Air Leak Detectors Save Money

All compressed air systems have leaks from time to time and employing an air leak detector to reduce these is the single most effective way to save energy. In order to ensure money isn't wasted unnecessarily through inaudible air leaks, it is recommended that an air leak detector is purchased and utilized on all pressurized containers holding gas within the work place and at home. Leaks that can be heard tend to be fixed, those out of our hearing range leak 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 52 weeks a year. Not only does the employment of an air leak detector save money, but a leak detector site survey is of great benefit to any company applying for or maintaining ISO 14001, the environmental standard.

Compressed Air Cost Saving

Compressed air is a major cost component in manufacturing. As such, it offers one of the largest savings opportunities if the compressed air leak cost is eradicated. The investment in compressing air to energize it and then letting it escape from the system through leaks, without doing any useful work, is a complete waste.

By curing leaks you also:

  • Reduce compressor on load running time, wear and tear.
  • On after coolers and driers.

It is not unreasonable to find a compressor becoming surplus to requirements, further to a site survey and subsequent curing. This is the fastest, most effective cost saving exercise any plant can undertake, without exception. Regular air leak detection should be made part of your compressed air safety guidelines to ensure it being carried out faithfully.

The Different Air Leak Detectors

There are a variety of air leak detectors available which use a range of technologies to read potential air and gas leaks. One example of such technology which many air leak detectors utilize is ultrasonic technology with an integral sensor.

This type of technology can primarily be used for

1. Compressed air leak and vacuum leak detection

2. Verifying the tightness of seals in:

  • A car
  • Plane
  • Truck
  • Train
  • Clean rooms
  • Vessels
  • Ship hatch covers
  • Etc.

It is a low cost solution for the detection of:

  • Electrical problems (arcing, corona, and tracking)
  • Inspection of steam traps, hydraulic and pneumatic circuits
  • Cavitating pumps
  • General mechanical inspections where trending and measured data is not critical.

Signals can be displayed on a segmented analogue bar graph, the details of which can then be read and acted on.

Gas Leaks And Your Health

Some gas leaks are not only wastes of money, but also a danger to your health. Remember to check compressed gas cylinders regularly. The leakage of propane is one such gas and it is advised that propane leak test equipment be utilized to ensure a safe work and home environment as well as a cost effective environment.

If a leak is detected go to your propane system's storage vessel, open the tank hood, and close the vapour service valve. Then, contact a qualified technician for assistance. The easiest way to detect a heavy propane leak is by its very unpleasant odour. If the scent of propane is in the air, a potentially dangerous situation may exist. Although propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant that tanks filled with ethanol, methanol or gasoline, accidents do happen and air leak detectors should be utilized. .