Compressed air is one of the most useful utilities in industry – but it is also one of the most expensive to produce. Unfortunately, even a well-maintained compressed air system can develop leaks through pipe joints, couplings, hoses, valves, fittings and production equipment.
The cost can quickly become significant. The Carbon Trust has previously highlighted that a single 3 mm compressed air leak can add around £1,000 per year in electricity costs.
That means your compressor could be working considerably harder than necessary simply to produce compressed air that is escaping into the atmosphere. This increases electrical running costs, wear and tear and increased servicing costs.
Avelair invests in advanced leak detection technology
To help our customers identify and eliminate this unnecessary energy waste, Avelair has invested in the Omega Air OS531 ultrasonic leak detector.
The OS531 uses highly sensitive ultrasonic technology to identify the high-frequency sound produced by compressed air and gas leaks that can be difficult to hear in a busy industrial environment. Unlike basic ultrasonic leak detectors, the OS531 combines accurate leak detection with a built-in camera, laser pointer and leak-loss calculation capability.
This allows our engineers not only to find a leak, but also to photograph and record its exact location and calculate the estimated air loss in m³/h and financial cost. This provides customers with clear information on where their compressed air is being wasted and which leaks should be prioritised for repair.
Compared with simpler leak-detection equipment that may only indicate that an ultrasonic sound is present, the OS531 gives Avelair a much more comprehensive method of locating, recording, quantifying and managing leaks. Its focused ultrasonic detection and laser pinpointing help our engineers identify the source of leaks accurately, while photographic records make subsequent repairs easier to manage.
Find it. Fix it. Save it.
Finding leaks is only half the job. As a complete compressed air service provider, Avelair can also repair the leaks we identify.
Reducing leakage lowers unnecessary air demand, which in turn reduces the loading on your compressor. The result can be:
- Lower compressor running hours and loading
- Reduced electricity consumption
- Lower operating costs
- Reduced wear on compressor equipment
- Improved system pressure and performance
- Lower associated carbon emissions
With UK industry’s compressed air systems accounting for around 10% of industrial electricity consumption, improving system efficiency can make a meaningful contribution to both energy-saving and carbon-reduction targets.
How much is your compressed air system leaking?
Contact Avelair today on 01359 272828 to arrange a compressed air leak survey using our latest Omega OS531 ultrasonic leak detection technology – and start turning wasted air into measurable savings.
Posted on:
August 13th 2026