Every condenser and heat exchanger develops leaks over time, and some of these leaks can lead to contamination or inefficient operation. Boiler casing leaks also give rise to energy loss, as can the breakdown of insulation and lagging.

Leakage and pressure leakage can be located quickly using an ultrasonic detector or helium as a tracer gas. Fittings, flanges, tubes and valves can all be routinely scanned for leakage using these technologies.

For rigorous leak-checking of condensers (such as seawater-cooled condensers in coastal power stations), then we would recommend a portable helium leak detector, as they can detect very small leaks.