Steam loss calculator
Calculate the financial impact of a failed steam trap. See how much energy and money a single failed trap costs your facility annually.
Your trap
What it costs
- Steam loss
- 112.7lb/hr
- Energy
- 90,280BTU/hr
- Therms/year
- 7,908
- Annual cost
- Fuel only$4,061.80All-in$5,280.34
Calculation breakdown · modified Grashof's equation(Boiler: 80% × Line: 93.75% = 75.0% eff.)
Method
How it works.
Uses a modified Grashof's equation with steam system attributes and recovery options.
01
Orifice size
The calculator opens at 150 psig, where the pre-filled 5/32" trap loses 21.67 therms/day. At the 145 psig measurement basis, the same trap calculates 20.96 therms/day, close to the measured 20.68.
02
Energy calculation
Steam flow is calculated using modified Grashof's equation, then combined with ASME steam table data and system recovery factors.
03
Annual cost
The selected gas price sets the fuel cost, then the 1.30 loaded-cost multiplier gives the all-in annual loss shown everywhere on this page.
Context
Why steam trap failures matter.
- 15-30%
- Where no program exists, DOE puts the failed fraction at 15 to 30 percent after 3 to 5 years.
- $5,280
- all-in annual loss for the current 5/32" trap at the US average, based on 12 months reported in the current window.
- 20.68 therms/day
- SteamIQ-measured average failed trap across 31,540 measured failed-trap-days. See the plantwide payback.
Find the traps costing your plant the most.
Start with the annual loss above to see what one failed trap costs. For a plantwide estimate, add your trap count and repair timing in the whitepaper, or ask us to review the savings opportunity with you.