Article: Using ultrasound to enhance energy efficiency
Detecting compressed air leaks with ultrasound
Contrary to what some might think, compressed air is not free. In fact, it is estimated that more than 50% of all compressed air systems have energy efficiency problems that should be corrected. These losses can be quite costly. Around 30% of all industrial compressed air is usually lost to leaks, resulting in huge losses. A leak that is just 1cm can cost a plant upwards of £15,000 per year if it goes undetected.
Ultrasound instruments detect the turbulent flow produced as compressed air moves from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side of a leak. Using the characteristics of ultrasound, locating leaks is fast and easy because:
• directionality of sound waves makes locating the source easy
• intensity of signal: the closer you get, the more sound you
detect
• fixed frequency, making the leak effective to locate even in a
loud factory environment.
