Superior Signal Company LLC
AccuTrak
®
VPE-
1000 User’s Manual
© 2015
14
Applications Overview
2. Touch probe Applications (Internal sounds, bearings,
valves, steam traps).
Ultrasound not only travels through air but solid materials as well. The touch
probe sensor (B.) is used to detect abnormal system sounds which are
internally
generated. Such sounds include abnormal flow in piping, valves, and
steam traps. Other applications include the detection of friction or increased
wear in bearings, motors and gears.
Warning
:
To insure a good contact and accurate readings the touch
probe is sharp! Be careful not to injure yourself or others!
Steam Traps
Background:
A steam trap is a device which works much like an automatic faucet, opening
only at times when condensed steam (water) has accumulated at the trap. The
steam trap then will open to purge the condensate, while retaining the steam for
maximum efficiency. Problems arise when a malfunctioning steam trap fails in
either the open or closed position. When this happens it can often go
undetected. Left uncorrected in the
closed
position, faulty steam traps will
cause problems
such as “water hammer”. If failed in the
open
position, the trap
will constantly release live steam, drastically reducing system efficiency. These
are problems that can be quite costly.
Note:
It is now common place for large manufacturing and processing plants to
spend tens of thousands of dollars on steam system conservation programs
designed to locate and repair failing steam traps. Ultrasonic detectors play an
important role in these programs.
The Test:
To test steam traps you will use the touch probe
sensor (B.). Press the “MODE”
button (F.) until the display reads “Pr
o
b”, then press “
” or “
” to activate the
touch probe sensor.
