Compressed Air Leak – How to Detect it

Save energy and cut costs on bills with effective leak detection.
Fast payback through increased efficiency.
Advanced ultrasonic detection technology.

Compressed air systems are the workhorses behind many industrial processes that are relied on by a variety of sectors. They are often one of the largest energy cost sources in the business and so ensuring they are as efficient as possible is a business-critical factor. Leaks can be a major financial drain as compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities – but how much damage is a leak actually doing?

How much is a leak costing you?

Leaks are a major source of wasted energy in your compressed air installation. A typical system that has not been maintained could be wasting up to 30% of the compressor’s output. Over time, this can add up to quite a sum, throwing thousands of pounds down the drain. For example, even a small leak with a hole diameter of less than a centimetre could be costing upwards of £26 a week.

Energy expenditure aside, leaks can affect the overall productivity of your operating system due to pressure loss in the system. Plus, the additional stress on equipment can reduce the lifespan and increase the amount of downtime needed for maintenance. Overall, it is clear why fixing leaks should be a priority.

Signs you could have a leak

How do you know if you have a leak in your air system? Without professional help, it can be hard to identify issues with your installation. A few signs to look out for include:

A hissing noise may be a sign of a larger leak although smaller ones may not be audible to the human ear
There is compressed air usage when you aren’t using any
You have unaccountable pressure losses in your system
The compressor is running more than normal

Remember to pay particular attention to areas that could be troublesome such as air hose connections and couplings, O-rings, filters, drains, seals and gaskets, and valves.

Best detection methods

To safeguard your installation, ACB North recommends adhering to a preventative maintenance schedule with regular leak detection surveys. We use state-of-the-art ultrasonic leak detection technology to detect leaks in your air compressor, vacuum installations, pipes, or tanks. The equipment allows us to detect inaudible ultrasonic sound waves that indicate a fault in the system. The highly trained operator will be able to hear these sounds through their headphones and pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

A full report will then be created to provide information regarding size, rate, and resulting cost of the leak, as well as guidance and advice on how to rectify it. If you choose to go ahead with recommendations, we are also on hand to carry out any repairs to your equipment. We carry a wide range of genuine aftermarket spare parts to ensure we can offer the speediest turnaround with the smallest amount of downtime.

To find out more about our preventive maintenance packages as well as our servicing and repair provisions, please get in touch. Call 0114 398 4488 or click here to speak to an expert.

Knowledge Hub