How to Prioritize Leaks in Compressed Air System Using LeakQ (2024)

Table of Contents

How LeakQ works Comparing LeakQ to traditional methods Related Resources FAQs References

Leak detection, Fundamentals, Energy management, Troubleshooting

There are many ways to prioritize assets when developing a proactive maintenance plan—the most common uses criticality analysis. That is, the assets with the greatest potential for impacting the bottom line are higher on the priority list, while those that have little-to-no impact are on the bottom of the list.

How LeakQ works

The physics of air flow and sound is very complex. All conversions from decibel (dB) level to flow rate are estimations, and as such have a significant level of uncertainty. While there is not a direct mathematical way to obtain a flow rate out of its sound signature, the LeakQ flow estimator might provide the best guidance. Currently in beta, the LeakQ provides an estimation for the size of each leak and these estimates will improve with future releases.

The way LeakQ estimates is mostly empirical, based on average sound generated by average leaks. Fluke measured many leak types at different flow rates and at different pressures, then came up with a regression model to estimate a flow rate out of a dB measurement by the Fluke ii900 Sonic Industrial Imager. It is important to recognize that LeakQ does not provide flow measurements.

Comparing LeakQ to traditional methods

The sound generated by a leak, represented by its dB level, decreases exponentially with the distance to the point from which it is measured. By including a measurement estimation, the ii900 is capable of compensation for that the distance to get an estimation of the dB level generated at the point of leak. This is an advantage versus traditional ultrasonic tools that require you to:

Measure the dB of a leak at a certain distance, or
Manually correct the measurement with the distance, or
Assume a bigger error due to not considering the dB attenuation due to the distance.

Typical ultrasonic tools only measure the dB level on a narrow frequency band around 30kHz, 35kHz or 40kHz. The ii900 LeakQ mode performs an automatic scan in the frequency spectrum from 2 to 52kHz and captures the actual frequency range in which the leak generates most of its sound energy, obtaining a dB level for that entire range. That makes the estimations of the ii900 more representative of the real leak than those made with traditional ultrasonic tools.

Inherent limitations in leak cost estimation

In addition to the inherent uncertainty of estimating air flow based on the sound it produces, the flow rate through a leak will be variable in time. The flow depends on the system’s pressure, but also the actual pressure at the point of the leak, which depends on backpressure. This flow and pressure at the leak will vary depending on several factors, such as the load of other tools or subsystems fed on the same line. In addition, the efficiency in converting electrical kW to compressed air CFM of a given system will be a variable in time, depending on the overall load and operating point in which the compressors are working, among other factors. All those elements add variance or uncertainty in estimating the cost of a leak.

Related Resources

How air leak detection equipment prevents downtime
Expediting air leak detection
How to detect compressed air, gas and vacuum leaks AND find hidden profits

Chat with ourFluke assistant

Clear Chat

See Also

The 5 Best Refrigerant Leak Detectors

Get 10% off

'; // Append the new message element at the end of the container const botCon = document.querySelector('.bot-message-container'); botCon.appendChild(messageElement); scrollToBottom();}/* Create a helper function to monitor when the bot-content container height is increased. As it is increasing, the winder should scroll with it. */function scrollToBottom() { const botContent = document.querySelector('.bot-content'); botContent.scrollTop = botContent.scrollHeight;}/* Create a helper function for the intro text. This is the first messages found in the bot bot-intro. It is also re-added when we use the clear button */function addInitialBuzz(path) { const botContainer = document.querySelector('.bot-container'); // If the locale storage item buzzLastState is set, we want to set the bot container to that state const lastState = localStorage.getItem('buzzLastState'); if (lastState) { botContainer.className = lastState; } // Path customization getPathCustomization(path); // If the localStorage has chatMessages, replace the bot-message-container with the saved messages instead of any intro text const chatMessages = localStorage.getItem('chatMessages'); if (chatMessages) { const botCon = document.querySelector('.bot-message-container'); botCon.innerHTML = chatMessages; return; } else { // The intro text is added to the bot-intro element const introText = document.querySelector('.bot-intro'); introText.innerHTML = `

Hi, I'm your virtual assistant, I will do my very best to help you navigate all things Fluke related. You can ask me anything!

