Stop Wasting Money on Air Compressor Leaks

That hissing sound coming from the leak in your compressed air system is the sound of money and productivity being wasted. Don’t let air leaks drain your profits when you can rely on the compressed air experts at JHFOSTER to help solve this costly problem.

Performing an Air System Audit

Why Your Industrial Compressed Air System Is Leaking

Compressed air leaks are common, but they waste resources and negatively impact the performance of your pneumatic tools and machinery.

Common causes of air leaks include:

●  Loose fittings and connections: Vibration, expansion and contraction that occurs with normal operation can loosen fittings and connections.

●  Worn seals and gaskets: O-rings, seals and gaskets degrade over time and require replacement.

●  Damaged hoses or piping: Cracks or punctures in air lines are frequent sources of leaks.

●  Malfunctioning valves: Issues with drain valves, check valves, pneumatic control valves and pressure relief valves may be responsible for air leaks.

●  Corrosion: Corrosion associated with damaged or degrading pipes can create pinhole air leaks.

●  Pneumatic actuators:  Periodic replacement or repair is necessary to alleviate leak losses.

The Hidden Costs of Air Compressor Leaks

Compressed air leaks cause pressure drops that adversely impact the performance and reliability of pneumatic equipment, reducing productivity and uptime. And, because leaks force the air compressor to work harder, the system consumes excess electricity and experiences unnecessary wear and tear, making this a costly problem for manufacturers.

Finding and fixing compressed air system leaks is critical to avoid:

Excessive energy costs: Air system leaks force the compressor to compensate for the loss of pressure, significantly increasing electric bills. According to Compressed Air Best Practices, air compressor leaks can waste 20 to 30% of a compressor’s output and a plant that has not been well maintained may have a leak rate equal to 20% of its total compressed air production. For the average facility, 20 to 30% of the electric bill is attributed to operating the compressed air system, and when you consider that the average facility loses 20 to 30% of its energy consumption to compressed air leaks, it’s easy to see how air compressor leaks can waste thousands of dollars each year.

Lost productivity: Pressure drop caused by air leaks can reduce the performance of pneumatic equipment, drastically slowing down productivity.

Equipment failure: When leaks force the air compressor to work harder to deliver the required pressure, it causes wear and tear on the compressor and system components, resulting in equipment failure, costly repairs and, ultimately, a reduced lifespan for the equipment.

How to Find and Fix Compressed Air System Leaks

While many leaks can be detected and remedied by in-house technicians using basic leak detection and repair methods, a professional service provider like JHFOSTER may provide a better remedy for industrial-scale issues.

Here are three steps to finding and fix leaks in the compressed air system:

Step 1: Basic leak detection methods: Listening for hissing sounds coming from compressed air lines can help technicians find leaks. However, if there is no audible sound, but a leak is suspected, applying soapy water to connections, joints or pipes can pinpoint the source because bubbles will form where there is a leak.

Step 2: Professional-grade leak detection for complete accuracy: Ultrasonic leak detection is the most reliable way to find leaks. This method is used by the professionals at JHFOSTER to detect leaks, even those that are inaudible, without shutting down operations.

Step 3: Fixing the leak: Tightening loose fittings and connections will remedy some problems. Using an appropriate sealant such as Teflon tape can provide a temporary fix for minor leaks. However, for a reliable, long-term solution, professional repair performed by experts is critical to ensuring that the correct, industrial-grade parts are used and that the root cause of the problem is addressed.

Your Partner in Air System Reliability

JHFOSTER’s services provide a complete solution to finding and fixing leaks on the air compressor minimizing costs and waste and maximizing efficiency and productivity. Our audit team specializes in evaluating your full system and recommending efficiency improvements.

Our solutions include:

Expert Diagnosis and Repair: Our certified technicians don’t just patch leaks; they diagnose the root cause to prevent recurrence. 

24/7 Emergency Service: For critical leaks that cause downtime, our team is available around the clock to get you back up and running.

Preventive Maintenance Programs: We offer tailored service agreements to proactively maintain your system, replacing worn parts, for air compressor & treatment equipment in the compressor room only, before they fail and preventing future leaks.

Comprehensive System Audits: Go beyond leaks. Our Air Audit team provids a full system evaluation, that can identify other areas of major energy savings and efficiency improvements.

Don’t Let Air Leaks Drain Your Profits. Contact Us Today

Don’t waste another cent on compressed air leaks. Contact JHFOSTER today to schedule a professional leak detection and repair service. We’ll help you improve efficiency, reduce downtime and start saving money.

  • President, JHFOSTER Clark Oster is a seasoned expert in compressed air systems with over a decade of experience, currently serving as President of JHFOSTER, where he has held key leadership roles. With a background at Ingersoll Rand and expertise as a Robotics Engineer, Clark holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management and dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Combining technical expertise and strategic leadership, Clark drives innovative solutions and business success.

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