Eliminating Potential Leak Paths Eliminates Steam Leaks

When preparing a system for the harsh winter ahead, it makes sense to address high usage and maintenance areas to ensure reduction of potential downtime. Here are three tracing areas where immediate attention prior to winter makes sense.

Eliminate split tubing and leaking fittings

If one tube fitting leaks several times more than the next brand it makes sense to stop adding these potential leak paths to your system. Swagelok’s current leak rate reflects its focus on quality.

Swagelok is specified in steam trace applications for its leak-tight performance where thermal shock, tube expansion and contraction are concerns. The ability to remake a Swagelok tube fitting leak tight, every time after replacing or modifying tubing cannot go unnoticed. This directly relates to substantially less maintenance dollars spent fixing and replacing leakers, and better system performance.

Insulate Jumper lines from supply and returns to process

Maintaining BTUs from condensate being returned from traced pipes back to the boiler is crucial to your system's steam efficiency. If the boilers don’t have to work as hard to make steam this lowers operating costs and system overhead. Swagelok pre-insulated tubing is perfect for this jumper line application. Additionally, this tubing works well for instrument impulse lines and analytical sample lines that require thermal integrity.

Ensure safety and efficiency of supply & return header valves

Live loaded ball valves with a minimum class IV shutoff rating perform best to supply and block steam flow. Return headers have multiple opportunities for better efficiency. A standard class IV shut off valve, trap, strainer, and test valve make this high-use area with several potential leak points much safer.

Safe, efficient and reliable service is realized from standardizing on the Swagelok trap test station. This one piece unit houses a block valve, trap's universal mount, strainer and visual test valve (in one valve body) with only inlet and outlet connections to install.

Safety is paramount in this is a high usage area. Many operators and technicians can safely ensure steam quality and efficiency. Additionally, the trap test station configuration allows for a visual test method and reliable shut off when you need to replace traps.

Start up and shut down of the lines is easily controlled here as well. This trap test station is ultimately designed to be a user-friendly, multi-function device with a smaller footprint and less potential leak paths that works for well for years and quickly pays for itself.

Questions on how to control steam leaks? Email or call 866.901.0151.