I'm new and might make a few mistakes. For safe use of Fluke tools, refer to the product manuals, safety sheets, and your company's safety requirements. To speak with a person, visit our Contact Us or Talk to Sales page. For information on how we handle personal data, see our Privacy Policy`; // Promps are and additional message that can be added to the chat window. They are added after the intro text, and addPrompts(path); }}/* Create a helper function to add prompts to the chat window * Prompts are bot messages appended after the into text for specific paths.*/function addPrompts(path) { const validLocales = ['en', 'en-us', 'en-ie', 'en-gb', 'en-ca']; // Example usage if (!isValidHostAndLocale(validLocales)) { // Return the unmodified message if the host or locale is invalid. return; } const botCon = document.querySelector('.bot-message-container'); // Check if a bot-prompts already exists const existingPrompt = botCon.querySelector('.bot.bot-prompts'); if (existingPrompt) { return; } // If path is 6 characters or less, it is assumed to be the homepage if (path.length <= 6) { path = 'home'; } let message; switch (path) { case 'home': message = "

How can I help you today?

" + "

I want to learn more about a product

" + "

I want to purchase a product

" + "

I am looking for product support

" + "

What's new?

"; break; case '/en-us/products/electrical-testing/best-solar-energy-industry-tools': message = "

Thanks for checking out Fluke's solar solutions! How can I help you today?

" + "

I want to learn more about a Fluke solar product(s)

" + "

I want to purchase a product for my solar application

" + "

"; break; case '/en-us/products/calibration-tools/temperature-calibrators': message = "

Thanks for checking out Fluke's Temperature Calibration solutions! How can I help you today?

" + "

I want to learn more about a Fluke Temperature Calibration product(s)

" + "

I want to learn more about Temperature Calibration

"; break; default: return; } const messageElement = document.createElement('div'); messageElement.classList.add('bot', 'bot-prompts'); messageElement.innerHTML = message; botCon.appendChild(messageElement);}function getPathCustomization(path) { const validLocales = ['en', 'en-us', 'en-ie', 'en-gb', 'en-ca']; // Example usage if (!isValidHostAndLocale(validLocales)) { // Dont attempt to fire any path customization if the host or locale is invalid. return; } if (path.length <= 6) { const lastState = localStorage.getItem('buzzLastState'); if (lastState) { return; } botTransitionMid(); scrollToBottom(); // Handle the case when the path is less than 6 characters } else if (path.includes('search/fluke')) { const lastState = localStorage.getItem('buzzLastState'); if (!lastState) { botTransitionMid(); } // Get the content of input.alg-search-input. We'll use this instead of query params because they are more accurate. let searchInput = document.querySelector('input.alg-search-input'); let botInput = document.getElementById('user-input'); // Function to build and insert CTA function buildAndInsertCta(searchValue) { let algoliaContainer = document.querySelector('.alg-full-results'); let builtCta = "

Try the Fluke assistant to learn more about \"" + searchValue + "\"

