Don’t Just Monitor, Take Control: The Power of a Steam Trap Survey

by Caitlin B. | Nov 21, 2023 | Steam

A steam trap survey is much more than a routine check-up; it’s a strategic move that can significantly elevate your steam system’s performance, reduce the risk of failure, and help you meet sustainability targets. More importantly, it ensures adherence to safety standards and compliance protocols.

When we speak of the performance of a steam system, we’re not merely focusing on heating efficiency. We’re talking about safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. A well-maintained steam system doesn’t just heat efficiently; it operates safely, runs reliably, and saves on costs in the long run.

The High Cost of Inefficiency

Steam remains the most efficient method of transferring heat energy around a facility. However, leaking or failed steam traps can lead to significant costs, running into thousands of dollars annually due to increased fuel bills, chemicals, excess emissions, and maintenance expenses.

The Power of a Comprehensive Steam Trap Survey and System Audit

By conducting regular steam trap surveys, you’re not just preventing potential leaks and damaged traps. You’re also making a commitment to safety, reliability, and sustainable operations.

Our comprehensive Steam Trap Survey and System Audit service from Cooney Coil & Energy is designed to mitigate energy loss, enhance safety, and boost reliability in your steam systems. It includes:

Precise tagging of trap locations for easy identification and monitoring
Comprehensive evaluation of steam trap performance to detect inefficiencies
Expert assessment of correct steam trap application
Identification of potential issues in your steam system, such as water hammer, insulation, and condensate return

Detailed Reporting

We provide a detailed report on your steam system, including suggested trap replacements, energy-saving opportunities, engineering best practices, and health & safety recommendations. This insightful data allows for improvement and informed decision-making.

Replacement Credit: An Added Advantage

Maintaining a steam system can be expensive. That’s why we offer a replacement credit, providing a discount on steam trap replacements as part of our commitment to cost-effective solutions.

Full Steam System Analysis: The Complete Picture

For those looking for an in-depth understanding of their steam system’s performance, we offer a full steam system analysis. This service provides a comprehensive overview of your system, identifying areas for improvement and potential savings.

Think of a steam trap survey less as a routine check-up and more as a strategic investment in your steam system’s health. It’s a proactive approach to maintenance that could save you significant time, money, and energy in the future. Remember, when it comes to your steam system, it’s not just about monitoring—it’s about control.

Take control today with a comprehensive steam trap survey from Cooney Coil & Energy. Your system (and your wallet) will thank you. For more information, learn more about a Steam Trap Survey and System Audit from Cooney Coil & Energy.

Discover How a Steam Trap Survey + System Audit Can Benefit Your Facility

Plugged, leaking, or blowing steam traps can cost thousands of dollars in lost energy every year. Detect any waste of energy, efficiency, and dollars with a steam trap survey from Cooney Coil & Energy.

Available in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

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5 Signs to Replace Your Steam Coil in the Heating Season

by Caitlin B. | Oct 17, 2023 | Steam, Coils

Steam coils play a critical role in heat transfer within HVAC systems, ensuring comfortable temperatures during the colder months. However, as winter approaches, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that may arise with steam distributing and standard steam coils, which can lead to decreased efficiency and higher operational costs. Before considering HVAC coil replacement, it’s crucial to understand the type of coil you have and what signs to look for that may indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Steam Coil

When it comes to steam coils, damage or wear can occur due to a variety of factors, including harsh winter conditions and improper maintenance. As temperatures drop and heating systems are put into use, you may run into the following steam coil issues.

Erosion & Corrosion

Steam HVAC coils, like everything else, can get worn out over time. Two big problems to watch out for are erosion and corrosion.

Erosion is when the inside of the coil starts to wear away. This can happen if the steam inside isn’t very good quality, or if it’s moving too fast. This makes your coil less effective and could cause it to break down sooner than expected.

Corrosion is another issue. This happens when unwanted gases are trapped in steam coils can lead to oxidation and carbonic acid. This can cause serious damage, causing pin-hole leaks over time. By utilizing thermostatic air vents and proper piping, you can effectively eliminate these gases, safeguarding your steam coils and significantly enhancing their performance.

