Underground Diesel Tank

Duff

I have a client that has a 500 gal fiberglass diesel tank (supplies an indoor backup generator) that he wants me to uncover and investigate for leakage. He also wants me to disconnect the supply and return lines and pressure test them. Any advice on best way to do this pressure test? Anything else to look out for? Thanks
Duff

rex

what kind of lines? soft copper? if so get 2 flare X pipe thread couplings and put a gauge on one end and cap the other end... once you have tested the one side switch it over to the other.....all the oil fired appliances around here are supplied in 3/8 soft copper

KillerToiletSpider

Check your local requirements, here in Illinois you have to have an EPA certification to do any excavating of a fuel container, and to have sufficient equipment to handle an accidental rupture in the tank. Failure to comply is a fine in six figures.

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

Duff

Thanks for the feedback. Rex, it either is or is close to 3/8. What psi should I bring those up to for a safe check?

Will do on checking with environ authorities.

KillerToiletSpider

Here I think they test tanks at 40 PSI, but don't quote me on that, fuel tanks are their own business here because of all the EPA regulations.

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

Kgmz

Read here, you have to be certified to do this work.

http://maine.gov/dep/rwm/ust/index.htm


Why does he want this dug up? Someone should test the tank and lines first to see if digging it up is even necessary.

As for testing the lines, do you have a nitrogen test setup.

From the website link above:










Additional Requirements

All testing technicians shall be certified by the manufacturer of the testing equipment. (Chapter 691, Appendix B(4)(A))

All test results must include the following information in order to be accepted by the commissioner:
(1) Facility name, address, registration and tank number, and the product stored;
(2) Whether the facility components tested passed or failed, and the measured leak rate;
(3) The test method’s threshold for declaring a leak; and
(4) Certification that the test method has been performed according to the manufacturer’s protocols used in the third party evaluation. (Chapter 691, Appendix B(4)(B))

Reminder

According to Chapter 691, all tests must be preformed in strict conformity to all of the testing equipment manufacturer’s standard operating procedures and with any limitations determined by an independent testing laboratory in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved protocols, or other protocols approved by a nationally recognized independent testing organization, including but not limited to the ASTM and the National Work Group on Leak Detection Evaluations. (Chapter 691, Section 3(LL) and Chapter 691, Appendix B(1)(D))

AllAmerican

Have your Client contact a qualified fueling contractor, tank testing contractor, or environmental contractor. The tank manufacturer may be able to recommend a few or your state may publish a list of qualified tank testers online. If your Client suspects a leak there may already be a major problem you are not ready to deal with. This is an area where you dare not make mistakes.