Release Detection for Piping

1. Spring 2004 Release Detection for Piping

2. Types of Piping • Safe Suction • “Unsafe” Suction • Pressurized

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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

10. Interstitial Log • Written logs not preferable but legal • Make a blank log form for your site

11. 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?)

12. 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.

13. Example of Suction Piping • No pump • Double Wall Piping • Sump Sensor

14. 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.

15. “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

16. Example of Pressurized Piping Leak Detection • Sump • Double-wall piping and Sump Sensor (Monthly) • Pump • Electronic ALLD (Catastrophic 3gph test)

17. Example of Mechanical ALLD for Catastrophic Leak Detection • Functional element of pump • Mechanical ALLD (Catastrophic 3gph) • Piping • Crusty, oily water (must be removed)

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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

22. Bottom Line Review leak detection MONTHLY and Keep your leak detection records in order Extra vigilance is required to ensure pressurized piping leaks are detected ASAP