Compressed air leaks are a common issue and can become extremely costly for a business over time.
For example, a leak in a compressor hose from a 9.5mm diameter hole can easily cost a business more than $15,000 annually in lost energy needed to compensate the reduced air pressure.
As leaks are a significant source of wasted energy in a compressed air system, it’s important that business owners set a plan in place to regularly service their air compression systems and deal with any leaks.
Compressed air leaks can be detected in several ways but depending on your industry may require purchasing expensive specialist equipment. Having a qualified air technician service your air compressor can help you detect and diagnose leaks without the need to purchase equipment. Methods to detect a compressed air leak include:
It’s important to note that if sections of pipework are valved off, there will be no air pressure flowing through them and any potential leaks will not be able to be detected.
Leaks occur most often at the joints and connection ends of an air compressor. Sometimes this can involve a simple fix like tightening a connection, but it can also frequently involve testing and replacement of faulty equipment, such as:
The type of fix used will depend on the type of leak and its severity. Unless you are familiar with fixing compressed air leaks, it’s recommended to leave more complex maintenance and repairs to professionals. However, detecting and diagnosing leaks yourself can help to note their locations ahead of time.
Mapping the compressed air distribution system and placing tags on each leak to identify them will help you to mark down their location for later repair. Calculating the energy and cost losses from these leaks will also help you to prioritise which to fix first.
Servicing your air compressor with an air compressor service kit can also help to maintain it against many of the long term problems that lead to air leaks.
Lowering the overall air pressure demands of your compressed air distribution system can help to reduce leaks and their size. It’s recommended that business owners stabilise their compressed air needs at the lowest practical range to help minimise their leakage rate.
Over time new leaks will develop and smaller ones may worsen. It’s important for air compressor servicing to be regularly conducted to maintain low leakage levels and save energy costs.
Developing a good leak prevention program, including tagging, tracking, repairs and servicing will help to ensure that your air compressor won’t add to your energy costs.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your air compression system, contact the team at Express Compressors today. Available 24/7, we can make sure your air compressor runs at peak performance.
Whether you are the owner of an Australian business or managing Australian operations for a multi-national company, you need to know that your electric compressed air equipment is built tough and optimised for Australian environmental conditions. You also need to be able to count on professional service teams across Australia at any time of the day. Express Compressors Australia has you covered.
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