A method of detecting leaks in the filter bags of a baghouse filter
chamber that includes determining when the filter bags have been cleaned
and, during a post-cleaning period after the cleaning of the filter bags,
determining whether the opacity level of the exhaust of the baghouse
filter chamber exceeds a predefined opacity limit. The determining
whether the opacity level of the exhaust of the baghouse filter chamber
exceeds a predefined opacity limit may include monitoring the opacity
level of the exhaust of the baghouse filter chamber with an opacity
sensor during the post-cleaning period and comparing the opacity readings
during the post-cleaning period with the value of the predefined opacity
limit.