Operation

A flow of gas or liquid passing through an orifice generates turbulence. The frequency of this turbulence, and resultant noise, is a function of the fluid density and pressure drop. Gases generate large quantities of noise at lower frequencies due to its greater density.

The amplifiers and filters in the Steamtector are tuned to detect the noise generated by gas at it leaks through an orifice under pressure. The signal picked up by the contact probe is filtered, amplified, and displayed digitally on a liquid crystal display (LCD) and in analogue form on a multicolored LED display. The two displays allow the units to be used as a simple pass/fail indicator or on a more sophisticated level or carefully monitoring the precise level of leakage. The dual displays also insure that the Steamtector can be easily read under both high and low light conditions.

For internal leaks, such as in a steam trap, relief valve or control valve, simply touch the contact probe to the outside of the equipment being tested. An LED display divided into green/amber/red segments provides a quick indication of leakage while the LCD display reading 0-99 gives a precise reading. In addition, a built-in loudspeaker gives an audible signal in proportion to the reading on the LED and LCD displays. All these work together simultaneously to give you a choice of three indicators.