Compressed Air is an essential source of energy for many companies. Official figures state on average Compressed Air Systems have 25% to 35% air leaks, or greater in some cases.
Air Leak costs x 5 days x 50 week period; Based on .12p/Kw/hr
Example 1 Leak | Leak Cost | Cost to repair | Nett Savings |
1 mm Ø hole (8 hour day) | £520 | £45 | £475 |
3 mm Ø hole (16 hour day) | £1040 | £50 | £990 |
Compressed Air System 8 hour shift (100% duty) x 50 Weeks
Example 2 Leak | Leak Cost | Cost to Repair | Nett Savings |
30kW Air system with 30% leaks | £2520 | £550 | £1970 |
75kw Air System with 30% leaks | £5850 | £750 | £5100 |
Increase the system pressure; or the shift hours, and Leak costs will
escalate upwards.
Air Leaks Best Practice
Typically Compressed Air or Vacuum pipework systems naturally develop leaks over a period of time. As part of an Energy Efficiency Best Practice program; as a Supervisor, Plant Engineer or Maintenance Manager you are probably the best person to ensure Periodic Leak Detection Re-Audits; Pressure optimisation; and adhere to the correct Maintenance schedules for all equipment.

Our Leak Detection Audit & individual Leak Tagging will reveal how much each leak is costing by Volume and by Value, and Tag indicating the priority of the repair. The Audit Report to ISO50001 will help you implement a full repair strategy, and finally the Efficiency Report will show you the increased efficiency and savings now being made.
J & J Leak Detection Audit Proceedures
- Photograph of each leak location
- Date: Time: recording
- Company Name/Department/Machine
- Identify the size of leakage in; L/min / M3/min or CFM
- Provide cost of the individual leak per year
- All leaks tagged with all the leak details
- including the priority repair status
Leak Detection Options
Option One : We are able to supply complete Ultrasonic Leak detectors with Leak analysis software and reporting for under £3,500
Option Two : Our on-site Leak Analysis audit service starts at £75 per hour
plus ISO report from £250 subject to the size of your Air System
The cost of identifying air leaks and repairing them will be a fraction of the cost (say 5% to 30%) of the cost of wasted energy from the existing leaks in your Compressed Air System.
All work undertaken will be to ISO9001 & ISO50001 Quality and Energy Standards. Contact us for more information.
Download the Compressed Air Leaks PDF.