One of SKF’s key customers based in Cape Town, Western Cape, who depends on steam systems for its production processes, was facing costly challenges related to high energy consumption and excessive maintenance hours. The maintenance team was having to frequently replace gaskets and seal kits across all steam traps and valves, which incurred avoidable costs while unnecessary time was spent on labour.
“Their Engineering Manager sought a solution that could effectively monitor the integrity of their steam traps and valves, enabling easy and precise identification of leaks,” notes Darrin Cardoso, SKF Application Engineer / Key Account Manager Cement. “This would ensure smarter, more targeted maintenance efforts that focus only on faulty components. The customer was offered a highly complex solution, prompting the company to reach out to SKF for a simpler solution.”
SKF recommended the TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector as a more streamlined, user-friendly alternative. “Engineered for fast and precise leak detection, the cutting-edge device perfectly aligns with all the customer’s criteria, presenting the ideal solution,” notes Cardoso. In addition to steam traps, the instrument’s advanced ultrasound sensor can also accurately identify leaks in applications such as pneumatic brake and vacuum systems, pressurised gas storage, etc.
SKF, in partnership with its Cape Town Authorized Distributor, Zhous, organised a demo of the TKSU 10 for the Engineering Manager and his team. “Within the first five minutes of them leading us to a particularly challenging asset, the unit identified three leaks in a set of six traps where they usually end up repairing all six hoping to solve the issue,” explains Cardoso. “The lightweight, handheld instrument requires no operator training. After all the team members tested the demo unit, they were so impressed by its accuracy, ease of use and overall robust build quality that the customer decided to place an order there and then.”
“The unit works like a microphone, but is sensitive only to high-frequency ultrasound, which is inaudible to the human ear,” explains Cardoso. “This is then translated into an audible sound or frequency through a passive industrial noise reduction headset worn by the operator.” The headset also includes a volume control and independently adjustable sensor sensitivity.
The built-in colour LED display shows the measured ultrasound noise from leaking air, allowing leaks to be quantified and repairs to be prioritised. Sensitivity settings can be easily adjusted via the display. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, the ultrasonic leak detector functions effectively in extreme temperatures ranging from –10°C to +50°C. The device operates seamlessly even in noisy industrial environments while the flexible probe allows for leak detection in hard-to-reach areas.
The TKSU 10 will enable the customer to accurately identify issues and improve the efficiency of their steam system and maintenance planning, helping to reduce running costs, maintenance hours and spare parts consumption.
“We are proud to partner with SKF to deliver a solution that immediately demonstrated its value on-site,” comments Stewart Malcolm, External Sales Representative at Zhous. “This success highlights the strength of our long-standing relationship with SKF, built on mutual trust, shared expertise, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. Together, we’re able to offer not only world-class technologies like the TKSU 10, but also the local support, hands-on guidance, and rapid response that our customers count on. It’s this combination that enables us to drive real, measurable improvements in operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability for our customers.”
Building on this, Cardoso emphasises: “The collaboration between SKF and Zhous exemplifies the combined value we bring in delivering smart, streamlined solutions that perform reliably and efficiently.” He also highlights the sustainability benefits of the leak detection solution, noting its role in extending the service life of the customer’s equipment – reducing waste, lowering costs and ultimately supporting the customer’s long-term operational sustainability and business success.”
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