IMI is expanding its NEON sensor range with a combined sound and temperature sensor for the acoustic wireless monitoring of steam traps and pressure/safety relief valves (PRV/SRV) as steam-reliant industries globally grapple with steam condensation and trap failures.
The LoRaWAN-enabled NEON Sonic can measure sound pressure levels from 15 to 80 kHz and temperatures from -40°C to 450°C, providing plant engineers and managers with status reports to determine if steam traps are healthy, leaking or blocked. The sensor is IECEx/ATEX Zone 0 certified, making it suitable for use where there is a risk of explosion.
Featuring a battery life of up to seven years, the sensor reduces the need for plant maintenance teams to conduct regular manual inspections. It is also ideal as a retrofit solution, as it does not require a power supply or any modifications to existing equipment or infrastructure.
The new sensor complements the existing NEON vibration sensor, NEON pressure sensor and NEON temperature transmitter in use across energy and industrial applications globally.
“Steam trap failures have a major commercial and environmental impact because of their implications for plant efficiency,” said Nadine Herrwerth, business development and commercial director at IMI. “NEON Sonic allows plant managers and engineers to combat the challenges steam trap failures cause to commercial and environmental performance as well as the safety of personnel.”