An Inside Look Into Spirax Sarco's "Cooney Day" Steam Maintenance Course
Why Take Steam 300 Training Seminar?
This past spring, Cooney Brothers sponsored a “Cooney Day” STM 300 Training Course with Spirax Sarco, providing participants with in-depth training in advanced steam system maintenance, troubleshooting, and proper operation. Another opportunity to take part in the course is coming this fall at Spirax Sarco’s training facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Designed for maintenance and operations professionals who already have a foundation in steam systems, STM 300 takes a deeper dive into troubleshooting, system optimization, and industry best practices. Through classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations, participants learn about the proper installation, maintenance, operation, and diagnosis of critical steam system components, including steam traps, pressure regulators, condensate pumps, flash vessels, condensate return systems, and more.
Hands-On Learning in the Steam Lab
One of the highlights of the training was the combination of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations in Spirax Sarco’s Live Steam Laboratory. Seeing equipment operate under real steam conditions provided a practical understanding that simply can’t be replicated through presentations alone.
The instructors structured the course by covering each key component in a steam system through the classroom-style presentations and directly followed that up with live demonstrations of the components and operating, troubleshooting, and maintenance scenarios. By demonstrating both proper and improper operating conditions, instructors helped attendees identify common issues and understand how they impact the rest of the system.
The Key Sections of the Course
On top of operating conditions and common issues, each section included design, benefits, typical applications, and installation, troubleshooting, and repair tips. Instructors also demonstrate how to properly test the equipment's efficiency through visual testing, ultrasonic testing, and conductivity testing.
Steam Main Drainage
Steam Traps
1. Mechanical:
Inverted Bucket Traps, Float & Thermostatic Traps
2. Thermostatic:
Balanced Pressure Traps, Bimetallic Trap, Liquid Expansion Traps
Stream Regulation and Control Valves
1. Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
2. Temperature Reducing Valves (TRVs)
PRV Stations
Direct Acting PRV Stations VS Pilot Operated PRV Stations
Pumps
Electric Pumps VS Nonelectric Pumps
Open Atmospheric Systems VS Closed Pump Systems with Automatic Pump Traps
Why Training Matters
Training provides value beyond understanding individual components. A stronger knowledge of the entire steam system makes it easier for professionals like you to recognize how one issue can affect another and to approach problems with a more complete perspective. The ability to recognize potential system issues, evaluate performance, and make informed decisions can help reduce unnecessary downtime and support safer, more reliable operations. Continued education also helps industry professionals stay current as equipment, technologies, and best practices evolve.
A big thank you to our long-time partner, the Spirax Sarco team, for sharing their expertise with our customers and creating such an engaging, hands-on learning experience. We’re proud to be a trusted resource for our customers and to help expand their steam knowledge through practical education and training with Spirax Sarco.
Investing in education is ultimately an investment in the people and systems that keep facilities running. The more we learn, the better equipped we are to support safe, reliable, and efficient steam systems.
The Prerequisite for STM 300
The prerequisite for STM 300 is STM 100, a general overview of steam systems covering fundamental concepts and operating best practices for safe and efficient steam use. The course provides the foundational knowledge attendees need to better understand steam system maintenance while building on their existing troubleshooting and repair skills.
For more information about STM 100 and what you can expect to learn, check out our blog article, A Look Inside Spirax Sarco’s ‘Cooney Day’ Steam Training.
Our Upcoming STM 300 Course
If you’re looking for a hands-on learning experienced to grow your knowledge of steam system maintenance, STM 300 is for you! Our next upcoming "Cooney Day" STM 300 course is coming this fall and we run these courses both in the fall and spring.
Don’t live close enough to the Bethlehem, PA training facility? Go to Spirax Sarco’s Training Page to explore all the classes that they offer at their other locations in Columbia, SC, Chicago, IL, and Houston, TX.
Explore Our Training Calendar to Register or Join a Waitlist for Future Classes