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Energy Management
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Preventative Maintenance Program
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The preventative steam trap maintenance program was started at Western Michigan University in 1998. The purpose of the program was to meet the following needs:
- Reduce Steam Usage
- Cost Savings
- $10 to $100+ Loss per Day on a Blow Through High Pressure Trap
- Reduce Water Hammer
- Increased Heat Transfer Efficiency
- Increased Creature Comfort
- Testing Traps Includes a Comprehensive Building Inspection
- Decreased Emergency Maintenance Calls
- Reduced Heat Exchanger Bundle and Coil Issues
- Reduced Back-Pressure in Return Line
- Extend Life of Piping and Other Components
Steam traps are used to minimize steam loss, alleviate condensate in the system, prevent corrosion in the steam pipes and promote air and CO2 ventilation. The overall cost savings to the University compared to the materials and labor costs of the program may be seen in the following chart: Steam Trap Savings
