Defective steam traps often go undetected in many plants for extended periods, resulting in energy losses and reduced process efficiency. With the latest version of its SteamExpert app, SONOTEC introduces automatic condition assessment directly during measurement. This enables users to reliably interpret measurement results on site, regardless of their level of experience.
Steam trap testing is based on a combination of ultrasonic and temperature measurements. The resulting data must be interpreted in the context of the trap type, operating conditions, and plant environment. In practice, this is often time-consuming and heavily dependent on the user’s experience.
The new functionality in the SteamExpert app addresses this challenge by processing measurement data in real time and providing a sound condition assessment. This serves as a direct basis for interpreting results on site, reducing the effort required and ensuring consistent outcomes – even under time pressure, with changing personnel, or across varying levels of experience.
SteamExpert is part of SONOTEC’s digital solution for preventive maintenance. Used in combination with the SONAPHONE ultrasonic testing device and the BS20 structure-borne sound sensor, it enables efficient steam trap testing and digital capture of measurement data. Anomalies can be identified at an early stage, allowing maintenance measures to be initiated quickly. This is particularly beneficial in plants with a large number of steam traps, improving both operational reliability and energy efficiency.
“Through this development, we bring our expertise exactly where it is needed: directly to the point of inspection. At the same time, we reduce the complexity of steam trap testing, as users can immediately obtain a well-founded assessment without having to interpret measurement results themselves,” explains Kevin Lang, Sales Director Preventive Maintenance at SONOTEC.
During testing, the automatic condition assessment is displayed directly in the SteamExpert app. For each measurement point, the recorded data can be supplemented with photos and notes. This allows inspections to be carried out systematically and ensures that results are documented in a clear and traceable manner. At the same time, it increases the level of automation across the entire testing