Specifications

Tru Pointe® 2100 Instruction 0028-9003

of condensate coming into trap as well. There are times when this is beneﬁ cial, and times when

there is so much background noise that the Low setting may not be effective.

The sound of most bearings comes alive in the Low range probe, however, very high speeds and/

or vibration sometimes make it necessary to use the High frequency probe. Your experiences

with your equipment will determine which is the best setting for you.

Steam Traps

A steam trap is a device which works much like an automatic faucet, opening only at times when

condensed steam (water) has accumulated in the trap. The steam trap then will open to purge

the condensate, while retaining the steam for maximum efﬁ ciency. Common problems arise

when a malfunctioning steam trap fails in either the open or closed position. When this happens

it can often go undetected. Left uncorrected in the closed position, faulty steam traps will cause

problems such as “water hammer”. If failed in the open position, the trap will constantly release

live steam, drastically reducing system efﬁ ciency. These are problems that can be quite costly.

NOTE: It is fairly common for large manufacturing and

processing plants to spend tens of thousands of dollars

on steam system conservation programs (equipment

and personnel) designed to locate and repair failing

steam traps. Ultrasonic detectors play an important role

in these programs.

To test steam traps you will use the touch probe sensor. Press the “MODE” button until the

display reads the desired probe mode, then press ▲ and ▼ to activate the touch probe sensor.

Making a ﬁ rm contact, touch the end of the probe to the steam trap being tested. Apply just

enough pressure to make a good contact, but do not push too hard. You will hear a clear transla-

tion of the internally generated ultrasonic sound. If the trap sounds appear to be masked by other

system sounds, reduce the sensitivity, and touch just upstream and downstream from the trap to

verify that what you hear is only the steam trap being tested.

A properly functioning steam trap will have a distinct on and off ﬂ ow cycle which is easy to

interpret with the Tru Pointe

2100. A strong rushing sound indicates that the trap is purging.

You may want to listen to the sound of a good trap before trying to make important decisions

on the condition of others. Knowing what a healthy trap sounds like will be a great advantage.

There are many different types of steam traps. A “sputtering” sound may be quite normal for one

type and not another. To detect the ﬂ ow of condensate in pipe, switch to “PrbS”. Switching to

“PrbS” allows you to hear sonic (audible) sounds, and is used as a mechanical stethoscope.

Thermal Expansion Valves (TXV)

The Tru Pointe

2100 can be used to test a TXV, check valve, ball, needle, gate… any type of

valve which may be leaking internally.

Any ﬂ uid or gas passing from the upstream side (high pressure) to the downstream side (low

pressure) through a poorly seated valve will generate ultrasound, and clearly be heard using the

Tru Pointe

2100.

This test method is very similar to that of steam traps. Use the touch probe to test around the

perimeter of the valve housing. The sound will be loudest at the point of the leak (the area where

the gate, ball, needle, etc. seats into place to stop the ﬂ ow. Use the sensitivity or frequency