The Basics of a Leak Program

Know the Hazards:

• Ensure Proper Training
  
• Be Aware of Explosion / Implosion
  
• Other Hazards
  

Planning the Leak Survey:

• Review End-Use Applications
  
• Prioritize Equipment and Location
  
• Select and Train Personnel
  
• Select Inspection Method (soap bubbles, ultrasonics, calibrated hand, etc.)
  
• Select Labeling Method (tags, route, locator map, etc.)

Implementing the Leak Survey:

• Prepare a Piping Sketch or Photograph (if appropriate)
  
• Take One Area at a Time to Test
  
• Define Zones or Survey Areas
  
• Large Leaks First, Then Work Toward Smaller Ones
  
• Determine a Baseline (meter total leak load to quantify)
  
• Perform the Survey - Look and Listen
  
• Determine the Type of Leak
  
• Tag Leak Location (include type of leak)
  
• Note Approximate Leak Severity (small, medium, large)

Characteristics of Leaks

There are several important points to keep in mind with regard to leaks:

• Leaks are DYNAMIC – they are constantly reoccurring
• They cannot be fixed once and ignored
• It takes TIME to affect change
• Even with a consistent program, leaks will reoccur

Ultrasonic Leak Detectors

There are several important points to keep in mind with regard to leaks:

• The most common and easiest method of leak locating
• Effective to find leaks but not an effective method to quantify them. Only an estimate (± 50%) can be made
• Ultrasonic leak detectors generally operate over the range of 20kHz to 100kHz
• Ultrasonics are effective for finding problems with:
  • Compressed Gas Leaks
    (Argon, Nitrogen, Compressed Air)
  • Bearing Wear
  • Electrical Discharge
  • Steam Traps