Leak Detection in Compressed Air Systems | Schenker Storen AG
Reliable Leak Detection Across Multiple Facilities using a SONASCREEN® Acoustic Camera
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The problem: compressed air is expensive
- especially when it escapes unnoticed. Even small leaks can result in significant energy losses over time. In many industrial facilities, air leaks account for up to 30% of total compressed air consumption. Conventional methods, such as listening for leaks or applying a soap solution, are time-consuming, imprecise, and not always safe.
Ultrasonic leak detection offers an effective solution by visualizing inaudible signals emitted by leaks and accurately locating them, even in noisy environments and over greater distances. Since 2023, Schenker Storen AG has been using this technology with measurable success.
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The challenge at Schenker Storen AG
Schenker Storen AG manufactures high-quality sun shading and weather protection systems for residential and commercial customers. At all three production facilities—in Switzerland, France, and Germany—compressed air is a critical utility. Machines, pneumatic tools, vacuum lifters, and powder coating systems all depend on a reliable compressed air supply.
Leaks in these systems not only result in energy losses but also lead to unnecessary costs and increased maintenance efforts. To identify and eliminate these weaknesses efficiently and systematically, the company chose to implement the SONASCREEN acoustic camera.
Immediate Results from the First Deployment:
During a professional demonstration conducted by Patrick Iten of Help Machines AG, seven major leaks were identified. The resulting energy savings were significant enough that the investment in the SONASCREEN paid for itself during this initial deployment alone.
The SONASCREEN was selected specifically for its high detection accuracy and its integrated thermal imaging camera. The system is intuitive to operate and requires no specialist training. Inspection results can be documented, stored, and used for future maintenance activities. A particular advantage is the high acoustic frame rate of 100 acoustic images per second, which accelerates inspections by providing real-time, lag-free visualization of leaks. In addition, the ability to detect and display multiple leaks simultaneously makes it much easier to identify and locate problem areas.
Practical benefits:
- High detection rate: up to 30 leaks per day during inspection assignments
- High acceptance within the team: even colleagues without specialized knowledge can use it efficiently
- Time savings: no more manual leak detection using your ears or soapy water
- Special leak detection mode with live loss display and spectrogram
- Digital documentation with LeakReport software: easy storage, tracking, and reporting
Regular Use as Part of the Maintenance Strategy
Today, the camera is an integral part of the company's maintenance strategy. Every three months, all relevant compressed air systems and equipment are systematically inspected across all locations. The SONASCREEN is used throughout the compressed air distribution network as well as on individual machines, tools, and systems.
Measurable Savings and Real Operational Relief
In the first year alone, the Swiss plant saved a five-figure amount through reduced energy losses, targeted repairs, and fewer unnecessary downtimes. The new solution improves operational reliability and creates transparency and predictability in an area that was previously dominated by reactive maintenance.
For Markus Flüeli, Head of Manufacturing and Facilities Maintenance at Schenker Storen, one thing is certain:
“With SONASCREEN, we can efficiently detect, document, and permanently minimize leaks. This not only saves us money but also makes our maintenance operations run more smoothly.”
The acoustic camera has thus become not only a measuring instrument but also a strategic tool on the path to greater energy efficiency and operational reliability, and an integral part of a systematic maintenance strategy.
![[Translate to Deutsch:] LeakReport Software for Ultrasonic Leakage Detection](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/9/csm_leakreport-sonascreen-sonotec_bea12969bb.jpg)
