Case study

An NHS hospital experienced significant operational challenges due to inefficient steam trap performance. 

High feedtank temperatures caused by live steam entering the hotwell and raising the temperature. High temperatures can cause feed pump cavitation, damage components and compromise steam systems.  

Pressure imbalances led to a higher likelihood of water hammer, which posed a risk to both equipment and personnel safety. Additionally, backpressure issues disrupted the performance of other steam traps, creating further inefficiencies.  

The hospital was relying on periodic manual steam trap inspections, which were often reactive rather than proactive. Between services, unchecked steam leaks led to visible steam emissions, reinforcing a negative perception of inefficiency, which the NHS is trying to address.  

To face these efficiency challenges, the NHS partnered with Spirax Sarco to implement a Wireless Steam Trap Monitoring solution.

Monitoring sensors were installed to continuously check steam trap performance, providing near real-time alerts on failures or inefficiencies. This eliminated reliance on periodic manual checks and helped find issues faster.

The system identified two failed-open steam traps responsible for significant energy losses. These traps were losing approximately 2,880 kg of steam every day, which equates to 460 kg of CO₂ daily.

Spirax Sarco proposed replacing the failed steam traps with STS17 double isolation quick-fit steam traps, designed for durability. These steam traps are easy to maintain, which would reduce downtime during future upgrades or repairs.

• Energy savings
  Replacing failed steam traps immediately reduces steam losses, lowers energy use, and enables substantial cost savings for the hospital.  
• More sustainable system
  Reducing CO₂ emissions by 460 kg contributes to the hospital’s sustainability goals and improves public perception.  
• Enhanced safety and efficiency 
  More stable steam system pressures and hotwell temperature control reduce water hammer and pump cavitation risk. This makes the steam system more reliable and improves safety for the maintenance team.  
• Operational Visibility
  Implementing near real-time monitoring gives the Estates team actionable insights and alerts. With access to continuous data on system performance, the team can proactively address issues, schedule maintenance effectively, and optimise system performance over the long term.  
  
   

Wireless steam trap monitoring technology and more effective management help safeguard critical hospital infrastructure. 

By addressing steam system inefficiencies, the hospital achieved measurable results, including lower energy costs, enhanced safety, and progress toward its sustainability targets.  

The project delivered immediate energy efficiency and safety improvements, reinforcing the NHS’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.