Air leak detection

Leakage is one of the most common and costly issues in compressed air systems. Industry studies show that between 25% and 80% of compressed air generated can be lost through leaks, increasing energy consumption and reducing system performance.

Why compressed air leak detection is important

Even small air leaks can result in significant energy losses over time.

Undetected leaks lead to:

• Increased energy and running costs. The Carbon Trust estimates that a hole of just 3mm in diameter in a compressed air pipe can create a leak that costs up to £1,000 per year in wasted electricity costs. 
• Reduced system pressure and performance
• Higher compressor run hours
• Premature equipment wear

Air leak detection provides a practical way to identify and prioritise issues that can deliver immediate and long-term savings.

Compressed air leak detection surveys

Maziak carries out non-invasive compressed air leak detection surveys that can be completed during normal working hours, without disrupting production:

1. An acoustic imaging camera is used to detect compressed air leaks up to ten times faster than traditional methods.
2. The camera uses 124 microphones to create a highly accurate acoustic image of the compressed air system.
3. Its frequency range extends into ultrasonic levels, allowing leaks to be identified precisely, even in noisy industrial environments.
4. The acoustic image is overlaid in real time onto a digital camera image, visually pinpointing the source of each leak.
5. Once detected, on-board analysis determines the exact leak location and estimates leak size in litres per minute.
6. Each identified leak is tagged and logged by the engineer during the survey.
7. A detailed report is provided, outlining total site leakage, estimated energy costs, priority repairs, and indicative repair costs.

Following repairs, many sites are able to reduce compressor loading, and in some cases operate fewer compressors.

What the leak detection survey includes

After your compressed air leak detection survey, you will receive:

• Identification and location of air leaks across your system
• An assessment of leak severity and estimated air loss
• An overview of total site leakage
• Estimated energy and cost losses associated with leaks
• A prioritised list of recommended repairs

Speak to our compressed air specialists

To arrange a compressed air leak detection survey, or to discuss how air leak detection could benefit your site, contact Maziak today.