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US 8,050,875 B2Granted
Steam trap monitoring
AssigneeRosemount Inc.
InventorRobert J. Karschnia
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electronic steam trap monitor includes an electric generator configure to couple to a stream trap proximate a potential leak location. The generator generates electricity in response to a process variable from the potential leak location. Communication circuitry provides an output when there is sufficient electricity from the electric generator.
Claims14
An electronic steam trap monitor comprising:
- a process variable sensor comprising an electric generator configured to couple to a steam trap proximate a potential leak location and generate electricity in response to a temperature differential proximate the potential leak location, the electricity generated from heat energy taken from the process;
- a power storage and power source coupled to the process variable sensor configured to store power from the electric generator;
- wireless communication circuitry coupled to the power storage and power source configured to provide a wireless output in response to electricity generated by the electric generator, the communication circuitry powered by electricity generated by the electric generator;
- and
- wherein the wireless communication circuitry provides an output indicating that a leak on the steam trap has occurred only when energy is generated by the electrical generator reaches a level sufficient to meet the needs of steady state power consumption required to operate the wireless communication circuitry.
2 more elements
A method of monitoring a steam trap, comprising:
- coupling an electric generator to a steam trap proximate a potential leak location;
- sensing a process variable proximate the steam trap indicative of steam leaking past the steam trap by generating electricity with the electric generator in response to a temperature differential proximate the potential leak location, the electricity generated from energy taken from the process;
- storing power generated by the electric generator in a power storage and power source;
- powering wireless communication circuitry and providing an output using the electricity generated by the generated electricity indicative of a leak in the steam trap only when the energy generated by the electrical generator reaches a level sufficient to meet the needs of steady state power consumption required to operate the wireless communication circuitry.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.