Leckageaudits

Leckageaudits are systematic evaluations conducted to identify, quantify, and remediate leaks in a facility's systems or networks. They focus on reducing losses of water, energy, refrigerants, or process fluids, and on minimizing environmental and safety risks. Audits can be performed for buildings, water and gas distribution networks, process plants, and industrial equipment.

The typical scope includes defining objectives, delimiting boundaries, compiling asset inventories, and gathering performance data from meters, sensors, and maintenance records. Site inspections and nondestructive testing are used to locate suspected leak sources.

Common detection methods include acoustic listening for liquids and gases, infrared thermography, tracer-gas testing, pressure decay or differential pressure tests, and mass-balance analyses. In large facilities, drones or automation-assisted monitoring may be employed.

Output usually consists of a structured report listing identified leaks, estimated leak rates, risk and consequence assessments, and prioritized corrective actions with estimated costs and timelines. A remediation plan may include repairs, component replacements, preventive maintenance, or process changes, plus a plan for verification.

Leckageaudits are often integrated with environmental, health and safety, energy management, and asset-management systems. They support regulatory compliance, leak-reduction targets, and improved operational efficiency.

Limitations include measurement uncertainty, access constraints, concealed leaks, and the need for repeated audits to track improvements. Techniques may require specialized equipment and trained personnel; results depend on data quality and model assumptions.