WO2010109485A2

WO2010109485A2 - A steam-trap monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2010109485A2
Application number: PCT/IN2010/000170
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joshi Vinod Vilas; Gill Virendra Singh
Original assignee: Spirax Marshall Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-03-24
Filing date: 2010-03-22
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: WO2010109485A3

Abstract

A system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps based on predetermined process parameters includes a plurality of trap-monitors, a web server, a communication network and a user interface. Each trap monitor of the plurality of trap monitors is adapted to monitor a particular steam-trap in at least one to one relationship by transmitting signal corresponding to that particular steam-trap. The web server includes a central processing means, and an analyzer means adapted to analyze received signals and determine health of the steam traps. The user interface is communicably coupled to the central processing means of the web server and is adapted to receive information regarding health of the multiple steam-traps. The user interface also includes a display means for displaying information regarding health of the multiple steam-traps.

Description

A STEAM-TRAP MONITORING SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system for facilitating monitoring and management of steam traps dispersed within an industrial plant, more particularly, the present invention relates to a system for automatic and remote-monitoring of steam traps.

Definition:

Health of the steam-trap - Operational condition of the steam trap, indicating whether the steam trap is operating properly, leaking, blocked or is out of service.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With rapid industrialization fuel prices have increased many fold, for example the prices of coal, petrol and diesel has drastically increased, thereby causing a steep rise in energy costs. The energy costs constitute a substantial portion of the total cost for operating an industrial setup. With increase in energy costs, most of the industrial setups worldwide are seriously thinking about energy saving and are adopting energy saving equipments and methods. Further, certain environmental legislations require industrial setups to adopt new ideals about way of using energy that results in energy conservation. Steam is one of the primary forms of energy used in process industry and steam conservation has emerged as an effective strategy for achieving significant cost savings. Most of the industrial setups are taking initiatives for reducing steam wastage in steam systems employed within the industrial setups. The steam wastage may be reduced by adopting an efficient steam management system that identifies poorly performing equipments within the industrial setups and works towards improvement of the steam systems employed within the industrial setups.

Any steam management system should include steam trap monitoring system as a basic tool to reduce steam-waste, steam-costs, and environmental liability. The steam trap monitoring system continuously monitors health of steam traps working in an industrial setup and warns of malfunctioning thereof, thereby avoiding problems in industrial setup.

A steam trap is an essential part of any industrial setup employing steam systems in a process line thereof. The steam trap is used to discharge condensate, air and non-condensable gases from the steam systems while not permitting escape of live-steam. More specifically, the steam trap purges condensate (as well as air and other incondensable gases) out of the steam system, thereby permitting the live-steam to reach a point of use in the process line, in as dry a condition as possible, thereby enabling the live-steam to perform its task efficiently and economically. The steam trap serves an important role in condensate management as well as live-steam conservation by retaining the live-steam within the process for maximum utilization of heat and releasing the condensate and the in-condensable gases at appropriate time. If the live-steam escapes through the steam trap into the condensate lines of the steam system the efficiency of the steam system reduces drastically. Further, if the live-steam escapes through the steam trap, a large amount of valuable energy in the form of the steam is lost. Accordingly, proper functioning of steam traps becomes absolutely essential for achieving steam energy conservation and thereby saving energy costs, as each failed steam trap can prove to be costly, and in larger steam systems, where there may be hundreds of steam traps, the cost skyrockets. Although, the steam traps being used in most industrial setups are reliable, but failure of steam traps constantly working under extreme working conditions is inevitable.

Considering the working conditions to which the steam traps are subjected to, most of the steam traps working over an extended time period within the industrial setup start functioning improperly and require repairing thereof after considerable service. The steam traps may block or leak, blocking of the steam trap may increase production times and reduce performances, whereas steam leakages may lead to energy losses and may also jeopardize safety.

Further, it is known that wear and tear of control valves employed in the steam systems, leakages and reduced plant output may all be remedied by paying proper attention to steam trapping. Accordingly, monitoring the health of the steam traps in very essential for the efficient working of the plant. The steam traps should be inspected at regular intervals to determine whether they are functioning properly or allowing live steam to blow through. The steam trap monitoring may be conducted manually or automatically depending on size of the industrial set-up, number of traps operating in the industrial set-up, the number and skill-level of maintenance personnel, and the urgency of repair. Several methods for monitoring of steam traps are known in the prior art. For example, battery powered sensors and probes are widely used for monitoring the steam traps. A variety of steam traps with visual signals/indicators, indicating status of the steam traps are also known in the prior art. Hardwired systems providing signals from the steam traps indicating the functioning of the traps are also implemented widely.

