leakage

Leakage is the unintended release of a substance, energy, or information from a system or container. It can involve liquids, gases, electrical current, heat, or data. Leakage is distinguished from seepage in that it implies a net escape, often through a breach, defect, or imperfect containment.

In engineering and manufacturing, common forms include fluid leaks (oil, coolant, water) and gas leaks (natural gas, air leaks in ducts). Causes include worn seals, cracked vessels, porous materials, improper assembly, and pressure differentials. In electronics, leakage current is unwanted current that flows through insulation or via imperfect insulation, contributing to inefficiency or safety risk. In information security, data leakage refers to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information through channels such as misconfigured systems or human error.

Measurement and detection: leak rate expresses how much substance escapes per unit time; units depend on the domain (liters per second, cubic meters per hour, amperes for electrical leakage). Detection methods include pressure testing, tracer gas or dye tests, infrared thermography, acoustic sensors, and leak detection and repair programs (LDAR).

Prevention and management: design for containment, robust seals and gaskets, proper materials, quality assurance, regular inspection, leak monitoring, and rapid repair. Impacts of leakage include safety hazards (fire, explosion), environmental contamination, economic losses, reduced efficiency, and regulatory penalties.