The Hidden Costs of Compressed Air Leaks (and How to Stop Them)
Compressed air is one of the most commonly used utilities in industrial facilities. It powers everything from machinery to tools. But what happens if your compressed air system has leaks? Both energy consumption and operational costs skyrocket. Here’s why you should pay attention to compressed air leaks and how to prevent them.
Wasting Energy, Wasting Money
The most obvious impact of a compressed air leak is the waste of energy. Compressed air systems are typically powered by electric compressors, which use a certain amount of energy to maintain air pressure. So, when a leak occurs, the compressor works overtime to ensure that the pressure stays at the required level.
The U.S. Department of Energy says that compressed air leaks can account for up to 30% of a system’s compressed air usage. This means that you’re probably paying for energy to produce air that’s simply escaping.
Increased Operational Costs
Aside from the direct energy waste, compressed air leaks can lead to several indirect costs, beginning with increased maintenance. Leaks can strain the system as a whole, causing wear and tear on compressors. Frequent maintenance can get very costly, very quick. Another indirect cost is the inefficiency in production. The inconsistent air pressure can cause production delays and reduce the effectiveness of air-powered tools.
How to Stop Air Leaks
Conduct Regular Leak Audits
The first step to preventing compressed air leaks is identifying where the current ones are. By hiring a company who specializes in the use of a sonic leak detector, you can spot leaks before they become a major issue.
Implement Leak Repair Protocols
Once a specialist has identified your system’s leaks, it’s important to repair them quickly. Neglecting even the smallest leaks can lead to significant financial and energy waste. If you’re not sure how to repair these leaks, a specialist can help.
Optimize System Pressure
A lot of the time, systems are set to run at a pressure that is higher than necessary just to accommodate leaks. By monitoring system pressures to match the actual demands of your operation, you can minimise energy waste. This also reduces the amount of pressure on your equipment, allowing it to be effective for a longer time.
The hidden costs of compressed air leaks are often much more severe than most businesses realize. It may be easy to push the issue aside and declare it a problem for another day, but it’s also very easy to hire a specialist to save you from unnecessary bills that will add up quickly. The price of neglecting these leaks is steep, but can be majorly lessened by conducting regular audits, implementing new leak repair protocols, and optimizing the system pressure. Taking action now will pay off in the long run, both financially and environmentally.