Steam Line Insulation

This is a steam line with poorly installed insulation. This image demonstrates two things. First, even shiny cladding will provide a thermal signature of the problem if the temperature rise and differences are adequate and the insulation is poor. Second, energy is lost from steam systems by improperly operating steam traps, insulation, etc. and this wasted energy results in increased operating costs. Maximizing the thermal efficiency of a steam system in a large generation facility will pay for an infrared program many times over.