How to Detect and Fix Compressed Air Leaks

Compressed air leaks can be a common occurrence in many applications. They are not only common but can be time-consuming to initially find and then to fix. In a manufacturing operation, as much as 20 to 30 percent of the total energy consumption can be derived from compressed air and a good portion of that from air leakage.

Finding compressed air leaks

The main ways to identify compressed air leaks:

1. Listening – Sometimes just a general inspection as you walk around the machines and compressed air lines enables you to hear the distinct hissing of a leak. While the overall noise of the environment can make this way of identifying an air leak difficult, it is still an one option to pursue when there may be a leakage issue. It may be beneficial to conduct this method when the environmental noise, maybe during off hours, is at a minimum to increase your effectiveness.

2. Ultrasonic leak detector – This device picks up the high-frequency, sometimes audible noise waves that are created by a leak. The equipment included is generally directional microphones, amplifiers, and audio filters. Headphones or a more visual indicator are used to hear and/or see leaks.

How to Fix Leaks

The severity of the leak, or leaks, determines how involved the repair will be. For some leak issues a simple tightening of the connections is all that is needed. Depending on the size of the operation, this simple solution can save $100s to $1000s a year in electricity with minimal time and effort. Other leak repairs may be a bit more tedious and require replacement of fittings, sections of pipe, couplings, joints, hoses and traps. Not all repairs need a professional to service them and require minimal experience. If you have doubts or if the leak persists then it is a good idea to find an experienced professional to find and eliminate the problematic area.

Simple Ways To Reduce Future Compressed Air Leakage

• Be sure to use high quality grade elements instead of cheaper, less reliable ones.
• Make sure sealant is properly applied to all thread connections.
• Reducing the air pressure of the system to pressure near the leak(s).

Trust the Experts

Although not uncommon and an issue that you will probably encounter at some point, compressed air leaks are easy to detect, locate and fix. Frequently checking for leaks and maintaining a proper maintenance schedule is important for not only the health of the system but also for it’s longevity and efficiency.

At AVP, we know a thing or two about air compressors. Call us for an expert recommendation at (281) 866-9700 or check out our store at shop.airvacuumprocess.com.