A Leak is a Leak: Stop it Before it Stops You

Loose fittings, worn hoses, cracked seals – they all add up to a big problem. Hands down, wherever there’s a leak, there’s wasted product and wasted dollars. Even the tiniest leak can result in significant consequences, either in lost productivity or in the most dire circumstances, loss of life. 

Leaks should always be addressed, even if it’s a slight bubble that looks like beer foam. Consider the math: If a cylinder is leaking miniscule amounts for eight hours a day, seven days a week, that can add up to a big loss. 

Prevention is the best medicine

Below are a few most common leak check methods:

• Hissing: A hissing sound is a classic sign of a leak, whether the system is running or not. 

• Leak Check Solution: Spraying down fittings, connections, valves, regulators – essentially any connection point – is always recommended. Any bubbling, even just a single bubble, should be immediately addressed.

• Pressure Drop Test: Rapid pressure drops are a sure sign of a problem.

• Ultrasonic Acoustic Detector: An ultrasonic leak detector picks up on high-frequency hissing sounds that may be inaudible to the human ear.

• Visual Inspection: Are there signs of moisture, dust accumulation, or any other visual clues (cracked hoses, for example) that indicate a leak?

• Electronic Leak Detectors: Electronic sensors can detect the presence of certain gases. If levels are too high, use a leak check solution to pinpoint the source.

Inspect the “Dirty 30”

The last 30 feet of hoses, connectors, and fittings are the most common areas for leaks to occur and a top focus for inspection. Potential problem areas include quick couplers, disconnects, pipe joints, and hoses and seals.  

Ratermann has leak check solutions for every situation!

Our leak check solution comes in 8-ounce, 1-gallon, and 55-gallon sizes, and is shelf-stable for up to five years. The 8-ounce bottle comes with a small, flexible hose that allows you to easily squirt the liquid in hard-to-reach places like behind handwheels or in tight connection areas that might be tough for a spray nozzle to access. 

We’re also proud to carry CO2Meter products, including the Multi-Sensor System, Remote Oxygen Depletion Safety Alarms, Remote CO2 Storage Safety Three-Alarm Monitors, and personal safety monitors. (See our related blog: Pressurized Gas & Oxygen Levels: How to Stay Safe.) These products are designed to detect hazardous gas conditions, which can impact systems and harm personnel – all of which can start from a “simple leak.”

Learn more: Download our Leak Check Basics Guide. [LINK]

Watch our latest solution session on finding and stopping leaks: