Ultrasonic Leak Detection Equipment
Find Leaks Faster. Save Costs Sooner.
Compressed air leaks waste energy, increase operating costs and put unnecessary demand on your equipment. The challenge is finding them before the wasted air adds up.
Ultrasonic leak detection equipment helps you locate hidden compressed air leaks, identify problem areas and take control of wasted energy.
Air Energy supplies ultrasonic leak detection equipment for industrial facilities that want to improve leak identification and make compressed air maintenance more proactive.
Whether you are building an in-house leak detection programme or adding another tool to your maintenance team’s equipment, the right ultrasonic detector can help you find leaks that are difficult to hear in a noisy working environment.
Enquire About Ultrasonic Leak Detection Equipment
Why Invest in an Ultrasonic Leak Detector?
Compressed air is a valuable utility, but leaks can quietly waste the energy used to produce it. A leak may not stop production or trigger an obvious alarm, yet it can continue wasting air for hours, days or longer.
Ultrasonic leak detection gives maintenance teams a practical way to identify potential leaks and investigate them before they become an ongoing source of unnecessary cost.
- Find leaks that are difficult to hear. Detect ultrasonic signals associated with escaping compressed air, even in many noisy industrial environments.
- Reduce wasted energy. Identify leaks so they can be assessed, prioritised and repaired.
- Support in-house maintenance. Give trained personnel a tool for routine leak inspections.
- Improve maintenance planning. Record identified leaks and organise follow-up repairs.
- Understand potential losses. Depending on the detector and method used, estimate leak size or flow and the associated cost.
- Build a proactive maintenance routine. Repeat inspections to identify new leaks and check areas where leaks have occurred before.
The value comes from finding the leaks, understanding their significance and acting on the results.
Rising Energy Costs Are Here to Stay
Up to 30% of compressed air can be wasted through leaks in some industrial systems.
The actual amount varies from site to site, but the principle is simple: when compressed air escapes, the energy used to produce it is wasted.
Uncontrolled leaks can contribute to:
- Higher electricity costs.
- Increased compressor running hours.
- Unnecessary wear and tear on equipment.
- Pressure fluctuations across the compressed air network.
- Reduced air availability for production equipment.
- Unwanted noise and potential workplace safety concerns, depending on the location and application.
An ultrasonic leak detector helps you find potential problems so your team can assess the losses and plan corrective action.
For facilities with extensive compressed air networks, regular leak detection can become a useful part of an ongoing energy-efficiency and maintenance programme.
How Does Ultrasonic Leak Detection Work?
When pressurised air escapes through a small opening, it creates turbulent flow that produces high-frequency sound. Much of this sound is above the range of normal human hearing.
An ultrasonic leak detector senses these signals and helps the operator pinpoint the source. This can make it easier to identify leaks in busy production areas where background noise makes conventional listening unreliable.
Depending on the equipment, features may include adjustable frequency settings, digital detection functions and data logging to support the inspection process.
Some detectors can also help estimate leak size or flow and calculate the potential cost of wasted compressed air. These estimates depend on the detector's capabilities, the measurement method and the operating conditions.
What Can You Inspect With an Ultrasonic Leak Detector?
Ultrasonic leak detection equipment can help identify potential leaks across many parts of a compressed air system, including:
- Pipe joints and threaded connections.
- Push-in fittings and pneumatic connections.
- Quick-connect couplings.
- Flexible hoses and hose connections.
- Valves and regulators.
- Filter housings and air treatment equipment.
- Drain valves and condensate discharge points.
- Pneumatic cylinders and actuators.
- Machinery connections and production equipment.
- Other accessible pressurised connections where escaping air can be detected.
The detector and inspection method must be suitable for the application. Always check the equipment specifications before using it on gases, vacuum systems or in specialist environments.
Make Leak Detection Part of Your Maintenance Routine
Buying an ultrasonic leak detector is the first step. The next is using it consistently.
Rather than waiting until a leak becomes obvious, your team can establish a repeatable inspection process that helps identify losses and keep track of repairs.
1. Establish a Baseline
Inspect the compressed air system and record the leaks identified. Note the location, the component involved and any relevant operating conditions.
2. Prioritise the Findings
Assess leaks according to their estimated air loss, potential cost, effect on operations and any associated safety concerns.
3. Organise Repairs
Record the required corrective work and assign repairs to appropriately trained personnel. Use suitable components and follow site safety procedures.
4. Check the Repairs
Where practical, reinspect repaired connections to confirm that the leak has been addressed.
5. Repeat the Inspection
Schedule further inspections based on your facility's operating conditions, leak history and maintenance requirements. Regular checks help identify new leaks before they accumulate.
A consistent approach turns leak detection from a one-off activity into a practical maintenance tool.
What Features Should You Look for in an Ultrasonic Leak Detector?
Not every leak detector offers the same capabilities. Before purchasing equipment, consider how it will be used and what information your team needs to collect.
| Feature or consideration | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic sensitivity | Helps detect ultrasonic signals associated with escaping air and locate the source. |
| Frequency adjustment | Can help the operator tune the detector to suit the inspection conditions. |
| Digital display and controls | Can make readings and adjustments easier to interpret during inspections. |
| Data logging | Supports the recording and review of inspection findings where this function is available. |
| Leak quantification | Some equipment can help estimate leak size, flow or potential energy cost. |
| Operating environment | The detector must be suitable for the conditions in which it will be used. |
| Application compatibility | Confirm whether the equipment is suitable for compressed air, other gases or vacuum applications as required. |
| Safety and certification requirements | Verify the specific model's approvals and limitations before use in hazardous or classified areas. |
The best choice depends on your inspection requirements, the size of your facility and the level of detail you need from each survey.
