Detection of Pinpoint Leak Underground Storage Tank Testing using Vacuum System

Dear all my friends,

Our company doing underground storage tank & pipeline testing, located in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, South of Asia.

We have problem to detect PINPOINT from ullage portion, the tank have Diping connector (Dia 2"), Delivery pipe conector (Dia 3"), Ventilation conector (Dia 2") and other spare conector for other used i.e ATG (Automatic Tank Gauging) system (Dia 3").

Leakage from underground tank, we using Vacuum System ( The system operate together with PPRESSURE SENSOR (MONOMETER). When a leak exists above the water table, air will enter the tank causing a loss off negatif pressure. This negative pressure is measured by pressure sensitive gauges and monometer. The system is capable of detect a loss of pressure as small as 0.0036 PSI).

A motor blower is used to reduce the positive pressure in the tank and bring the tank below athomospheric pressure. If a tank leak are above ground water, air will intrude into the tank, which causes a buble or hiss sound (we put ACOUSTIC PROCESSOR HYDROPHONE, to respond curves of the instrumention allows it to discriminate easily between bubbles, hiss, leak, leak type and any mechanical vibration, this equipment gives true "LIVE" sound, reproducing a natural sound which is comfortable and easly recognizable for the result).

Coused the tank system "Failed". If a tank system leaks and the leaks are below the ground water, water will intrude into the tank (we put WATER SENSOR, when a leak exists below the outside water table, water will enter the tank causing a water level increses. The water sensor operates on the principle of conductivity minimum of 0.014" of water in tank. The resolution of the water sensor is 0.0095")

So far we don't have any problem explain to our regular customer, but after doing the testing to new customer the resurt "FAILLED" at the top of tank. Customer need to know the PINPOINT from whare water comming in i.e diping pipe, delivery pipe, ventaltion pipe or other pipe. As discution earlier the system produce the positive result either "PASSED" of "FAILLED".

We try gived the unswer from the Pinpoin of the results. If the instruction is TRUE, maybe we very LUCKY. We can safe the cost of operation maintenance work to customer. If NOT, maybe cos off maintenance work to customer higher.

Any idea to impoved this system or other system need to install to detect perfect location water dripped and hiss sound or other related equipment, please let me know.

Your cooperation highly expreciated.

Regards.

Zulkifeli Md Yunus

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia.

Note : Tank capacity is 28,523 Litter (UK Gallon 6,274) and diameter 104 inch (2,641mm)