Freezing

Both standard steam coils and steam distributing aka “non-freeze steam coils” are susceptible to freezeing. Steam coil freeze-ups can lead to serious system failures, often occurring due to issues like improper installation or maintenance. Two main culprits behind freezing steam coils are the steam trap and the vacuum breaker, essential components for removing condensate. If not installed correctly, condensate can accumulate within the coil, leading to inevitable freezing when exposed to outside air. Similarly, a faulty steam trap can cause condensate to build up and result in reduced heat transfer, ultimately leading to a replacement.

Steam coils equipped with Cooney Freeze Block technology offer a robust solution to freezing concerns. This advanced technology is designed to release excess pressure in the event of a freeze-up, preventing the coil from bursting. Therefore, it ensures the longevity of your coil and provides peace of mind throughout the frosty winter months.

Improper Coil Selection

Selecting the wrong coil for your system can result in diminished performance and increased susceptibility to corrosion. It’s crucial to choose a coil that aligns with your specific system and duty requirements. By trusting coil selection experts to help you make an informed selection, you can dramatically boost the efficiency and longevity of your steam coils.

Reduced Heat Transfer

One of the most significant warning signs that your steam coil may need replacing is reduced heat transfer. If you notice that your heating system is struggling to maintain desired temperatures or takes longer than usual to do so.

Reduced heat transfer can also be caused by dirt & debris caught in the coil’s fin pack. This blocks the full flow of conditioned air through the coil and that adversely affects the coil’s performance. Clogged and dirty fin packs lead to higher energy costs as the AHU fan struggles to pull conditioned air through the coils with an exceeding high air pressure drop. Clogged fins can accelerate coil fin degradation through corrosion and pitting. Care should be taken to provide a properly maintained air filter bank in front of the steam coils.

Improper Installation

Lastly, improper installation can also cause your steam coils to fail prematurely. Typical issues include lack of coil pitching towards the return main and the absence of a vacuum breaker. Ensuring correct installation is crucial for preserving the efficiency and lifespan of your steam coil.

The Cost of Replacing a Steam Coil

The cost of replacing commercial HVAC coils can vary, influenced by factors like size, material, and labor. However, investing in a high-quality replacement coil, can lead to substantial long-term savings. By choosing a quality product, you ensure longevity and optimal performance, reducing the chance of future breakdowns and related costs.

Unseen Expenses: The Price of Ignoring Needed Steam Coil Replacements

Ignoring the need for a steam distributing coil or steam coil replacement can lead to a significant financial burden. When a steam coil fails, it doesn’t just impact the efficiency of your heating system – it can lead to expensive repairs and even a complete system shutdown.

Consider the costs associated with a malfunctioning steam coil. There are the immediate repair expenses, of course. But there’s also the loss of productivity, the potential for damage to other components in your heating system, and the increased energy consumption due to inefficient operation. Moreover, when a steam coil is not functioning correctly, it can cause freeze-ups, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs.

Don’t Compromise – Choose a Quality Steam Coil Replacement

Our replacement hvac coils offer an efficient and effective solution to these problems. By investing in a high-quality steam coil replacement now, you can avoid these costly consequences down the line. This is not just a purchase – it’s an investment in the longevity and performance of your entire heating system.

Why wait until the damage is done? With Cooney Coil & Energy, you get more than just a product. You get free site visits, the expert knowledge of our coil selection and engineering team and expedite options all backed by our form, fit and function guarantee.

We’re not just experts in the field – we’re your partners in maintaining a robust and efficient HVAC system. Act now, and secure the future of your heating system with our top-tier HVAC coil replacement.

Steam Coils

Steam distributing (“non-freeze” coils) and standard steam coil

Freeze Block

Rupture Proof Fluid and Steam Coils

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HVAC Coil Capabilities

Discover the full range of our top-tier HVAC coil offerings and services by downloading our capabilities line card.

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Site Visits

On our site visit, we’ll take measurements, understand your system, identify challenges, and suggest solutions.

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Blank Coil Templates

Our blank coil drawings make it easy to record coil sizes and construction details for a replacement coil.

