locating bad trap(s)

Mark Wolff

I use a Raytek and like it. Haven't had any problems with it and it is accurate enough.

[Deleted User]

locating bad trap(s)

I need some advice on locating one or more bad steam traps in a school a city block wide, half a block deep and three stories high. I have raw steam returning to the vacuum/condensate return tank. I know the problem is on the right side of the building as I used valves installed before the tank to isolate the left and right sides of the building. As I need to check literally a hundred or more traps, some buried in nooks and crannies, what can I use to check them? Infrared thermometer seems be inaccurate on pipes. Isolation valves are far and few between. Most radiator inlet valves have not been used since they were installed and are stuck open. Thought about using an ultrasonic listening device or temperature crayons.The school board wants this problem solved ASAP, meaning about 8 hours (LOL). What would you guys use to find the bad traps or recommend to do. Thanks.

tp tunstall

bad traps

can usually be found by temperature devices. ultrasonic works very well. test stations are the best. call my son , woody, as this is what he does. where are you located? what type of traps are they .? what manufacturer? woody tele # 1 800 423- 5578. select from our web site www.tunstall-inc.com. regards, tp tunstall. i am at the plant now and will be here till 3:30 pm. same number as above.

Mad Dog

I always prefered using my hands when I can

After years of doing this, you instinctively know which ones are bad. I do like the tempilsticks sometimes and I need to get an infrared thermometer. Mad Dog

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tp tunstall

mad dog

when using the infrared temp device, be sure you follow the field of view instructions. for example if have a 12 to 1, that means that a 12 inches your measuring a 1 inch diameter circle , etc etc etc.

[Deleted User]

Locating bad traps

Hi Mad Dog...After doing this job for 30 years, I can tell hot from cold but not a 10-20 degree TD and be accurate, (hands feel like I'M wearing leather gloves). I tried that and it seems like every trap on that side of the building is blowing by. (Hard to believe but may be possible given the age of the building and TOTAL lack of maintenance).
Can you give me information on where to get the tempilsticks? Thanks

mp1969

Bad Traps

Did troubleshooting like this in schools for years. We always used an Alnor pyrometer, (a very accurate digital surface read contact temperature sensing device)I looked for mine in my storage area but could not find it.
The hand method sounds a little questionable Mad Dog, however, you must have earned that nickname somewhere. (steam in Wisconsin starts at 212 degrees.)

MP 1969

Mad Dog

Yes, you are right!

but I earned the nickname for wild stunts and the like - doing things others would think only a mad dog would do. Heh - it works for me and I'm a lot of fun at parties. My favorite at this time of year was "dunking" contests: how long can you keep your whole upper half and head under freezing, icy-cold, ice cube laden water. I've gone close to 50 seconds. I usually win a few cases of beer or a $100.00 bill. I am slowing down now though...gots a big monthlty nut, 2 kids, and a wife who's sick of the madman shenanigans. Guess, I'm sort of retired. Gave up rugby about 4 seasons ago - that was hard. Anyway, traps, no, not the most accurate method, but I its worked for me several times. Then again I haven't done thousands of traps like some of you guys. I am in the market for some sort of digital thermometer - ever heard of Raytek? Mad Dog

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[Deleted User]

i use a digital

steam trap tester, really its a contact thermometer,, that i got from grainger supply..being a school you probably have an account with grainger..works better than any other thing or method ive tried..Grainger Item: 4KC10