US patent 5992436 describes a steam trap monitoring method using radio frequency signaling. The method includes monitoring of a plurality of steam traps and transmitting the RF signals corresponding to the status of steam trap to a receiver. The sensors periodically sense at least one process condition in each of the plurality of steam traps to determine the health of the steam traps. The parameter used for the purpose is pressure. These steam trap monitoring , method do not include means for receiving signals from a separate signaling device. Further, the monitoring system in accordance with this document is complex to implement. Also, an automatic system for monitoring of steam traps is also required.

Accordingly, there is a need of a monitoring system that is simple to implement, is automatic and wireless. Still further, there is a need of a monitoring system that is adapted to rapidly detect steam-trap failures, so that timely rectification of such failures may be made possible.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an integrated monitoring system that is adapted to simultaneously monitor multiple steam-traps dispersed within a project site and facilitate easy management thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that continuously monitors operating conditions of each of the plurality of steam traps and reports updated information regarding working status of the stream traps.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is fast and accurate in identifying steam-trap failures.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is automatic.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is wireless.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is reliable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is adapted to save process energy.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that optimizes process performance. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that ensures safe operation of a plant.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that permits monitoring of inaccessible steam-traps.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is adapted to provide a warning signal in case of failures.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is adapted to monitor steam-traps in an energy efficient manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is adapted to monitor all types of steam traps.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that accurately accesses condition of steam-traps and transparently reports the conditions in a readable and easily understandable format.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system that is user-friendly and secure.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide communication redundancy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided a system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps based on pre-determined process parameters, the system comprising:

• a plurality of trap-monitors, wherein each trap-monitor of the plurality of trap monitors is adapted to monitor a particular steam-trap in at least one to one relationship, the trap-monitor comprising:

• at-least one mounting-clamp for securing the trap- monitor to the steam-trap;

• at-least one sensor unit adapted to sense at-least one process parameter of the steam-trap;

• processing means adapted to receive inputs from the sensor unit/s and process the same into at least one processed signal; and

• a first signal transceiver means adapted to receive the processed signal from the processing means;

• a web server comprising a central processing means having a second signal transceiver means, and an analyzer means adapted to analyze received signals and determine health of the steam traps;

• a communication network means communicably coupled to the web server, the communication network means adapted to provide a communicable coupling between the first signal transceiver means of the trap-monitors and the second signal transceiver means of the central processing means; and • a user interface communicably coupled to the central processing means and adapted to receive information regarding health of the multiple steam-traps, the user interface comprising a display means for displaying information regarding operational status of the multiple steam-traps.

Typically, communication network means comprising a plurality of routing means powered by batteries.

Additionally, the system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps includes an ad hoc self adjusting communication network for assisting the sensor to communicate with the web server in case of failure of a router of the plurality of routing means.

Preferably, the first signal transceiver means is a radio frequency trans- receiver.

Furthermore, the sensor unit of the trap-monitor is adapted to detect condensate temperature and conductivity of the condensate.

Typically, the web server of the system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps further includes means for processing signals received by the web server.

Additionally, the trap-monitors of the system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps are battery powered. Typically, the communication network means incorporated in the system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps is based on digital sequence spread spectrum and uses IEEE 802.15.4 as a physical layer for transmitting the data in air at frequency 2.4GHz using one of the user selected 16 channels.

Furthermore, the user interface may be a hand-held wireless communicator device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be briefly described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a wireless steam trap monitoring system in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a program algorithm used to control the operations of the wireless steam trap monitoring system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illμstrates a report generated by the wireless steam trap monitoring system of Figure 1 that depicts distribution of daily steam losses incurred in a plant during a month due to faulty steam traps;

Figure 4 illustrates web page generated by the wireless steam trap monitoring system of Figure 1 that displays steam loss and monetary loss incurred in a plant corresponding to faulty steam traps and shows percentage and count of working and failed steam traps in the entire plant;

Figure 5 illustrates still another web page generated by the wireless steam trap monitoring system of Figure 1 that displays information pertaining to health of different stream straps along with alert messages;

Figure 6 illustrates a trap monitor used in the wireless steam trap monitoring system of Figure 1;

Figure 7 illustrates a routing means used in the wireless steam trap monitoring system of Figure 1; and

Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement for monitoring health of a float type steam trap in an operation configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration. '

