ATMECO conducts a range of surveys to identify where plant performance can be improved through better management of component integrity. Some of these surveys focus on minimizing energy losses and compressed air systems are an obvious candidate. Compressed air is one of the most costly utilities in a facility, and unfortunately many plants operate with huge leakage rates and operations are often unaware of these costly leakages. A simple program of leak inspection and repair can go a long way towards reducing excessive energy costs.

ATMECO's energy loss minimization programs for compressed air are structured similarly to the ATMECO hydrocarbon leak risk management programs. This involves agreeing a work scope with the client, building an inventory of in-scope components, populating the CIMS database (compressed air module), conducting surveys, reporting to the client, undertaking leak remedial work if required, summarizing program results including quantifying energy savings achieved.

These type of ATMECO surveys are conducted without having to interfere with the day to day running of the facility, with large areas of plant being able to be surveyed in a single day.

Typically our surveys follow the approach taken for hydrocarbon leak risk management, however in this instance ATMECO deploys ultrasonic sensing equipment to conduct this type of survey.

Leaks are located using sensitive ultrasonic sensing equipment, and as each leak is identified it is tagged and it's size and location logged as well as photographs taken of the leak and location.

When survey is complete a debrief meeting is held with the plant/facilities manager to discuss the survey and our findings. A comprehensive report is compiled which contains details of each leak including location, size, cost of leak and repair recommendations.