How to Detect Leaking Compressed Gas | Article Index | Blog - Weekly Column | Resources

Return to MainYou expect performance, efficiency, reliability and safety from your in-plant utility systems. In many instances these expectations are simply not met. System leakage is more common than many realize, and even more costly when left undetected. Consider the following case example: Let’s assume the typical efficiency of a compressor at 20kW/100cfm (.2kW/cfm), an electricity rate of $0.09 per kWh, 100 psig and nearly continuous operation. Using the formula to calculate, the annual cost of a leak = Leakage rate (cfm) x kW/cfm x operating hours x $/kWh, a single 1/16” leak would have an annual cost of: 1/16” leak @ 100 psig = 6.5cfm x .2kW/cfm x 6500 hours x $0.09/kWh => $760 The example above is a conservative estimate of the potential cost . It’s easy to see how the total annual cost of all system leaks can quickly add up.What You Can DoIdentifying the leaks is the hardest thing to do.A general assumption is that most leaks typically occur in the “dirty thirty”, that is to s...