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000 is adapted to provide a dedicated network of trap- monitors and routing means that are communicably connected to a web server 300 via a communication network means to facilitate accurate monitoring of health of multiple steam-traps operating at dispersed locations in a plant. The wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000 is redundant, automatic and adapted to simultaneously monitor multiple steam-traps of different types. More specifically, the steam trap monitoring system 1000 continuously monitors the health of steam traps working in an industrial setup and warns of malfunctioning thereof, thereby avoiding problems in the industrial setup. The Wireless steam trap monitoring system 1000 includes a plurality of trap-monitors, a communication network means including a plurality of routing means 200, a coordinator 250 which is adapted to receive the data from plurality of steam traps, more specifically, routing means 200 of the steam-traps, web server 300 which analyses the received information, stores the received information in databases and display the received information on web in form of different web pages, and a hand held communicator 400 used to configure steam trap and network settings.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings depicts a schematic representation of the wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000 for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps operating at dispersed locations in the plant. The wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000 includes a plurality of trap monitors for monitoring the multiple steam-traps, such that each steam-trap is provided with at least one trap monitor. The stream-trap monitoring system 1000 monitors health of the multiple steam-traps based on pre-determined process parameters detected by the trap-monitors.

For example, the trap monitor 100 mounted on a particular steam trap determines process parameters corresponding to that particular steam trap on which it is mounted and processes the same into a processed signal. The trap monitor 100 utilizes an inbuilt sensor unit for determining the process parameters and further utilizes an inbuilt processing means for processing inputs from the sensor unit. More specifically, the sensor unit for the trap monitor 100 determines the condensate temperature and conductivity of the condensate data for that particular steam trap on which it is mounted and utilizes the inbuilt processing means for processing condensate temperature and conductivity of the condensate data into processed signal. The microcontroller in the trap monitor 100 diagnoses the steam-trap fault based on an in-built program algorithm as illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings. The detection of steam leak fault determines after taking the periodic samples 16 times and then announciate to reduce the possibility of false alarm. Thereafter, the trap monitor 100 transmits the processed temperature signal and trap fault to a signal receiving means of the coordinator 250 either directly or via any routing means such as a router 200 of the plurality of routers as illustrated in Figure 1. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the processed signal from the router 200 may be transmitted to the signal receiving means of the web server 300 via a coordinator 250 (as illustrated in Figure 1). In one embodiment of the present invention the web server 300 may include a controlling unit. The web server 300 includes a central processing means that is adapted to receive the processed signal and analyzes the same to determine health of the steam trap on which the trap monitor 100 is mounted on.

Similarly, the signal receiving means of the web server 300 is adapted to receive processed signals and trap faults from other trap monitors to be analyzed by the central processing means of web server 300 to generate different reports on the health of the other steam traps. The trap monitor 100 is adapted to generate an alert signal, in case of steam- trap leakage or water-logging of the steam-trap without condensate removal, the generation of the alert signal is also governed by the program algorithm as illustrated in Figure 2. The central processing unit may be connected to the coordinator 250 of the web server 300 either by RS232 or RS485 cable. In case of RS485 signal it can be connected to computing unit by using RS485 to RS232 converter. Thus, the web server 300 may be communicably coupled to a coordinator 250 that co-ordinates the communication network means that communicably couples all the trap-monitors with the central processing means, either directly or via the plurality of routers. The communication network means includes a plurality of routing means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication network means permits transmission of a radio signal of 2.4 GHz (ΪSM band) which is a free band available all over the world and thereby enabling wireless transmission of processed signals from the different trap monitors to the web server 300. Furthermore, the communication network means is an ad-hoc self adjusting network that ensures disruption-free communication between the trap- monitors 100 and the coordinator 250. More specifically, the sensor unit of each of the trap-monitors automatically finds an alternate path for communicating with the coordinator 250 through another router in case router through which it is communicating fails thereby providing a redundant communication network means between all the trap-monitors and the server of the coordinator 250. Furthermore, a user may select a desired communication channel within the communication network means to reduce interference with other devices to a minimum. Further, the web server 300 is adapted to generate reports containing information pertaining to health of different steam-traps operating at dispersed locations within the plant, steam losses due to steam leakages from different steam traps and corresponding monetary losses due to steam leakages from different steam traps. Figure 3 and Figure 4, of the accompanying drawings illustrates examples of reports generated by the web server 300 of the wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000. Figure 3 illustrates a report depicting distribution of daily steam losses incurred in a plant during a month due to faulty steam traps for a specific department of the plant. Similar reports may be generated for depicting distribution of monthly steam losses incurred in a plant during a year due to faulty steam traps. User may arrange the steam traps database according to group, plant and departments and generate corresponding reports. Figure 4 illustrates overall plant information report that tells the user percentage of steam traps that are working and also steam loss due to non-operational steam traps, thereby assisting the user to calculate the plant efficiency using steam loss. This web page also displays steam losses and monetary losses incurred in a plant corresponding to faulty steam traps. Figure 5 illustrates still another report generated by the wireless steam trap monitoring system that displays health status for different stream traps along with the departments and locations to which the stream traps belongs to, further the report also depicts different alert messages corresponding to health status of the steam traps. The reports generated by the web server 300 may be published on web pages or sent directly to plant engineers and managers by email. The online trap data and application settings may be accessed via a user interface; the user interface may be a hand-held wireless communicator device 400. Additional parameters may be configured onto the handheld wireless communicator device 400 for the purpose of remote monitoring of the operating status or health of multiple steam-traps operating at dispersed locations in the plant. The hand-held wireless communicator device 400 may be used to determine health of individual steam-traps.