"; algoliaContainer.insertAdjacentHTML('afterbegin', builtCta); botInput.value = "Please tell me more about " + searchValue; } // If the search input has a value, we want to update the CTA and the bot input field if (searchInput) { // Now find the algolia container we will be adding the CTA to let algoliaContainer = document.querySelector('.alg-full-results'); // If the container exists, we place the CTA and update the value if (algoliaContainer) { // Check to see if .buzz-algolia exists. If it does, we want to update the CTA and the bot input field let existingCta = document.querySelector('.buzz-algolia'); if (!existingCta) { buildAndInsertCta(searchInput.value); } } // Additionally, when the input changes we change the CTA and the bot input field to keep them in sync searchInput.addEventListener('input', function () { let currentCta = document.getElementsByClassName('toc-cta')[0]; if (currentCta) { currentCta.innerHTML = "Try the Fluke assistant to learn more about \"" + searchInput.value + "\""; botInput.value = "Please tell me more about " + searchInput.value; } else { buildAndInsertCta(searchInput.value); } }); // If .buzz-algolia exists, we are gonna add a click event listener to the button let algoliaCta = document.querySelector('.toc-cta'); if (algoliaCta) { algoliaCta.addEventListener('click', function () { // If the bot-container isnt bot-mid or bot-full, we want to transition to bot-mid if (!document.querySelector('.bot-container').classList.contains('bot-mid')) { botTransitionMid(); } sendMessage(botInput.value); // Clear the input field botInput.value = ''; }); } } // Handle the case when the path contains 'search/fluke' } else if ( path.includes('products/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters') || path.includes('en-us/products/calibration-tools/temperature-calibrators') || path.includes('en-us/products/electrical-testing/best-solar-energy-industry-tools') ) { const lastState = localStorage.getItem('buzzLastState'); if (lastState) { return; } botTransitionMid(); scrollToBottom(); // Handle the cases when the path contains specific products }}function getOrGenerateChatId() { let chatId; chatId = localStorage.getItem('chatId'); // If chatId does not exist in localStorage, generate a new one if (!chatId || chatId === '') { chatId = 'chat-' + Date.now() + '-' + Math.floor(Math.random() * 1000); localStorage.setItem('chatId', chatId); } return chatId;}// Clear chat functionfunction clearMessages(path) { localStorage.removeItem('chatMessages'); localStorage.removeItem('chatId'); localStorage.setItem('chatQuestion', 0); // Reset to 0 localStorage.removeItem('buzzLastState'); chatId = getOrGenerateChatId(); sendDataLayer({ 'event': 'chat_bot_event', 'chatId': localStorage.getItem('chatId'), 'reponseCount': localStorage.getItem('chatQuestion'), 'requestType': 'clear_chat' }); const botCon = document.querySelector('.bot-message-container'); // After clearing the chat we want to remove the innerHTML of the bot-message-container, and add the intro text again botCon.innerHTML = ""; addInitialBuzz(path);}function appendSentiment(thumbs, chatId, chatDialogId) { const botCon = document.querySelector('.bot-message-container'); const lastBotMessage = botCon.querySelector('.bot:last-of-type'); if (thumbs) { const botRatingDiv = document.createElement('div'); botRatingDiv.classList.add('bot-rating'); // Insert bot rating div after lastBotMessage lastBotMessage.parentNode.insertBefore(botRatingDiv, lastBotMessage.nextSibling); // Insert buttons inside bot rating div botRatingDiv.innerHTML = ` `; const thumbupElements = botRatingDiv.querySelectorAll('.thumbup'); const thumbdownElements = botRatingDiv.querySelectorAll('.thumbdown'); thumbupElements.forEach((thumbup) => { thumbup.addEventListener('click', function () { chatRating = 1; this.classList.add('responded'); thumbdownElements.forEach((thumbdown) => thumbdown.classList.add('responded-alt')); thumbupElements.forEach((thumbup) => thumbup.style.pointerEvents = 'none'); thumbdownElements.forEach((thumbdown) => thumbdown.style.pointerEvents = 'none'); // Call your sendRating function with appropriate parameters sendRating(chatRating, chatId, chatDialogId) }); }); thumbdownElements.forEach((thumbdown) => { thumbdown.addEventListener('click', function () { chatRating = -1; this.classList.add('responded'); thumbupElements.forEach((thumbup) => thumbup.classList.add('responded-alt')); thumbupElements.forEach((thumbup) => thumbup.style.pointerEvents = 'none'); thumbdownElements.forEach((thumbdown) => thumbdown.style.pointerEvents = 'none'); // Call your sendRating function with appropriate parameters sendRating(chatRating, chatId, chatDialogId) }); }); }}// Function to send user message to Azure Chatbotfunction sendRating(chatRating, chatId, chatDialogId) { const endpoint = 'https://flk-delphiapi-sitegpt-prd-001.azurewebsites.net/v1/chat/ratings'; const payload = { chatId: chatId, dialogId: chatDialogId, chatRating: chatRating, }; const headers = { 'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key': '078db2f23dcb4b23a5cb1b6255fc08c8', }; // Add this line at the beginning of your function to record the start time const startTime = new Date(); fetch(endpoint, { method: 'POST', headers: headers, body: JSON.stringify(payload), }) .then(response => { if (!response.ok) { throw new Error(`HTTP error! status: ${response.status}`); } return response.json(); }) .then(data => { if (data) { console.log('sent rating ' + chatRating + ' for question ' + chatDialogId); } }) .catch(error => console.error('Error:', error));}function cloudflareTestingPortal(botResponse, timeTakenInSeconds, payload, dataLayerObject) { //Get the hostname const hostname = window.location.hostname; // If the hostname is uat-gpt.fluke.com, add a console message if (hostname === 'uat-gpt.fluke.com') { // Add the botResponse, timeTakenInSeconds, payload, and gtm the respective containers // last-message-right, last-response-right, data-layer-right, payload-right const lastMessageRight = document.querySelector('#last-message-right'); const lastResponseRight = document.querySelector('#last-response-right'); const dataLayerRight = document.querySelector('#data-layer-right'); const payloadRight = document.querySelector('#payload-right'); lastMessageRight.innerHTML = botResponse; lastResponseRight.innerHTML = timeTakenInSeconds; dataLayerRight.innerHTML = JSON.stringify(dataLayerObject); payloadRight.innerHTML = JSON.stringify(payload); }}// We need to pass datalayer stuffies.function sendDataLayer(data) { // Function for event tracking window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push(data);}// For global launch, we are only supporting en-us for many of the Kaizen specific features. function isValidHostAndLocale(validLocales) { // Get the hostname - currently only supported on *.fluke.com. The first path segment is the lang-locale, and we are only supporting en-us at launch const hostname = window.location.hostname; const path = window.location.pathname; const langLocale = path.split('/')[1]; // If the hostname is not 'www.fluke.com' or 'regression.fluke.com', or the langLocale is not in the validLocales array, return false if ((hostname !== 'www.fluke.com' && hostname !== 'regression.fluke.com') || !validLocales.includes(langLocale)) { return false; } // If the hostname and langLocale pass the conditions, return true return true;}

