Issue Date: January 20, 2012
Revision Date: April 21, 2015
Leak Detection Technologies
MDleak Enhanced Leak Detection Method and Leak Location Method
Large Diameter Line Leak Detection Method (6 inches diameter or above)
| Certification | Leak rate of 0.005 gph with PD = 100% and PFA = 0% (with pipeline secondary containment). Leak rate of 0.005 gph with PD = 97.5% and PFA = 2.5% (pipeline direct contact to soil). The U.S. EPA has not set a minimum detectable leak rate for large diameter pipeline systems (airport hydrant systems) at the time of this evaluation. |
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| Leak Threshold | A pipeline system should not be declared tight when the chemical marker detected exceeds the background level outside of the pipeline. |
| Applicability | Gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, fuel oil #4fuel oil #6 (if between 60 to 150 degrees F), solvents, waste oil. Other liquids which are compatible and soluble with an acceptable chemical marker may be tested after consultation with the manufacturer. Cannot be used where ground-water is above the bottom of the pipe and the pipe is filled with a water-miscible product unless highly volatile evaporative chemical markers are used or pipeline is emptied and tested dry. |
| Pipeline Capacity | Not limited by capacity. |
| Waiting Time | A range from 5 to 31 days after the chemical marker is mixed throughout the containment to be tested. The waiting period may be adjusted below or above this range when supported by “Controlled Leak Points” as described below. Waiting time begins after chemical marker ahs reached all portions of the pipeline begin tested. |
| Controlled Leak Points | “Controlled Leak Point” is a port where chemical marker is injected directly into the soil surrounding the containment to determine the rate at which chemical marker migrates through the backfill. It can be used to demonstrate that the chemical marker will migrate through the soil to a detection point in a documented amount of time, as described in manufacturer's procedures. |
| Chemical Marker Dosage | Dosage of the chemical marker, either liquid or vapor, is based on containment volume, and the duration of time the inoculated product will remain within the test section. The test period begins once the chemical marker has been mixed and distributed throughout the test section(s). Pipelines are typically tested in an in-service operating condition; pipelines that are out of service or under construction are tested at working pressure. Chemical marker concentration and sampling points are adjusted to meet the test specifications. |
| Soil Permeability | Soil permeability must readily allow chemical marker movement through the excavation backfill (greater than 1 Darcy) or the use of a controlled leak point is required. |
| Sampling Port | Radius of influence of each chemical marker sampling port is maximum 16 feet or a maximum separation between sampling points of 32 feet. Pipeline must be accurately located to ensure that all pipeline surfaces are within the zone of influence of a sampling port. Sampling ports must be installed per manufacturer’s guidelines. Horizontal sampling probes may be installed in manufactured backfill during the initial containment installation. These probes must be installed per manufacturer's guidelines. |
| Comments | This method can be used to test single-walled and double-walled components for leakage to soil by sampling in the backfill or to test the primary containment integrity of a double-wall component by sampling in the interstitial space. The tester may determine that pre or post testing is needed to establish the background level of chemical marker in the soil. For shorter/longer test periods, for different sampling port spacing, or in soil conditions that are uniquely different from standard engineered backfill, such as water saturated frozen soil, a controlled leak point shall be installed to document the chemical marker migration period. |
- Leak Detection Technologies
1889 North Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone: (855) 255-5325
E-mail: info@LeakDetect.net
URL: leakdetect.net - Evaluator: Ken Wilcox Associates
Tel: (816) 443-2494
Date of Evaluation: 1/7/2008
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Appearance on this list is not to be construed as an endorsement by any regulatory agency nor is it any guarantee of the performance of the method or equipment. Equipment should be installed and operated in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. For full details, please refer to our expanded DISCLAIMER page.
