Bestobell Steam Steam-Tector 2 Leak Detection - Manual (Page 4)

SteamTector2 IM/0608
which the reading was taken. This will be your baseline for
future tests.
2. Touchprobe Applications (Internal sounds, bearings,
valves, steam traps).
Ultrasound not only travels through air but solid materials as
well. The touchprobe 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
touchprobe is sharp! Be careful not to injure yourself or others!
Steam Traps
The Test:
To test steam traps you will use the touchprobe sensor (B.).
Press the “MODE” button (F.) until the display reads “Prbe”, then
press “” or “” to activate the touchprobe sensor.
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 trans-
lation 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 Steam Tector 2. 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.
Bearings and Moving Machinery
The most common mechanical failure is a broken or seized
bearing. However this type of failure normally does not hap-
pen instantly. When the bearing begins to fail, the sound that
it makes changes. These changes occur in the ultrasonic
range and can be detected with the Steam Tector 2 by touch-
ing the bearing housing with the touchprobe and listening for
abnormal sounds. Periodic preventive maintenance tests can
prevent major disasters in both the machinery and down time.
Note: Large industrial processing plants check critical mov-
ing machinery (bearings) on a routine basis. Many firms have
spent tens of thousands of dollars on vibration analysis instru-
mentation to help detect these hidden problems. Because
of its high frequency capabilities many other companies use
ultrasonic detection as an alternative, or even a complement to
this equipment.
While vibration analyzers work in the lower Hertz frequency
range, the AccuTrak detects sound in the kilo-hertz range which
is much higher. When a bearing begins to fail, changes occur
in the ultrasonic (kilohertz) range before they can be detected
with traditional vibration monitoring equipment.
Bearings... The First Test
The first test is very important! This is the reading that all
future tests will be based on.
With some experience you will be able to compare two similar
bearings and identify the sound of a good bearing from a worn
one by just using your ear. When several months pass be-
tween tests, however, it is very important to log your results.
To take a reading on a mechanical system, such as a bearing
or gear box, you must use the touchprobe attachment. Touch
the end of the probe to the outer housing of the gear box or
bearing, making a good contact. Do not press very hard at
any given point when collecting data. Use just enough force
to keep the tip of the probe in place, and try to be consistent
with the amount of pressure you use. It is often effective to
use only the weight of the Steam Tector 2 itself to hold the tip
in place.
Adjust the sensitivity so that the intensity meter reads less than
half. This gives you room on the display for future readings.
As the bearing wears the ultrasonic sound intensity will in-
crease. Future readings can indicate the extent of this wear.
When testing a bearing or other moving machinery it is
important to ...
1. Record your volume and sensitivity settings.
2. Record the level on the alphanumeric display.
3. Record or mark the test point where the level was taken.
By recording these things you have the most accurate and
repeatable test possible. Although the sound of a moving ma-
chine member may fluctuate, the Steam Tector 2 built in peak
hold feature will allow you to assign a number to the sound
level emanating from the item being tested. Use this number
to compare to future tests.
Vibration
Vibration, misalignment, or moving machinery which is not
properly balanced can be deadly to a system. These things
can cause leaks, and excessive wear bringing the life of any
system to an early demise.
All these problems have a common warning signal; increased
ultrasonic energy. This ultrasonic energy is generated from the
friction associated with these problems, and can be detected
with the Steam Tector. With experience, you will know what
readings are good, and which are bad for the most common
types of equipment you work on.