Superior Signal Company LLC
AccuTrak
®
VPE-
1000 User’s Manual
© 2015
15
Making a firm contact, touch the end of the probe to the steam trap being tested.
Apply just enough pressure to make a good contact, but do not push too hard!
You will hear a clear translation of the internally generated ultrasonic sound. If
the trap sounds appear to be masked by other system sounds, reduce the
sensitivity, and touch just upstream and downstream from the trap to verify that
what you hear is only the steam trap being tested.
A properly functioning steam trap will have a distinct on and off flow cycle which
is easy to interpret with the AccuTrak
®
. A strong rushing sound indicates that the
trap is purging. You may want to listen to the sound of a good trap before trying
to make important decisions on the condition of others. Knowing what a healthy
trap sounds like will be a great advantage. There are many different types of
steam traps. A “sputtering” sound may be quite normal for one type and not
another. It would be helpful to know how a particular trap functions when making
a decision as to its condition.
Valves
The AccuTrak
®
can be used to test a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), check
valve, ball, needle, gate or any type of valve which may be leaking internally.
Are valves functioning properly? When in the closed position are they truly
closed? Is the TXV clogged or iced? Restrictions or leaks in a valve can cause
serious problems, and inefficiency. Any fluid or gas passing through a poorly
seated valve will generate ultrasound, and clearly be heard using the AccuTrak
®
.
This test method is similar to that of steam traps. Use the touch probe to test
around the perimeter of the valve housing. The sound will be loudest at the point
of the leak (the area where the gate, ball, needle, etc. seats into place to stop the
fluid or gas flow. Use the sensitivity adjustment to eliminate any extraneous pipe
noise and you will be able to hear only the internal flow of the valve.
By using the readings on the display and your ear, you can actually determine
which side of the valve is leaking.
Bearings and Moving Machinery
The most common mechanical failure is a broken or seized bearing. However
this type of failure normally does not happen instantly. When the bearing begins
to fail, its sound will change. This change occurs in the ultrasonic range and can
be detected with the AccuTrak
®
by touching the bearing housing with the touch
probe and listening for abnormal sounds. Periodic preventive maintenance tests
can prevent major disasters in both the machinery and down time.
