Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

APM Steam to Offer Steam Trap Surveys to Colleges and Universities

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/21/24

American Plant Maintenance (APM Steam) recently announced the launch of steam trap survey services, which a news release reports can document the operational status of and provide repair recommendations for steam traps in a facility’s steam system. The survey can increase operational integrity, energy efficiency, and safety in a steam distribution system. The process creates a full inventory of steam traps, uncovers any issues that prevent the delivery of heat and removal of condensation, and can identify failing traps, according to the news release.

The surveys use ultrasound and temperature differentials to test and document the traps’ operational status. Evaluated elements include isolation valves, inlet strainers, strainer blowdown valves, outlet check valves, trap station bypasses, test valves, and sight glass flow indicators. It also evaluates safety features that allow technicians to perform maintenance without exposure to live steam flow.

The final data offers “a complete trap inventory and extensive system information in a detailed report outlining findings and recommendations, a synopsis of results, and a return-on-investment calculation that compares replacement costs with losses associated with failed traps. The report also includes trap application problems and specific recommendations for trap and trap station improvements,” according to the news release.

The survey also provides a return-on-investment calculation incorporating the cost of the survey, any necessary replacement steam traps, and the estimated cost of labor to install them. These costs are presented alongside the potential financial losses of traps found to be failing or leaking. Finally, it details trap application problems and any specific recommendations for trap and trap station improvements.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.