Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a steam trap include a device for sensing a process condition of the steam trap and a device for processing the sensed condition. The apparatus can include a processor positioned on a steam trap. The connection of the monitoring device to the steam trap can be to the trap itself or to an adjacent pipe or other apparatus.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring multiple steam traps includes a plurality of steam traps, each including a monitor comprising one or more sensors for sensing selected operating conditions of the steam trap, and a programmable controller operatively connected to receive the outputs of each of the sensors, convert the sensor outputs into one or more data signals corresponding to the sensed conditions, and transmit the data signals, directly or indirectly, to a central computer. The central computer includes a receiver and logic for evaluating the data received from the monitors to thereby monitor the condition of the steam traps. At least some of the steam trap monitors also include a local receiver adapted to receive data signals transmitted from other steam trap monitors and re-transmit the received data so that remote monitors otherwise outside the direct receiving range of the central computer are received by the central computer.

Abstract: A system for analyzing steam trap data includes a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to a computer; and includes a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data. A method of analyzing steam trap data includes the steps of: providing a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit data to a computer, and providing a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data; using the steam trap monitoring device to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to the computer; and using the computer to receive the data, and evaluate the data with the algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a steam trap include a device for sensing a process condition of the steam trap and a device for processing the sensed condition. The apparatus can include a processor positioned on a steam trap. The connection of the monitoring device to the steam trap can be to the trap itself or to an adjacent pipe or other apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a steam trap include a device for sensing a process condition of the steam trap and a device for processing the sensed condition. The apparatus can include a processor positioned on a steam trap. The connection of the monitoring device to the steam trap can be to the trap itself or to an adjacent pipe or other apparatus.

Abstract: A system for analyzing steam trap data includes a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to a computer; and includes a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data. A method of analyzing steam trap data includes the steps of: providing a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit data to a computer, and providing a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data; using the steam trap monitoring device to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to the computer; and using the computer to receive the data, and evaluate the data with the algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of at least one steam trap includes at least one monitor including at least one sensor for sensing at least one process condition of the steam trap; at least one means for calculating an average of the at least one monitored process condition; and, at least one transmitter for transmitting at least one signal responsive to the averaged monitored process condition.

Abstract: A system for analyzing steam trap data includes a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to a computer; and includes a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data. A method of analyzing steam trap data includes the steps of: providing a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit data to a computer, and providing a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data; using the steam trap monitoring device to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to the computer; and using the computer to receive the data, and evaluate the data with the algorithm.

Abstract: A system for providing humidified air includes a tank containing water and one or more heat exchanger tubes mounted in the tank. The system includes a burner assembly positioned to supply heat to the heat exchanger tubes. The system includes an induction fan for inducing combustion gases from the burner assembly through the heat exchanger tubes. Heat from the burner assembly in the heat exchanger tubes generates steam in the tank. The system includes a steam dispersion apparatus connected to the tank for humidifying air with the steam and a means for measuring humidity in a target location. The system also includes a controller for controlling one or both of the fuel supply to the burner assembly or the induction fan in response to the measured humidity in the target location.

Abstract: An annular tube heat exchanger immersed in a medium, such as a fluid. The heat exchanger comprises a fluid-tight combustion tube including a gas-fired radiant burner for providing a source of heat, at least one heat exchange tube including an inner tube disposed within an outer tube, the outer tube in thermal contact with the combustion tube, the inner tube being open-ended to allow the fluid to pass therethrough, and a fluid-tight combustion tube in thermal contact with the outer tube of the at least one heat exchange tube. The combustion gas from the radiant burner passes through the outer tube of the at least one heat exchange tube to cause an increase in the temperature of the fluid. By providing the maximum amount of heat transfer surface area, the annular tube heat exchanger provides a highly efficient means of increasing the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A steam humidifier system comprises a manifold for receiving steam and at least one steam dispersion tube extending from the manifold for receiving steam. Steam emitting nozzles on the dispersion tube are aimed into an air flow to be humidified. Preferably at least two baffle tubes are spaced upstream in an air flow from said dispersion tube and are offset laterally in opposite sides thereof transversely of the air flow. Air flow between said baffle tubes is directed thereby against an opposing flow of high velocity steam exiting the nozzles of the dispersion tube for rapid and even disbursement of steam into the air flow. An inner steam feed tube may extend from the manifold into and along the dispersion tube to feed steam to the remote end of the dispersion tube.