Like many home-grown businesses, Leak Detection Services, Inc. humbly began in the basement of its founder and current owner, Joseph G. Dimmick.

Initially, Mr. Dimmick began his engineering career at the US NAVY’s, David Taylor Research Center, located in Annapolis, Md.

The US NAVY’s nuclear submarines often require valve maintenance, resulting in dry docking and shell removal. Similar to power plants, these subs often experienced items tagged for repair – but later found out that the items were, in fact, tight. Of course, this was a great expense, in terms of dollars, time, and lost “at-sea” operations.

Mr. Dimmick noted the need for an acoustic monitoring system that could systematically detect leaking valves while also eliminating cross-talk and background noise. Mr. Dimmick worked closely with design engineer, Lloyd Powell, to develop the plotter based AVLA. Our current technology, The ValveAlyzer® System, is still based on the same principals.

The US NAVY became Leak Detection Services, Inc.’s first client in 1979. Leak Detecton Services, Inc’s. initial service included simple testing and analysis of leaking and tight valves for the purpose of predictive maintenance. Eventually the ability to test traps using time signature analysis was added. During 2000 we worked with various clients to develop the first accurate method, of prioritizing leaking valve and traps for repair based on their impact on overall plant efficiency.

We now focus our service on lowering heat rate, increasing output, and improving overall power plant efficiency. We do this through the identification of leaking turbine cycle isolation valves and traps. We have successfully and accurately identified in excess of $60 Million dollars of potential plant wide savings.