Release Detection for Piping

Spring 2004

Types of Piping

Safe Suction “Unsafe”

Suction Pressurized

Leak Detection Requirements

• Safe Suction- meets leak detection requirements if passes inspection

• “Unsafe” Suction- needs insitu monthly leak detection or line tightness test every 3 years

• Pressurized Piping- needs

1) Insitu monthly leak detection or annual line tightness test, and

2) Catastrophic (3 gph) leak detection

Orientation

What type of piping do you have? What method of piping leak detection are

you using? Can you prove it is working properly? Do you check your results periodically? Do you have necessary records?

Line Tightness Testing

Annual test for Pressurized piping Test every 3 years for “Unsafe Suction” Vendor and state approved tester Method listed on NWGLDE Include test results with inspection report Most common in older single wall pipe systems Don’t bother if any insitu method in place

Monthly Leak Detection Options

Interstitial Monitoring Electronic Automatic Line Leak

Detector (ALLD) set for 0.2 gph and/or 0.1 gph testing

Statistical Inventory Reconciliation (SIR)

Interstitial Monitoring: First, the Piping

Open sump lid Look where

piping penetrates sump wall

Is there a boot at the end or is the end open?

Interstitial Monitoring: Next, the Measurement

If Electronic, look for• Sensor. Flip over and

check console readout

• Wiring. Check condition

• Print-out or hand written log

If Manual, look for• Sensorless sump

• Measuring device (stick, eyeball)

• Hardcopy Log

Interstitial Monitoring:Finally, the Console (electronic)

Tied into automatic tank gauge panel or “Idiot” light

If automatic tank gauge panel• Check sensor status after tipping over sensor.

If Idiot Light• See that it is on after tipping over sensor.

If either but no paper• Find monthly log

Interstitial Log

Written logs not preferable but legal

Make a blank log form for your site

Electronic Automatic Line Leak Detector Make sure ALLD is

programmed for 0.2 gph testing.

Make sure there is at least one passing test per month, printout or hand written log

Check the equipment evaluation summary on the NWGLDE list (Is the device installed within limitations?)

Statistical Inventory Reconciliation for Piping

Check SIR records Check third party evaluation to make

sure it is on the NWGLDE list Make sure the NWGLDE list states the

method is evaluated for piping.

Example of Suction Piping

No pump Double Wall

Piping Sump Sensor

Safe Suction

Piping slopes back to tank• Checking this the eyeball way, if questionable

inspector my use a transit or level

Operates under atmospheric pressure• Have to assume this one

No more than one check valve at the dispenser (top of tank)• Inspector need to check if possible.

“Unsafe” Suction One of these things

• Piping slopes away from tank

• Check valve in tank

• Not at atmospheric pressure

Leak Detection Options • 3 year Line Tightness

Test

• Monthly Leak Detection such as Interstitial Monitoring or SIR

Example of Pressurized Piping Leak Detection

Sump Double-wall

piping and Sump Sensor (Monthly)

Pump Electronic

ALLD (Catastrophic 3gph test)

Example of Mechanical ALLD for Catastrophic Leak Detection

Functional element of pump

Mechanical ALLD (Catastrophic 3gph)

Piping Crusty, oily

water (must be removed)

Mechanical ALLD: what the inspector needs

Confirm presence and operation Review third party evaluation (NWGLDE list- is

the device installed within limitations?) Confirm annual function test protocol and

review last annual function test results. (If moer than a year since last test, your inspector may be able to perform the test.) Test results are submitted to DEC with the inspection report.

Inspector will also need to inspect monthly/annual leak detection method

Example of Electronic ALLD for Catastrophic Leak Detection Electronic ALLD

(capable of Catastrophic 3gph and monthly 0.2gph)

Look for electrical wire A controller panel

(box) for the electronic ALLD is usually near pump control boxes or incorporated in the Automatic Tank Gauge and Sensor Control Panel

Electronic ALLD: what the inspector needs Confirm presence and operation Review third party evaluation (NWGLDE list- is the device

installed within limitations?) Review documentation of maintenance/testing as

recommended by manufacturer. Most manufacturers say they are self-testing, but some manufacturers require annual calibration. Your inspector my be able to perform necessary maintenance/testing.

Catastrophic - Printout of last passing 3.0 gph test result or written documentation of last passing test • Monthly – printouts of last 12 months passing 0.2 gph test results

For now, State of Alaska is not requiring function testing annually unless recommended by manufacturer or the equipment is not on the NWGLDE list.

Release detection for piping record keeping

Mechanical ALLD (3gph): Annual function test results Electronic ALLD (3gph): last passing test printout/function test

results and possibly documentation of calibration Electronic ALLD monthly 0.2 gph leak detection: monthly

printout/function test results or monthly written log documenting display has been checked

Interstitial Manual: written monthly log Interstitial Electronic: printout- examples Veeder-Root “Sensor

Status Report”; EBW “Contact Report”; Incon “Line Compliance Report” or hand written log if display only (no printer)

Annual line tightness test: Test results SIR: Monthly report

Bottom Line1) Review leak detection

MONTHLY and Keep your leak detection records in

order

2) Extra vigilance is required to ensure pressurized piping leaks are detected ASAP