How to Prioritize Leaks in Compressed Air System Using LeakQ (2024)

FAQs

How to find leaks in a compressed air system? ›

The best way to detect leaks is to use an ultrasonic acoustic detector, which can recognize the high frequency hissing sounds associated with air leaks. These portable units consist of directional microphones, amplifiers, and audio filters, and usually have either visual indicators or earphones to detect leaks.

What is the correct leak detection method for compressed gases? ›

What is the correct leak detection method for compressed gases? Ultrasonic detection and air flow meters are reliable leak detection methods for compressed gases.

What is the best method to find air leaks? ›

Shut all windows, exterior doors, and fireplace flues. Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as your clothes dryer, bathroom fans, or stove vents, or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms. Light an incense stick and carefully pass it around the edges of common leak sites.

Learn More Now ›

How to calculate compressed air leak rate? ›

The formula used to determine the extent of compressed air leaks at a facility is: Leakage (%) = (T x 100) ÷ (T + t) T = onload time (minutes), t = offload time (minutes).

How can you check for leaks? ›

Signs you may have a leak

an unexplained increase in your bill.
a big drop in water pressure.
areas of lush vegetation in your garden.
damp patches on the ground.
a hissing or knocking noise near your internal stop tap.

Learn More ›

How do you identify leaks in the pneumatic system? ›

A modern solution to this is ultrasonic detection, by means of an acoustic device to identify the high frequency sounds made by leaking air. Since this type of equipment is commonly portable, it makes the detection of leaks very fast, accurate and versatile.

Learn More Now ›

Which method is best for leak detection? ›

Ultrasound testing is the most accurate option when it comes to leak detection. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect irregularities in pipes and tubing, which can indicate the presence of a leak.

Keep Reading ›

What is the most common method of leak detection? ›

Overview. The most common leak detection method for pipeline operators is called the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This system uses a series of sensors to track data such as pressure, flow rates, temperature, and whether valves are open or closed.

Find Out More ›

What is the most efficient method of leak checking? ›

Leak Checking: The most efficient method of leak checking a charged low-pressure refrigeration unit is to increase the pressure in the system by the use of controlled hot water or heater blankets. If using hot water of heater blankets is not possible, use nitrogen to increase the pressure.

Explore More ›

What's the easiest way to find a leak? ›

If you suspect your home has a water leak, call S & D Plumbing at 512-365-8866 immediately.

Assess Your Water Meter. ...
Monitor Your Water Bill. ...
Use Food Coloring in Toilets. ...
Look for Patches of Greener Grass. ...
Evaluate Exterior Usage. ...
Check Hidden Pipes. ...
Check Your Large Appliances. ...
Schedule Regular Inspections.

View Details ›

What is the best and modern way of detecting air compressor leak? ›

Most experts agree that the use of an ultrasonic acoustic detector is the best way to detect leaks. This device recognizes the high frequency hissing sounds associated with air leaks and uses a variety of visual and audio indicators to identify the leaks' location.

Learn More ›

What tool is used to find air leaks? ›

Use an air leak detector

There are two main types: thermal leak detectors and ultrasonic leak detectors. Thermal leak detectors work by detecting temperature differences in the air. Ultrasonic leak detectors work by detecting sound waves that are produced by air leaks.

Read The Full Story ›

How do you find a leak in a compressed air system? ›

The current go-to tool for finding compressor leaks is an ultrasonic acoustic detector–a portable electronic device that recognizes high frequency sounds associated with air leaks.