Thermography (Infrared Inspection) for steam traps
Thermography (Infrared Inspection) is one of the most effective ways to monitor steam traps: it catches developing faults — failed open — continuous live-steam loss, failed closed — condensate backup and water hammer, plugging and partial blockage — early, so repairs are planned rather than forced by a breakdown.
Why thermography (infrared inspection) suits steam traps
A typical plant has hundreds or thousands of steam traps, and a meaningful share fail every year. A trap failed open vents live steam continuously; a trap failed closed floods the line and risks water hammer. Because the loss is invisible on a control screen, periodic testing is the only way to catch it — and the fuel saving is immediate.
How thermography (infrared inspection) works
An infrared camera images the heat radiated from surfaces, turning temperature differences into a picture. Because most developing mechanical and electrical faults generate abnormal heat, a thermal survey finds them without shutting equipment down — a hot connection, an overheating bearing, a stripe of missing insulation. It is widely used both for condition monitoring and for energy audits, where it quickly shows where heat is escaping.
Faults it catches on steam traps
- Failed open — continuous live-steam loss
- Failed closed — condensate backup and water hammer
- Plugging and partial blockage
- Wear of internal mechanisms
What the data shows
A localised hot spot on an electrical connection flags a loose or corroded joint; a hot bearing housing flags developing bearing failure or poor lubrication; a cold steam trap flags one failed closed; a warm patch on a vessel flags missing or wet insulation.
Related
Predictive maintenance for steam traps · Thermography (Infrared Inspection) overview · Thermography (Infrared Inspection)