Hidden Air Leaks, Rising Energy Costs? Fluke ii01 Makes Acoustic Leak Detection Mobile

The Fluke iSee™ ii01 mobile acoustic imaging camera helps South African maintenance teams locate compressed air leaks, inspect airtightness and identify potential energy losses using compatible Android devices.

The Hidden Cost of Compressed Air Leaks

Compressed air is widely used across South African manufacturing plants, mining operations, processing facilities and industrial production environments. However, leaks in compressed air systems can go undetected for extended periods, contributing to unnecessary energy consumption, higher operating costs and reduced system efficiency. Even relatively small leaks can become an ongoing expense when compressed air systems operate continuously. Finding these leaks can be challenging, particularly in noisy industrial environments where escaping air may be difficult to hear or locate. To help maintenance teams address these challenges, the Fluke iSee™ ii01 Acoustic Imaging Camera is a compact mobile solution that makes acoustic leak detection more accessible to industrial technicians. The ii01 is the first acoustic imaging solution in Fluke’s iSee™ mobile imaging series, bringing professional acoustic diagnostics to compatible Android smartphones and tablets.

How Does the Fluke ii01 Acoustic Camera Work?

Traditional leak detection can involve listening for escaping air, inspecting individual connections or using dedicated ultrasonic detection equipment. The Fluke ii01 acoustic camera uses Fluke’s SoundMap™ acoustic imaging technology to help technicians locate sound sources visually. High-precision MEMS sensors capture acoustic information, which is processed and displayed through the Fluke iSee™ application. The resulting visualisation helps technicians identify the direction and location of detected acoustic sources, making it easier to investigate potential compressed air and gas leaks. Rather than relying solely on what technicians can hear, acoustic imaging provides a visual representation of detected sound.

A Detection Frequency Range of 2 kHz to 48 kHz

The Fluke ii01 operates across a detection frequency range of 2 kHz to 48 kHz, supporting industrial applications such as compressed air leak detection and airtightness inspection. This range enables the camera to detect acoustic emissions associated with leaks within its supported operating capabilities. A dedicated leak detection mode allows technicians to select an optimised frequency band with a single control. The camera also displays real-time sound pressure level readings in decibels (dB) at the target centre point, providing additional information during inspections. These features help technicians identify potential leak locations and investigate areas requiring maintenance attention.

Why Is Acoustic Imaging Useful for Compressed Air Leak Detection?

Compressed air systems contain numerous potential leakage points, including pipe connections, fittings, valves, couplings and other components. Over time, wear, vibration and changes in operating conditions can contribute to leaks. In busy industrial environments, these problems may remain unnoticed until energy consumption increases or system performance is affected. Acoustic imaging provides maintenance teams with a practical method of inspecting systems and locating sound sources associated with escaping air.

Benefits for Industrial Maintenance Teams

• Identify potential energy losses
  Locating compressed air leaks allows maintenance teams to investigate and repair sources of unnecessary compressed air consumption.
• Support proactive maintenance
  Regular inspections can help identify developing problems before they contribute to more significant operational issues.
• Improve inspection efficiency
  Visual acoustic information helps technicians focus their investigation on areas where sound sources have been detected.
• Support maintenance documentation
  Captured images and videos can be used to record inspection findings and communicate potential problems to maintenance teams.
• Improve accessibility
  A compact mobile acoustic camera provides an alternative to larger dedicated acoustic imaging systems for supported applications.
• Turn an Android Smartphone into an Acoustic Imaging Tool

One of the Fluke ii01’s defining features is its mobile-first design. Unlike larger standalone acoustic imaging systems, the ii01 connects directly to a compatible Android smartphone or tablet through USB-C. The camera works with the Fluke iSee™ application, providing an interface for viewing acoustic information, capturing inspection results and sharing findings.
With plug-and-play connectivity, technicians can begin using the device without complex configuration procedures.

Weighing approximately 50 grams, the ii01 is compact enough to carry between inspection locations while providing a rugged design intended for industrial environments. Its portability makes it suitable for maintenance personnel who need to inspect multiple areas across a facility.

Capture, Analyse and Share Acoustic Inspection Results

Locating a potential leak is only one part of the maintenance process. Technicians must also document findings, communicate with maintenance personnel and arrange appropriate corrective action.
The Fluke ii01 supports image and video capture through the connected Android device.
Using the Fluke iSee™ application, technicians can:

• View acoustic imaging information.
• Capture images and videos during inspections.
• Analyse detected acoustic sources.
• Share inspection findings with colleagues.
• Support maintenance reporting and follow-up activities.

This connected workflow helps teams move from identifying a potential problem to documenting and communicating the required maintenance action.

Industrial Applications for the Fluke ii01 Acoustic Camera

The Fluke ii01 is designed for industrial inspection tasks where acoustic imaging can help locate potential leaks and assess airtightness.
1. Manufacturing and Production Facilities
Compressed air is commonly used to operate pneumatic equipment, production machinery and automation systems. The ii01 can help maintenance teams locate potential leaks in compressed air distribution systems and associated equipment.
2. Mining and Mineral Processing
Mining and processing facilities often rely on compressed air for various industrial operations. Portable acoustic imaging can support inspections of accessible compressed air infrastructure, helping maintenance personnel identify potential sources of energy waste.
3. Food and Beverage Processing
Compressed air systems are used throughout many food and beverage production facilities. The ii01 can assist technicians in locating potential leaks in pneumatic equipment and compressed air distribution systems.
4. Automotive Manufacturing
Automotive production environments frequently use compressed air for pneumatic tools, assembly equipment and automated processes. Acoustic imaging can support routine inspections and compressed air maintenance programmes.
5. Industrial Facilities and Utilities
Facilities teams can use the ii01 to investigate potential leaks and perform airtightness inspections in supported systems.

From Reactive Troubleshooting to Proactive Maintenance

Industrial maintenance teams are increasingly expected to improve equipment reliability while controlling operating expenditure. Undetected compressed air leaks can contribute to energy waste, and delayed identification may allow problems to persist.
According to Vineet Thuvara, Fluke’s Chief Product Officer: “Advanced diagnostics should not be limited by complexity, cost, or accessibility.”

The Fluke ii01 supports this approach by providing acoustic imaging in a compact device compatible with Android equipment. By incorporating acoustic inspections into routine maintenance activities, teams can identify potential issues earlier and prioritise appropriate corrective action.