Photo Courtesy of Furness Controls

On February 9, in Allentown, PA, a pipeline explosion resulted in the deaths of five people. According to The Republic, although the disaster is still being investigated, new guidelines are already being put in place to help ensure this doesn’t happen again. The new guidelines include increasing the monitoring of pipes, especially during the winter when freezing and cracking are more at a high risk. Hopefully this will prevent future disasters due to pipe leaks and malfunctions. Proper leak detection can not only save lives by explosions, but it helps reduce heart and other problems that can occur from inhaling dangerous gases, as well as reduce damage to the ozone and planet.

Proper leak detection equipment is of vital importance to homes as well as large manufacturing industries. Whether the leak is coming from medical equipment, a home refrigerator, an automobile, a scientific leak or an industrial leak, the potential for harm is great. Leak detectors can be large permanent built in devices or small hand held ones. Leak detectors are designed to identify and locate liquid or gas leaks in systems. They are able to detect the amount and compositions of the leaks through sound, visible detectors, flame ionization or ultrasonic waves. Gas analyzers, gas detectors and leak testers are also used to determine if a leak exists, where it is and its composition.

Dangers due to leak detection malfunctions are a serious hazard. Especially in areas where the pipes could freeze and crack, monitoring must occur regularly. One of the greatest problems when it comes to leak detection, is it is something many don’t think about until it is too late. Luckily, in many cases, permanent detectors can be installed. However, even in these cases they should occasionally be checked to ensure they are working properly. While it may be annoying to check regularly, the dangers present if they are not make it worth it.