TBS prototype test program in service tank bottom leak detection and repair system; Final technical report

Technical Report · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:721277

Lewis, D E

The invention is a process for detecting, locating and repairing leaks in the bottom of large storage tanks, particularly those used for storage of petroleum products. The process uses under tank conduits as a means of testing, by vacuum and pressure measurements, to detect leaks in a tank bottom while the tank is in service. The process can also uses the same conduits to inject epoxy resins under pressure to seal leaks while the tank remains in service. A prototype above ground storage tank leak test system has been built and tested. It has successfully detected leaks as small as 0.020 inch in diameter and located them by computer read out as accurately as can be measured in the tank with a measuring tape. The new method studied in this test located leaks as small as 0.020 in two minutes in spite of noisy conditions around the test tank area. This non intrusive leak detection method can be constructed on tanks without taking the tank out of service. A new era in tank leak detection is possible if the pneumatic emissions developed by this test work are combined with the acoustic emissions techniques and equipment already in existance. The cost of equipment installation and testing is less than one fifth the cost of installation of a second bottom. Follow up testing costs will be in the range of several thousand dollars. 5 refs., 24 figs.

• Research Organization: Lewis Engineering and Project Management, Inc., Corpus Christi, TX (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG01-89CE15397
• OSTI ID: 721277
• Report Number(s): DOE/CE/15397--T9; ON: TI91020968
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
42 ENGINEERING
EPOXIDES
IN-SERVICE INSPECTION
INJECTION
LEAK TESTING
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
PROGRESS REPORT
TANKS