Leak detection

Note

Leak detection is only supported by the Si2a–LD model.

Introduction

The camera can detect different types of pressurized gas leaks and vacuum leaks, by analyzing the sound emitted by the leak. In addition to compressed air leaks, the camera is able to detect leaks of various industrial gases.

By filtering out the background noise and focusing on the ultrasonic frequencies, where the sound of a leak typically is much stronger, the camera can determine if the sound source is likely to be a leak.

When a leak is detected, the camera will estimate the size of the leak and display an estimate of the annual cost of the detected leak. The leak size and leak cost estimates both rely on the distance setting and the leak analysis parameters entered by the operator.

Leak analysis results

The camera displays the following analysis results in Leak mode.

  • SPL: Sound Pressure Level is a measure of the strength of a sound.

  • Leak detected: Indicates when the camera considers a detected sound to be a leak.

  • Leak size: The estimated size of a detected leak.

  • Leak cost: The estimated cost of a detected leak.

Note

  • The accuracy of leak size and leak cost estimates depends on the correct input of distance setting and leak analysis parameters.

  • The sound intensity of a gas leak depends on the direction from which the leak is observed. Therefore, the size and cost estimates will also depend a bit on the measurement direction.

  • The absolute SPL reading depends on the selected filter. To ensure that the results are comparable across different filters, the camera displays a normalized SPL value, that matches what the result would be with a measurement bandwidth of 20 kHz.

Leak analysis parameters

To obtain accurate estimates of leak size and leak cost, it is important to set the leak analysis parameters correctly.

The camera can detect all types of pressurized gas leaks, but to correctly assess the size of the leak, the camera needs information about the specific gas type.

  • Leak unit: The unit to use for the displayed leak size.

  • Currency: The currency to use for the displayed leak cost.

  • Mass/Energy/Volume cost: The cost setting depends on the selected leak type and leak cost calculation settings.

    • Mass cost, price per kilogram.

    • Energy cost, price per kWh. (For compressed air only).

    • Volume cost, price per cubic meter.

    Note

    If you change the currency setting, the cost setting must be updated accordingly.

  • Leak cost calculation: The estimated leak cost can be calculated based on either the mass cost, the energy cost, or the cost per volume.

  • Environmental temperature: The temperature of the air can affect how sound waves propagate through the air. To obtain more accurate results, it is recommended to specify the environmental temperature.

  • Relative humidity: The propagation of sound is affected by the relative humidity of the environment. To obtain more accurate results, it is recommended to specify the relative humidity.

  • Leak correction factor: The camera’s ability to estimate leak size is based on a large set of leaks of different types. However, since there are many variables that can impact the leak size, the camera sometimes underestimates or overestimates the size. If the camera’s estimates systematically differ from your own observations, set a leak correction factor to adjust the estimate. Before displaying the final leak size estimate, the camera multiplies its estimate with the correction factor.

  • Specific power: Specific power is a measure of the energy required to produce a certain amount of compressed air. This option is intended for advanced users. If you are unsure of the specific power of the compressed air system, it is recommended to leave it at the default value.

  • Utilization: Enter the hours, days, and/or weeks of use, to describe how often the equipment is being used in practice. The camera will use the resulting utilization figure as a factor in leak cost calculations.