How to detect failed steam traps

Winfield

I am a building manager of a 105 unit residential apartment building in Queens, NY.  I have learned that the temperature of the condensate in my boiler room is very high and indicates that there are multiple steam traps that are failed in the open position.  What is the best method to detect failed steam traps? Thermal imaging sounds pretty expensive.

SWEI

Thermal Imaging

can be had for under $1,000 now http://www.flir.com/thermography/americas/us/view/?id=61194



You can rent or hire a pro, but with 105 units, I'd want one in the family if not actually on site.

JohnNY

That's how I do it.

See?

'cept my camera cost three grand.

SWEI

And just a few short years ago

the least expensive ones were what, $7k?

Rod

IR Cameras

Hi- I use an IR thermometer to test traps though I agree with the other posts that on a system the size of what you have, an IR camera would be the way to go. Rather than just take temperature readings, you can visually show people what the problem is. This really helps convince the accounting dept that the "fix" is justified,

There are also a lot of other uses for IR cameras. They're handy to spot trouble before it happens as they can detect problems like overheating circuit breakers in an electrical panel.

moneypitfeeder

really low tech...

I just put my ear next to my traps with my hands cupped, I can hear the trap open and close. I don't know if they are all audible, but in my old vapor system, I could determine in one was opening and closing by hearing at steam startup almost a rushing wind noise, then the dropping of water drops, as the steam hit the tops of the rad and condensed, and then there was a definite difference when the trap closed. Might not be practical with as many as you have to deal with, but it is cheap!