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Repairing compressed air leaks can save you money

Taking quick action to repair compressed air leaks can save you both money and energy. While performing audits at facilities throughout West Central Florida, our team of analysts has identified leaks large enough to account for 20 percent to 30 percent of a compressor’s output. In an effort to avoid these losses, we recommend that facility owners implement a leak detection program that engages employees to routinely check for air leaks.

Older compressors like the one pictured here should be inspected regularly.
Older compressors should be inspected regularly.

Although leaks can occur at any location throughout the system, some of the more common areas include couplings, hoses, tubes, fittings, pipe joints, quick disconnects, valves and point of use devices.

Leaks can be difficult to detect, and hearing them is especially difficult in production settings where several pieces of equipment operate. In situations like these, technology can help. We suggest using an ultrasonic leak detector that can recognize high frequency sounds not audible to the human ear.

Here are two examples where we identified air leaks while performing a free Commercial Energy Audit for our customers.

Facility A: We identified two air leaks on a 96-pound compressed air system, each estimated at 1/8 of an inch. The financial impact: Savings of approximately $400 per month or $4,800 per year after repairs were complete.

Facility B: We identified nine air leaks on a 120-pound compressed air system.  Two of the leaks were estimated at 1/16 of inch and the others at 1/8 of inch. The financial impact: Savings of approximately $1,900 per month or $22,800 per year after repairs were complete.

These two examples show the cost of leaks can add up.

Want to learn more? Our nationally certified energy analysts are ready to assist you with any of your energy-related challenges. Our goal is to help you use energy more wisely and make a positive impact on your bottom line. Learn more and schedule an appointment at TampaElectric.com/BizSave, or call 813-275-3909.

Tampa Electric – The power to save you money.

– Alex Cuevas CEA, CEM

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