Leckstellen

Leckstelle is a term used in German engineering to describe a point in a technical system where leakage occurs or is likely to occur. It denotes a breach in containment at joints, seals, connections, or materials, and can involve liquids or gases. Leckstellen are typically identified during quality control, routine maintenance, or incident investigations and can appear in pipes, tanks, vessels, valves, or pressure lines.

Causes of Leckstellen include material fatigue, corrosion, cracking, improper sealing, manufacturing defects, mechanical damage, thermal cycling, and excessive pressure. Aging infrastructure, vibration, and poor installation practices can also contribute to the formation or widening of leak points.

Detection and assessment rely on several methods. Visual inspection and leak testing under pressure (Dichtheitsprüfung) are common, as are soap-bubble tests, ultrasonic or infrared thermography, and specialized gas detectors or helium leak tests. In many facilities, continuous monitoring systems provide early warning of developing leak points.

Impact and safety considerations are central to managing Leckstellen. Leaks can cause water damage, contamination, or environmental harm, while in gas or chemical systems they pose risks of fire, explosion, or toxic exposure, making prompt detection and containment essential.

Prevention and repair focus on maintaining tightness and extending component life. Regular inspection and maintenance, corrosion protection, proper sealing with appropriate gaskets and fittings, and timely replacement of aged components reduce the formation of Leckstellen. When leaks are detected, repairs aim to restore containment through tightening, seal replacement, component replacement, or protective coatings.

See also: leak detection, leak testing, sealing, gasket, corrosion, pressure vessel.