Compressed air leak detection service
2nd Quarter 2013
Pneumatic systems & components
Shield Technologies – a specialist in welding and industrial applications – has expanded its product offering to include the monitoring and detection of compressed air leaks. CEO, Wayne Holt explains that leakage is not only a direct source of wasted energy, but also an indirect contributor to operating costs. As leaks increase, the system pressure drops and air tools function less efficiently, so production is affected. Often the only solution is to increase generation pressure to compensate for the losses. Increased running time can also lead to additional maintenance requirements and more unscheduled downtime. Leaks can also lead to unnecessary compressor capacity being added.
As part of its value added service to its client base, Shield Technologies makes use of the internationally recognised SDT Ultrasonic Detector to identify compressed air leaks swiftly. “The SDT Ultrasonic Detector provides the most precise and cost-effective solution in leak detection, as any compressed air leak can be quickly and safely identified from up to 80 metres away, even in a noisy factory environment,” continues Holt.
He adds that compressed air leaks generate friction, which in turn create ultrasonic sound waves that cannot be heard by humans. Ultrasounds are sounds that cannot be heard by humans, with a frequency of more than 20 kHz. The friction created by leaking gas is very specific and can be anywhere between 38 kHz and 40 kHz, which is completely undetectable to workers.
In addition to being highly accurate, the SDT Ultrasonic Detector is also user-friendly. The basic setup in control situations consists of a hand-held unit with headphones, a meter, a sensitivity adjustment and a number of different sensors. Some applications where leak tightness testing integrity is measured also require a transmitter.
For more information contact Wayne Holt, Shield Technologies, +27 (0)11) 453 7152, , www.shieldtechnologies.co.za
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