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Compressed Air Audit – Leak Detection

Compressed Air System Audit

Compressed Air Audit – Leak Detection and Cost Report (LD 510)

In practice, compressed air leaks generate continuous losses. That is why during the audit we first locate the leaks and then convert them into specific values: l/min, m³/year, kWh/year, cost/year, and CO₂/year. This provides the maintenance department with decision-ready data, not a generic statement that “there are leaks.”

Importantly, the report ranks leaks by repair priority and includes photo documentation, allowing you to plan repairs in stages while monitoring the results after each leak is eliminated.

Compressed air leak detection Photo documentation Repair priorities Report ready for maintenance implementation
Compressed air system leak audit in an industrial facility – leak detection (LD 510)

What a compressed air audit delivers – technically and financially

Why “leak location only” is not enough

Simply identifying the location of an air loss is only the first step, because the maintenance team also needs clear answers to two key questions: how much does it cost and what should be fixed first. That is why the audit combines leak detection with loss calculation and repair prioritization.

What decisions the report supports

  • Planning repairs based on priority, allowing the largest losses to be eliminated faster.
  • Justifying the budget for system upgrades, because you present concrete figures and documentation.
  • Better quality control of maintenance work, as you can verify results after repairs and update statuses.
  • Preparing reliable data for discussions on energy efficiency, without promising “miracle percentages.”
Important: all calculations in the report are based on parameters agreed in advance (e.g. operating hours and energy cost), ensuring that the results reflect your actual plant conditions rather than generic “average tables.”

What you get in practice

Leak list All leaks in one place, including location and status for maintenance handling.
Loss valuation l/min → m³/year → kWh/year → cost/year, as well as CO₂/year (based on agreed assumptions).
Photos Photo documentation of each leak location, making it easier to assign and verify repairs.
Priorities You focus first on the largest losses, while still keeping smaller leaks under control.

If you additionally need support in selecting installation components, proceed to the repairs and parts section. Calculation tools are available in the Knowledge Center – Compressed Air Calculators.


How a compressed air leak audit works – step by step

On-site audit process

  1. 1

    Defining conditions and input data

    At the beginning, we collect the parameters required for calculations (e.g. operating hours, energy cost, compressor room assumptions), ensuring that the report makes financial sense, not only technical sense.

  2. 2

    Leak detection and identification

    We detect leak points within the compressed air system and at end users. Each leak is then documented, because fast and accurate on-site identification is critical during subsequent repairs.

  3. 3

    Quantification and prioritization

    For each leak point, we calculate the loss values and assign a repair priority, allowing the maintenance team to start with the largest air losses first.

  4. 4

    Report and action recommendations

    Finally, we prepare a report that is ready for implementation. Additionally, if repairs are planned in stages, leak status and results can be easily tracked after each repair.

Compressed air leak audit process map: measurement, analysis, detection, documentation, report, repair
Organizational tip: if parts of the system operate under difficult conditions (high noise levels, hard-to-access points), it is worth defining dedicated measurement windows. This allows the audit to run faster and delivers more repeatable results.

Compressed air audit report – contents and practical use

Data scope in the report (for each leak)

  • Leak rate in l/min with conversion to m³/year.
  • Energy consumption in kWh/year – calculated based on the agreed parameters.
  • Annual cost – dependent on energy cost and operating time assumptions.
  • CO₂ emissions per year – calculated using the agreed conversion factor.
  • Photo documentation and location description, supporting maintenance work.
  • Repair priority and status, enabling phased corrective actions.

How the report is actually used

The report serves both as a task list and a control tool. You first select the highest-priority repairs and then verify whether the losses have been reduced. In addition, it becomes much easier to justify purchases and system upgrades, because you present solid data supported by photos.

Next steps: if you want to immediately select installation components after the audit, the Post-audit repairs section provides quick links to products and services.
LD 510 compressed air leak detector – audit and leak documentation device

How to prepare your plant for a compressed air audit

Checklist (to keep the audit efficient)

  • Appoint contact persons: maintenance and the person responsible for the compressor room / energy.
  • Prepare basic calculation data (operating hours, energy cost, or agreed assumptions).
  • Identify areas with limited access (platforms, guards, safety requirements).
  • Define whether the audit should cover only the network or also end users and consumption points.
  • If shutdowns are planned, indicate possible time windows – this allows faster access to difficult areas.
Useful tools (internal links):
If you want to calculate operating parameters more efficiently, use the Compressed Air Calculators and the Pressure Unit Converter. This makes it easier to align assumptions between departments.

Most common loss areas (what to check)

In practice, leaks tend to recur in similar locations, but their cost can differ significantly. That is why the audit does not assume a predefined “culprit” – it measures and organizes the results.

  • Threaded connections and quick couplings.
  • Fittings at machines and consumption points.
  • Pipes and hoses (abrasion, kinks, aging).
  • Valves and accessories in vibration-prone areas.
  • Issues related to compressed air treatment if the medium is unstable.

After the audit: repairs and installation components – two possible paths

What most commonly causes leaks in compressed air systems

After the audit, the same areas usually reappear: connections, pipes, accessories at consumption points, and installation components. That is why the report organizes repairs by priority, allowing you to start with the largest losses.

  • Fittings and threaded connections – loss of tightness, worn seals, installation errors.
  • Pipes and hoses – abrasion, cracks, kinks, and operation below the minimum bend radius.
  • Clamps, brackets, and hose routing – loosening and hoses working “under friction.”
  • Valves and consumption points – valves, quick couplings, machine connections.
In practice: the faster you eliminate the highest-priority leaks, the faster losses decrease. At the same time, smaller leaks should not be ignored, as they accumulate significantly over a year.