Talk to Air Energy About Your Requirements
Ultrasonic Leak Detection for Industrial Facilities
Ultrasonic leak detection equipment can be useful across a wide range of industries where compressed air is used for production, automation or maintenance.
Manufacturing and Production
Inspect pneumatic machinery, production lines, fittings and connections to identify leaks that may be contributing to unnecessary air consumption.
Food and Beverage Processing
Support routine inspections of compressed air systems serving packaging, automation and other production processes. Confirm equipment suitability for the environment and intended application.
Mining and Heavy Industry
Help maintenance teams investigate potential leaks across industrial compressed air networks and prioritise follow-up work.
Warehousing and Distribution
Inspect compressed air connections and equipment across large facilities where leaks may be spread across multiple operating areas.
Workshops and Maintenance Facilities
Check common leak points around hoses, couplings, regulators and pneumatic tools as part of a planned maintenance routine.
Real-World Example: Why Leak Detection Matters
Air Energy's published ultrasonic leak detection case study demonstrates the potential value of identifying and quantifying compressed air losses.
A cable manufacturer engaged Air Energy to investigate leaks across two buildings. The survey identified 36 leaks, with a reported combined air loss of 97 m³/hr.
| Published case study finding | Result |
|---|---|
| Buildings surveyed | 2 |
| Leaks identified | 36 |
| Reported air loss | 97 m³/hr |
| Estimated annual savings if identified leaks were repaired | $11,894 |
The survey also identified a separate occupational health and safety concern.
These figures are from a specific site assessment, not a guaranteed result for every facility or detector. They illustrate why identifying leaks and understanding their potential cost can help businesses make better-informed maintenance decisions.
Read the full Air Energy leak detection case study
Choosing Equipment for Your Facility
Before selecting an ultrasonic leak detector, consider the following questions:
- Are you inspecting a small workshop or a large industrial facility?
- Will the equipment be used for routine maintenance or more detailed leak surveys?
- Do you need to locate leaks only, or also estimate leak flow and potential costs?
- Would data logging help your team document and manage repairs?
- Will you inspect compressed air only, or other suitable gases or vacuum systems?
- Are there particular environmental, operational or certification requirements at your site?
Answering these questions helps narrow the options and ensures the equipment is suited to the job.
Air Energy can help you discuss your requirements and identify suitable equipment for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasonic Leak Detection Equipment
What is an ultrasonic leak detector?
An ultrasonic leak detector is a device that senses high-frequency sound associated with escaping pressurised air or gas. It helps an operator locate leaks that may be difficult to hear in a noisy industrial environment.
Can I use an ultrasonic leak detector to find compressed air leaks?
Yes. Ultrasonic leak detectors are commonly used to locate compressed air leaks around pipework, fittings, valves, hoses, couplings and pneumatic equipment. Check the selected model's specifications and operating instructions before use.
Can ultrasonic leak detection equipment find leaks in noisy factories?
Ultrasonic detection can help locate leaks in noisy environments because it detects high-frequency signals associated with escaping air. Background conditions, equipment capability and operator technique can affect the result.
Can an ultrasonic leak detector measure how much air is being lost?
Some detectors and associated software can estimate leak size or flow and help calculate the potential cost of wasted air. Other devices primarily help locate leaks. Confirm the measurement and reporting capabilities of the model before purchasing.
Does an ultrasonic leak detector calculate energy savings?
Some equipment can help estimate potential leak costs or savings. These figures are estimates and depend on factors such as leak rate, operating pressure, compressor efficiency, operating hours and electricity costs. Actual savings depend on the leaks repaired and the system's operating conditions.
Can ultrasonic leak detection equipment be used for gases other than compressed air?
Some detectors are suitable for identifying leaks in other pressurised gas systems or vacuum applications. Suitability depends on the specific equipment and application. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant safety requirements.
Is ultrasonic leak detection equipment suitable for hazardous areas?
Only equipment specifically approved for the relevant hazardous-area classification and conditions should be used in those environments. Check the exact model's certification and restrictions before purchase and use.
How often should I inspect my compressed air system?
The inspection frequency depends on your facility's size, operating hours, leak history and maintenance requirements. Many facilities benefit from planned inspections and additional checks following repairs or changes to the system.
Does Air Energy sell ultrasonic leak detection equipment?
Air Energy supplies ultrasonic leak detection equipment. Contact the team to discuss your requirements and confirm the suitable equipment options for your application.
How do I choose the right ultrasonic leak detector?
Consider the areas you need to inspect, the applications involved, the level of leak measurement required, data logging needs and any site-specific safety requirements. Air Energy can help you discuss these requirements before selecting equipment.
Find Leaks Faster. Save Costs Sooner.
Don't leave compressed air leaks to chance. The right ultrasonic leak detection equipment can help your maintenance team identify hidden leaks, investigate wasted energy and manage repairs more systematically.
Looking to purchase ultrasonic leak detection equipment for your facility?
Contact Air Energy to discuss your application and equipment requirements.
Call: 1300 99 55 26
Email: sales@airenergy.com.au