EngineeringNews

Guide launched to support leak detection efforts

Leak detection equipment Fluke

Testing and measurement technology specialist Fluke has published a new guide to acoustic leak detection technology to help facility and maintenance managers eliminate wasted energy and reduce associated costs.

The eBook features in-depth technical information and case studies which illustrate how acoustic imaging can boost plant efficiency through the fast identification of leaks in compressed gas systems. It also includes product data and an online cost savings calculator for demonstrating return on investment.

One major food and drink production plant in Germany estimates that Fluke’s leak detection technology could help it to achieve energy cost savings of up to €150,000 per year.

“Leaks are wasteful and can cause factory owners to overcompensate by using compressors that are larger than they need to be, increasing capital expenditure as well as the amount of energy used in a facility,” said Fluke Field Application Engineer Mark Bakker.

“Not only can finding and fixing leaks save money, but it can remove the need to build additional capacity into existing systems. Every facility or maintenance engineer will benefit from the insights shared within our new eBook.”

Some of the most common areas that problematic and costly leaks can occur – the guide says – include couplings, hoses, tubes, fittings, threaded pipe joints, quick disconnects, FLT (filter, regulator and lubricator) combinations, condensate traps, valves, flanges, packings, air lines and pneumatic holding tanks.

Maintenance teams used to rely on time consuming methods such as listening out for leaks to identify faults in compressed gas systems. However today, as the guide explores, advanced leak detection tools can help eliminate the need for unscheduled downtime.