The Power of Proper Humidification: Enhancing Air Quality and Profitability with ILS Humidifiers

by Caitlin B. | Sep 11, 2023 | Humidification, Steam

The Importance of Humidification

Humidification, simply put, is the process of adding moisture to the air. It’s a crucial factor in creating and maintaining optimal indoor air quality. In hospitals, proper humidification can help prevent the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria, protect sensitive medical equipment, and enhance patient comfort. In universities, it can contribute to a conducive learning environment by reducing static electricity and enhancing air quality. Meanwhile, in pharmaceutical industries, maintaining precise humidity levels can significantly improve product quality, leading to increased profitability.

Whether it’s preserving the integrity of medical equipment, maintaining optimal learning environments, or ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical products, the right humidity levels are key. This is where the innovative humidifiers by SteamOvap, offered through Cooney Coil & Energy, come into play.

ILS Live Steam Humidifiers: An Overview

ILS Live Steam Humidifiers from SteamOvap use steam from a central boiler, conditioning, and distributing it effectively in air handling units or air ducts. This technology allows precise control over the humidity levels.

Benefits of ILS Live Steam Humidifiers

Ease of Installation: Both ILS-P and ILS-SO models are designed for easy installation, reducing setup time and complexity.

Ease of Control: With an electronic controller and options for BACnet or Modbus RS485 communication, controlling your ILS humidifier is straightforward and user-friendly.

Durability: Constructed with robust materials and designed for long-term performance, ILS humidifiers are built to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Industry-leading Warranty: Confidence in the durability and performance of ILS humidifiers is backed by the industry’s longest warranty of 3 years, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Why Choose SteamOvap Humidifiers?

ILS Live Steam Humidifiers offer an efficient, durable, and easy-to-control solution for humidification. With their ease of installation, robust construction, and industry-leading warranty, they represent a smart investment for any organization requiring precise humidity control. For more information on how ILS Live Steam Humidifiers can benefit your operations, contact us at Cooney Coil & Energy today.

Steam Heat Exchanger Optimization

by Caitlin B. | Apr 30, 2019 | Steam

Troubleshooting Heat Exchanger Performance

The primary key to avoiding premature failures of your steam-fed heat exchangers is to keep the heat exchangers completely purged of condensate at all times. If you are getting poor performance out of your heat exchanger, here are some troubleshooting ideas to pinpoint problematic areas of performance:

Clogged strainer
No drip trap
No separator, wet steam
No strainer
Pipe reducers
No vacuum breaker
No air vent
Damaged or dirty fins
CFM too high
Lifting after trap
Wrong coil selection
Coil not pitched
Wrong coil material
Wrong or failed trap (size/capacity/type)
Undersized condensate return pipe
No freeze protection valve
Wrong or failed control valve
Blockage in steam pipe
Carbonic acid corrosion

Our in-depth experience with replacing heat exchangers has proven that about 90% of the time it comes down to two most important issues to troubleshoot.

Lifting after the trap

A key thing to understand is that a trap is not a pump. If you take a look at the steam loop, and you are lifting condensate, in some modes of operations your heat exchanger will be in a ‘stall’ condition. This means when the steam pressure is modulated back due to low load requirements, there is not enough differential pressure to purge the heat exchanger of the condensate. Your heat exchanger is flooded and now the carbonic acid corrosion begins.

There are a few options that could be selected based on the application. If you have the room available, we can size and select an electric condensate pump package including isolation valves. This type of condensate pump would be able to get your condensate through the piping system back to your boiler instead of leaving it ‘stalled’ in your system.

Air Vent and/or Vaccum Breaker

The other major issue with steam heat exchanger equipment is not having an air vent and vacuum breaker. The inclusion of an air vent and vacuum breaker essentially allows the equipment to ‘breathe’. When equipment ‘breathes’, steam is able to properly enter and exit the heat exchanger. An air vent allows the air in the system to escape when filling the exchanger with steam. The vacuum breaker allows air in when the steam turns to condensate. These two additions to your steam system will prolong the life of your equipment because it will not allow the condensate to sit, again, creating carbonic acid corrosion.

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