The web server 300 further regularly updates the web pages based on change in health of different steam-traps operating at dispersed locations within the plant. The web server 300 further maintains a database regarding the various steam traps that are being monitored by the wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000, the web server 300 further includes means for managing the database i.e. for the management of the data stored in the database regarding the various steam traps that are being monitored by the wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000. The various steam-traps to be monitored may be classified based on groups, plant and departments, and also type of application, pressure rating, line size, end connection, type, model etc. so as to assist in easy maintenance and retrieval of data regarding the various steam traps from the database maintained in the web server 300 of the wireless stream-trap monitoring system 1000.

Referring to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, each trap-monitor of the plurality of trap-monitors is in a one to one relationship with a particular steam-trap and is adapted to monitor that particular steam trap. For example, the trap-monitor 100 of the plurality of trap-monitors includes an enclosure, a sensor unit 8, at-least one mounting clamp 6, a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) incorporating a main processing circuit 10, a second Printed Circuit Board adapted incorporating a battery, a plurality of clamps 14, a cable 16 and a first signal transceiver means;

Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings depicts a schematic representation of the trap-monitor 100, the enclosure of the trap-monitor includes a top portion 2 and a base 4. The trap-monitor 100 is adapted to be mounted on the particular steam trap that is to be monitored by the trap-monitor 100. More specifically, the trap-monitor 100 includes a mounting clamp 6 that facilitates mounting of the trap-monitor 100 on the particular steam trap that is to be monitored by the trap-monitor 100. The sensor unit 8 is connected to the base 4 of the enclosure via a threaded 3/8" BSP connector. The sensor unit 8 is adapted to sense at-least one process parameter of the steam-trap, wherein the process parameter may be condensate temperature or conductivity of the condensate. The sensor unit 8 is adapted to withstand a maximum operating pressure of 32 bar g, a maximum operating temperature of 240⁰C. The trap- monitor 100 further includes a processing means that is adapted to receive inputs from the sensor unit 8 via the cables 16 and process the inputs from the sensor unit 8 into a processed signal. The processing means includes the first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) incorporating a main processing circuit 10 and the second Printed Circuit Board 12 incorporating the battery that powers the trap monitor 100. The first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and the second Printed Circuit Board 12 of the processing means are supported on the clamps 14.

Further, the trap-monitor 100 further includes a first signal transceiver means adapted to receive the processed signal from the processing means and transmit the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a transmitter may be used in stead of the first signal transceiver means, the transmitter may include an electronic housing made of nylon - 66, IP 65 that can operate in a temperature range of 0 to 70° C, is powered by a Lithium-Thionyl- Chloride battery having a battery life of 4 years and is having a communication range of 30 meters -70 meters. Further, the transmitter supports an internal antenna of inverted 'F' type. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the trap monitors are also adapted to determine status of the condensate and steam inside the steam-traps and generate signals as water logged, steam leak or okay based on the status of the condensate and steam inside the steam-traps.

Referring to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, the stream-trap monitoring system 1000 further includes plurality of routing means adapted to receive the processed signal from first signal transceiver means of the different trap-monitors and route the processed signal to a second signal transceiver means of the web server 300. Each routing means of the plurality of routing means includes an enclosure. For example, the enclosure for a routing means 200 of the plurality of routing means includes a top-portion 102, a base 104 and a wireless signal trans-receiver housed inside the enclosure. The routing means may be powered by an external wired power source 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the routing means require about 2.9 to 3.6 Volts DC power and typically requires a current consumption of 6 mA to operate, further the routing means can operate in a temperature range of 0 to 70° C. The routers may also be battery powered and may use beacon mode of communication wherein all routing means are normally in sleep mode and all the routing means wake up at a predefined time periodically to associate the with the coordinator 250 or the central processing means directly. The beacon mode of communication eliminates the need of wiring for the routing means.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the trap monitors are programmable. The trap monitors may be programmed to go in sleep mode wherein the power consumption by the trap monitors is minimal. The trap monitors may be programmed to periodically wake up automatically as and when desired and perform sensing, processing and transmission of processed signals. The trap monitors are provided with radio frequency trans-receivers.

