Research
Leak rates in air systems
Where nobody looks for leaks, 20 to 30 percent of the air is lost. Where they do, under 10.
Official or measured
US Department of Energy guidance on compressed air systems
Energy cost of pressure
Each 2 psi of pressure costs about 1 percent of a compressor's energy, and feeds every leak more.
Official or measured
US Department of Energy guidance on compressed air systems
Ways to find leaks
An ultrasonic detector hears a leak over floor noise. Most leaks are at joints, hoses and fittings.
Official or measured
US Department of Energy guidance on compressed air systems
Leak test with nothing running
With the air users off, a compressor pumps only to feed leaks. That pumping time measures them.
Official or measured
US Department of Energy guidance on compressed air systems
Power of an idling compressor
An idling screw compressor still uses 15 to 35 percent of its full-load power and delivers no air.
Official or measured
US Department of Energy guidance on compressed air systems
Our own estimates
The compressors' share, the leaks and the extra pressure are our estimates, not readings here.
Our estimate
Our estimate