Wireless steam trap monitoring - ecoBolt | Gestra

GESTRA ecoBolt – Wireless Monitoring of Steam Traps

The ecoBolt MSB is utilized for continuous monitoring of steam traps regarding live steam loss and condensate accumulation. Diagnosis is based on ultrasonic measurement and temperature via a piezoelectric sensor, with evaluation at the LoRa node and data transmission to a LoRa gateway.

Operating Principle

The sensor is installed:

• on a pressure-bearing screw on a GESTRA steam trap,
• with a 90° adapter,
• or with a pipe clip for retrofit applications.

The choice of measurement point affects diagnostic accuracy. For PBS/ADP, steam loss detection is given as 1 kg/h + 5% of the final value, while for pipe clip as 3 kg/h + 30%.

Versions and Selection

• MSB-1: basic version for standard noise levels.
• MSB-1.2: for higher acoustic levels, e.g., higher pressure or condensate flow.
• MSB-1 Ex / MSB-1.2 Ex: for ATEX areas, classified as Ex II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb at Ex sensor/pre-amplifier and Ex II 2G Ex ib IIB/IIC T4 Gb at LoRa node.

Technical Limits

• Environment: indoor/outdoor installation, -20 to +50°C.
• Maximum medium temperature in steam trap: 240°C.
• LoRaWAN Class A, 863–870 MHz for EU/UK.
• Transmission power: +14 dBm / 25 mW.
• IP: sensor IP64, pre-amplifier IP66, LoRa node IP68 or IP55 in Ex version.
• LoRa node battery 3.6 V, typically up to 10 years with one measurement per hour under ideal conditions.

Industrial Applications

Suitable for steam and condensate networks in exchangers, steam tracing, steam line drains, and steam traps up to DN65 in float applications. It is not an actuator or control valve; it lacks seat or process sealing. It is a condition monitoring system for maintenance based on real data.

Interface

Results can be sent via LoRa to a network server and optionally to the GESTRA IoT platform via MQTT, indicating steam trap status, steam loss estimation, cost, and CO₂.

FAQ

Does it replace periodic VKP inspection?
Not fully. It is used when continuous monitoring of critical steam traps is required.

Can it be installed on steam traps from other manufacturers?
Yes, with a pipe clip, provided the measurement point and operational limits are suitable.