TLV has summarized the audio-visual observations for varying steam trap conditions in the table below.

As
mentioned above, instruments that measure both temperature and ultrasound are ideal. The temperature reading is
required to ascertain whether or not the trap is blocked, and ultrasound is a preferred method to check for steam
leakage because a leaking vapor sound is significantly different between steam and condensate. When properly
filtered, temperature and ultrasonically-based instruments can provide accurate readings for determining the status
of any given steam trap. Some ultrasonic-based diagnostic instruments can even determine the status of the trap by
comparing the measured result to empirically derived known conditions for the same set of readings, thereby
significantly improving judgment accuracy.

Properly Operating Trap

Illustration

Small volume of Flash steam and Large volume of

condensate discharged condensate continuously condensate and flash
Appearance
discharged steam continuously
discharged
Sound Almost no sound Swoosh-like sound Louder swoosh

Leaking Trap

Illustration

High velocity live steam High velocity live steam Continuous discharge of
Appearance (clear) discharged with (clear) discharged high velocity live steam
condensate (clear)
Similar to compressed air Similar to compressed air Even louder whistle
Sound
leak leak with a slight whistle

Cold/Blocked trap Insufficient capacity

Illustration

No condensate or steam discharged

Steam trap temperature drops Smooth discharge

Appearance
(Easy to mix up with out-of-service (Discharge capacity is insufficient.)
traps)
Sound None Very little sound