The old way was by actually touching the rod or bearing cap to determine if it was getting hot, he said. With the ST we can stand back and take an accurate reading without having to reach inside the crankcase. This reduces the risk of getting burned and getting hot engine oil dripping on the person that would normally be reaching in. Distance to the target he wanted to measure was an issue for Salvatore Castro, chief engineer at the North Shore Towers Power Plant in Floral Park, New York, and his ST80 ProPlus made a big difference. At the Eastman Chemical Plant in Longview, TX, where they produce a wide variety of petrochemicals, resins and plastics, trainer Tim Seeger teaches operators and apprentice mechanics how to troubleshoot steam traps using the ST60.
Steam traps are vital in the efficient and economical use of steam throughout the plant.
Inlet and outlet temperatures are one method to determine if a steam trap is functioning properly, he said. The new ST Series thermometers come in a contemporary rugged ergonomic design with a comfortable grip, beneficial for prolonged use in demanding environments.