Regularly Check and Repair Compressed Air Leaks

Maintaining your compressed air system, including identifying and repairing leaks, is key to the most efficient performance of the compressed air system. When there are leaks in the system, the system de-pressurizes more quickly and the compressor must operate more frequently, leading to increases energy usage and increased costs. If leaks become severe enough, the system may not be able to maintain the necessary pressure, affecting the speed or quality of results of processes requiring compressed air.

When compressed air is used intermittently in the facility, it's easier to identify a leak since the system will slowly lose pressure and eventually re-pressurize even when no air is being used. When the system is used consistently, the presence and severity of compressed air leaks can be disguised. Tools that can identify compressed air leaks, such as ultrasonic leak detectors or infrared cameras are affordable and readily available. Even soapy water can be used to identify compressed air leaks.

With a complex compressed air system utilized by a variety of processes or equipment, including leak testing into routine maintenance, repairing leaks as they are identified, documenting leaks and repairs, and verifying any repairs were successful will help ensure that efficiency is at it's peak, quality and profits are not being negatively impacted, and pollution related to energy generation is being minimized.