Leckagekontrolle

Leckagekontrolle (German for “leak control” or “leak detection”) refers to the systematic identification, monitoring, and remediation of unintended fluid or gas escape in technical systems. It is employed across various sectors, including petrochemical processing, water distribution, automotive engineering, aerospace, and building services, where the integrity of pipelines, tanks, seals, and ventilation networks is critical for safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency.

The discipline combines several measurement principles. Conventional methods rely on pressure testing, flow imbalance calculations, or the use of tracer gases such as helium, sulfur hexafluoride, or nitrogen. Modern approaches incorporate acoustic emission sensors, infrared thermography, ultrasonic scanners, and fiber‑optic distributed sensing, which can locate minute leaks over long distances in real time. In complex installations, computer‑assisted algorithms process data from multiple sensors to generate leak maps and predict failure points.

Regulatory frameworks in the European Union, the United States, and other jurisdictions prescribe minimum leak detection standards for sectors where hazardous substances are handled. Compliance often mandates periodic inspection, documentation of findings, and corrective action plans. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, production downtime, and heightened risk of fire, explosion, or environmental contamination.

In industrial practice, leak detection is typically integrated into preventive maintenance programs. Early‑stage identification allows for targeted repairs, reduces material loss, and minimizes downtime. Emerging trends include the use of drones for aerial inspection of pipelines, machine‑learning models for anomaly detection, and the development of self‑healing materials that can seal small breaches autonomously.