Furthermore, the stream-trap monitoring system 1000 is adapted to perform additional functions such as online monitoring of condensate temperatures for all the steam traps. Still further, the wireless steam-trap monitoring system 1000 is adapted to perform online calculations for energy losses occurring in the plant due to stream trap leakages and also performs online calculations for energy savings due to incorporation of the stream-trap monitoring system 1000, wherein all the online calculations are based on United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) standards. All the online calculations for energy losses, steam losses occurring in the plant and alarms corresponding to improper working of the steam-traps may be displayed on a display means of the user interface 400.

Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings depicts an arrangement for monitoring the health of a float type steam trap in an operation configuration (hereinafter referred to as arrangement 500). However, the arrangement 500 may be used for monitoring the health of various types of steam trap such as mechanical traps, thermodynamic (TD) traps, temperature traps, venturi (orifice) traps and smart steam traps. The arrangement 500 includes an inlet 502, a first isolation valve 504(a), a second isolation valve 504(b), a strainer 506, a WLSlK type sensor 508, a wireless transmitter 510, a float type steam trap 512 in the operation configuration, a DCV3 514 and a condensate outlet 516. A steam and condensate mixture enters the arrangement 500 via an inlet 502, the steam and condensate mixture passes the second isolation valve 504(b) of the pair of isolations valves 504(a) and 504(b), the pair of isolation valves 504(a) and 504(b) being provided for diverting flow during maintenance, equipment removal and shutdown. The steam and condensate mixture reaches the strainer 506 after passing through the second isolation valve 504(b), where any impurities if present in the steam and condensate mixture are removed before the steam and condensate mixture reaches the WLSlK type sensor 508, thereby enhancing accuracy of the process parameters determined by the WLSlK type sensor 508. The process parameters determined by the WLSlK type sensor 508 facilitate in monitoring health of the steam traps. The WLSl type sensor 508 is connected to a wireless transmitter 510 that wirelessly transmits the signals corresponding to process parameters determined by the WLSlK type sensor. After being analyzed by the WLSlK type sensor 508, the steam and condensate mixture enters the float type steam-trap, where the float type steam-trap removes the condensate from the steam and condensate mixture, thereby providing dry steam that may be utilized anywhere within the plant. The condensate removed from the steam and condensate mixture exits the arrangement 500, via the condensate outlet, 516 after passing through the DCV 3 514.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps provides an integrated monitoring system that is adapted to simultaneously monitor multiple steam-traps dispersed within a project site and facilitate easy management thereof. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam- traps of the present invention continuously monitors operating conditions of each of the plurality of steam traps and reports updated information regarding working status of the stream traps. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention is fast and accurate in identifying steam-trap failures. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention is automatic, wireless, redundant and reliable. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention adapted to save process-energy, optimizes process performance and ensures safe operation of a plant. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention permits monitoring of inaccessible steam-traps and provide a warning signal in case of failures. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention is adapted to monitor steam-traps in an energy efficient manner. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention is adapted to monitor all types of steam traps. The system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps of the present invention is adapted to provide communication redundancy between the elements communicably connected to each other.

The numeral values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for monitoring health of multiple steam-traps, said health being based on pre-determined process parameters, the system comprising:

• a plurality of trap-monitors, wherein each trap-monitor of the plurality of trap monitors is adapted to monitor a particular steam-trap in at least a one to one relationship, the trap-monitor comprising:

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication network means comprising a plurality of routing means powered by batteries.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at-least one trap-monitor is adapted to monitor a steam-trap of the plurality of steam-traps.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an ad hoc self adjusting communication network for assisting the sensor to communicate with the web server in case of failure of a router of the plurality of routing means.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first signal transceiver means is a radio frequency trans-receiver.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor unit of the trap- monitor is adapted to detect condensate temperature and conductivity of the condensate.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web server further comprising means for processing signals received by the web server.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trap-monitors are battery powered.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication network means is based on digital sequence spread spectrum and uses IEEE 802.15.4 as a physical layer for transmitting the data in air at frequency 2.4GHz using 16 channels.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface may be a hand-held wireless communicator device.