Saving Money Through Ultrasonic Leak Detection

Ultrasonic leak detection utilizes sound to identify and locate leaks. The equipment used to detect these leaks can be set up to filter out ambient noise such as production, fork truck traffic, or even atmospheric sounds such as rain, rustling of leaves, or wind in general. 

This is important because compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities within an industrial plant. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that up to 25% of compressed air is lost to leaks, and one small leak in a compressed air line can cost upwards of $8,000 annually. Also, on average, 20-30% of energy costs associated with compressed air can be considered wasted energy.

To combat this, consider having a compressed air audit performed utilizing an ultrasonic leak detector. We all have heard a leak in a high-pressure hose or tire; however, even those would be difficult to hear on any given manufacturing floor which is why many air leaks generally go unnoticed.   

Utilizing ultrasonic leak detection within the structures of an audit can provide you with a road map locating all of your leaks, locations, and sizes, which allows you to prioritize, repair, and reduce energy and/or production costs.

Leak detection audits and equipment are not just limited to compressed air systems. Detection and audits can also detect leaks in any systems that have the following common components: couplings, hoses, tubes, fittings, quick disconnects, and point-of-use tools. 

If your facility does not utilize compressed air but has steam traps, vacuum systems, pneumatic controls on CNC machines, a pneumatic BAS system, or any process involving movement or storage of liquid, a leak audit is something you should consider. Streamlining efficiencies and curtailing spending is something we can all get behind. If you would like to discuss leak detection audits and how we can help, please contact Ahern today.