It is said that around 80% of a factory’s electricity consumption comes from production equipment. Among these, compressorsoften called the "heart of the factory", consume about 25%. Reducing the electricity used by compressors can make a significant impact on lowering the factory’s overall power costs.

▲Overview of power consumption in a typical factory

So, what makes the compressor so vital to factory operations?
The compressor generates compressed air, which is essential for operating all production equipment throughout the factory.
Without it, machines, tools, and jigs simply won’t run.
Furthermore, if the air supply is insufficient or uneven, the equipment and jigs can’t perform at 100% efficiency.
Unfortunately, it is commonly said that 20–30% of the total air used in a factory is lost due to air leaks.

It may sound simple, but let’s look at it from a positive perspective...

In other words, you can look forward to some very positive results.

However, because air can’t be seen or smelled, identifying leak points is challenging. That’s why in many factories, countermeasures against air leaks tend to be postponed.

Start by Understanding Your Current Situation! Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks

Here are a few practical ways to quickly identify air leaks.

① Listen for Leaks
Check during quiet hours in the factory by listening carefully.
→ If you can hear the leak, it’s likely a major one.

②Feel for Air
Place your hand near suspected areas to sense escaping air pressure.
→ However, this method may not detect minor leaks.

③Use Soapy Water
Apply soapy water to suspected leak points — bubbles will form where air is escaping.
→ Be cautious: soap contains salt, which can cause corrosion. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after use.

④Ultrasonic Leak Detector
Use an ultrasonic sensor to detect sound pressure from leaks and visualize the exact location.
→ Highly accurate and effective even in hard-to-reach areas.

Among these methods, the most highly recommended is using an ultrasonic leak detector to visualize air leak locations..

Detect and Visualize Air Leaks with Precision: The Air Leak Viewer

Thai Escope offers the Air Leak Viewer, a powerful solution that allows you to visually identify and locate air leaks..

We’ve provided air-leak visualization services at many customer factories. Together with each customer's maintenance team, we walk through the facility to locate air leaks.
It can visualize air leaks from as close as 1–5 m around equipment and even from piping more than 10 m away near the ceiling.

Nearly every customer is amazed when they discover leaks, they can neither hear nor feel—there’s no hissing sound and no air pressure on their hand—yet the tool still reveals them clearly.
It’s not uncommon to hear maintenance teams say, “If only we’d known about this tool sooner!”

Here are concrete examples showcasing the benefits of the Air Leak Viewer.

▲Air leak visualization image

In the left image, air leaks are visualized: red areas indicate significant leak points, and the estimated leak volume is displayed at the top.
In the right image, leak indicators are hidden, revealing that the source of the leak is an air gun.

When the Air Leak Viewer captures a leak, it simultaneously saves the both types of images. Seeing exactly where the air is leak, makes repair work far more efficient.
Once the repair is complete, simply scan the area again with the Air Leak Viewer to visualize and confirm that all leaks have been eliminated.