Two post-audit paths: buy parts or outsource repairs

1) Purchase repair components (online store)

If you carry out repairs in-house, you can select the required installation components in the store. The most commonly needed items are pneumatic fittings, pneumatic pipes and hoses, and hose clamps and brackets. If the issue relates to air quality, components for compressed air treatment (FRL) may also be required.

2) Outsource the repair (CPP PREMA services)

If you prefer to hand over the execution, proceed to leak repair and service. If the leaks concern end users or actuators, see also pneumatic component repair and refurbishment.



Schedule a compressed air audit – inquiry

Describe the scope of your compressed air system and the components you want to include in the measurements. You can also indicate whether you are interested only in leak location, or in a detailed energy loss analysis with defined repair priorities. Based on this information, we will prepare an audit scope tailored to the actual needs of your plant.

If possible, please provide information on the number of production shifts and the approximate operating time of the system. These data allow for a more accurate estimation of potential savings and the real cost of compressed air losses.

LD 510 compressed air leak detector – device used for audit and leak documentation

Compressed air leak detection using the LD 510 detector – how we work on site

Why ultrasound is practical in an industrial environment

A compressed air leak generates an ultrasonic signal. This makes it possible to locate leaks even in large systems and in demanding production environments. At the same time, the selection of appropriate measurement accessories helps narrow down the direction and quickly identify the exact leak point.

What matters during measurement

  • We identify the leak and document its location, as this significantly shortens repair time.
  • We enter data for calculations, so the report shows actual cost values, not only “l/min”.
  • We standardize the description of measurement points, ensuring the report is clear for maintenance and purchasing teams.
Comparison of approaches: in practice, both directional solutions (e.g. acoustic cones) and camera-based systems are used. The choice of method depends on access conditions and the surrounding measurement environment.
Comparison of directional and camera-based approaches in compressed air leak detection

Measurement kit and preparation

Compressed air leak audit kit – case with measurement equipment and accessories

The kit includes all equipment required for on-site work. This ensures the audit is repeatable and the documentation is complete. At the same time, proper preparation of the measurement setup minimizes the risk of missing leaks.

  • Fast documentation of the location (photo + description).
  • Clear identification of each point (number / marker in the report).
  • The ability to plan repairs and later update statuses after leaks are eliminated.

Photos from a compressed air audit in a manufacturing facility

FAQ – compressed air audit and leak detection

What does a compressed air system audit involve?

The audit focuses on locating leaks and converting losses into units that are meaningful for the plant. First, leaks are identified and documented, then they are converted into l/min, m³/year, kWh/year, cost/year, and CO₂/year. As a result, you receive a clear action list rather than a vague statement that “leaks are present.”

What do the units l/min and m³/year mean in the report?

l/min indicates the instantaneous leak rate, while m³/year shows how this loss accumulates over a year based on the assumed operating time. In practice, m³/year makes it easier to compare leaks and set repair priorities.

Where do kWh/year and cost/year come from in the report?

kWh/year results from the adopted method of converting compressed air losses into energy consumption. The annual cost then depends on the energy price and the operating time of the system. That is why the input data are agreed in advance, so the report reflects your actual plant conditions.

Does the report include photos and exact leak locations?

Yes. Photo documentation and location descriptions are practical elements, as they allow you to return to the exact point without having to search again. Photos also make it easier to assign repairs and verify completed work.

How are repair priorities determined?

Priorities are based on the level of losses (e.g. cost/year) and technical conditions. This allows the maintenance team to eliminate the leaks with the greatest impact first, and then address smaller ones.

Can the audit be carried out without stopping production?

In most cases, yes, but this depends on access to the system and safety requirements. If there are difficult or noisy areas, it is advisable to define measurement windows. This makes the measurements safer and more repeatable.

How should input data for calculations be prepared?

Typically, the operating time (e.g. hours per year) and the method of energy cost allocation are required. If the plant uses specific assumptions for the compressor room, these are applied in the report. This ensures that results are comparable over time and between departments.

Can you verify that a leak has been eliminated after repair?

Yes. The report functions as a task list that can be revisited. In practice, a verification measurement is performed after the repair, and the status is then updated. This way, you know which actions actually reduced losses.

Which areas leak most frequently?

Typically, fittings, threaded connections, quick couplings, pipes in friction zones, and valves near machines. However, the distribution of losses can vary, which is why the audit is measurement-based rather than assumption-based.

Does the audit cover only the network, or also end users and consumption points?

The scope is defined at the start. We can focus on the distribution network, but it is often beneficial to include end users and consumption points as well, because leaks at machines can generate the highest annual costs.

Do you assist with selecting repair components?

Yes. If you carry out repairs in-house, typical components such as fittings, pipes, and hose accessories can be quickly selected in the store. If you prefer to outsource the work, you can proceed to CPP PREMA service offerings.

What if the system has many small leaks?

In that case, the total loss is key. A single small leak may seem insignificant, but dozens of similar points can generate a substantial annual cost. That is why the report organizes both major leaks and recurring minor ones.

Does the audit support discussions about system modernization?

Yes, because you receive quantified data and documentation. Modernization decisions are therefore data-driven projects rather than assumptions. The priorities in the report also indicate where modernization will deliver the greatest effect.

Does the report contain information useful for energy audits?

The report includes energy and cost conversions for leaks, making it a practical data source for analyses. At the same time, the calculation assumptions are transparent, allowing easy comparison with other methods used in the plant.

How quickly can repairs begin after the audit?

This depends on maintenance organization and parts availability. However, because the report includes prioritized tasks, you can start immediately with the largest losses and address the rest in stages.

Do you supply compressed air treatment components (FRL)?

Yes. If the report or observations indicate issues with air quality, compressed air treatment components can be helpful. The store includes an FRL category, while final selection depends on your system and operating conditions.