Leak Testing
The load bank can be used to acquire an accurate quantification of leaks in an air system.
- A capacity test is performed on the compressor at system pressure
- The system is pressurized without operating any equipment
- A second flow test is done at the same system pressure
- The difference in measured volumes is the leaks in the system
This approach can give very accurate leak quantities which can be easily converted into annual costs.
By isolating sections of the plant or system when testing leak quantity, the volume of leaks in any given building, process or system can be determined. This will help maintenance personnel to prioritize where they should focus their efforts.
Another benefit is to check for leaking block valves, leak test underground pipe, and check complex piping or process for total leak volume.
Consumption Test of Compressed Air System
Once the compressor(s) have been performance tested and system leak quantity determined, any individual end use can be tested or the entire system as an aggregate can be tested.
- When system is at full pressure, test total flow to the system by loading the online compressor(s) to the desired system pressure and do not allow other compressors to come on. Document the flow through the meter.
- Start the process or end use which you want to test.
- Perform a second system flow test with the meter at the same pressure and document the flow.
- Subtract the flow with the end use “on” from the flow with the end use “off”. The difference in flow measurements is the consumption of the end use.
Step 1: Perform a compressor capacity test at system pressure
Step 2: Pressurize the System without plant equipment operating
Step 3: Perform a second flow test at the same system pressure
The difference in measured flow volumes is the leak volume in the system.
Provides very accurate leak quantities which can be converted into annual costs.