down in the 12 inches downstream column.

  Move 12 inches upstream of the trap and take a reading, write it down in the 12 inches upstream column.

  The temperature readings for upstream and downstream of the trap should vary from those taken at the inlet and outlet locations.

• 6

  Repeat Steps 3 through 5 until all of the temperature ranges of all of the steam traps have been recorded.

• 7

  Calculate the average temperature of all same type models and then compare with all of the trap's temperature readings. If they are all within +/- 5 degrees, chances are they are all working correctly.

  If the readings at the inlet and outlet are the same, but are much lower than the temperature of steam, the trap has failed to open.