Effective leak detection and containment monitoring
Almost all petroleum and chemical producers worldwide want to ensure effective leak detection and monitoring of the integrity of tank and pipeline systems. But containment experts complain that many companies still rely on irregular manual inspection rather than continuous monitoring of containment systems.
A handful of tank farm operators are afraid to adopt continuous monitoring systems unless they absolutely have to. This is in case leaks highlighted by monitoring equipment are used by regulators to fine the operator for negligence. On the other hand, many oil and chemical storage firms take a more responsible approach, recognising the need to use the best technology available to protect the environment. There is no common approval system for leak detection equipment. In the US, evaluation of leak detection equipment and systems is based on EPA Standard Test procedures for Evaluating Leak Detection Methods (EPA/530/IST- 90/004 to 010) and other test procedures. In Europe, tests are based on EN 1360 for leak detection, EN 141425 for integrity of pipes in petrol stations, and EN 1225 for tank inspection. Elements of these standards are also adopted to varying degree in other markets.
Leak detection systems cover a wide gamut from automatic tank gauging and volumetric tank tightness to continuous in-tank leak detection, non-volumetric tank tightness, statistical inventory reconciliation analysis, interstitial monitoring, outside tank and oil sheen detection systems, aboveground storage tank systems and secondary containment designs.
'Long-term experience shows that in conventional storage and distribution systems, a certain percentage of leaks will occur on a regular basis, whatever measures you take,' says Ruediger Steffen of leak detector supplier ECO-GTU in Germany. 'But detection of that leak along with its location equates directly to the reduction of risk, operating costs and associated downtime.'
Given growing environmental awareness there are increasing calls to enforce the use of leak detection systems. However, there is no move towards an EU leak detection directive. Steve Austin of US-based GE Analytical Instruments suggests that industry standards like ISO14001 encourage compliance for companies pursuing continuous improvement environmentally.
The EPA has a measure
called Spill Prevention,
Control and Countermeasure
(SPCC), which is designed to
prevent oil spills from
reaching the navigable waters
of the US or adjoining
shorelines. However, the
SPCC Rule (under regulation
40 CFR part 112) is limited to
large storage operations, i.e.
non-transportation related
facilities with total
aboveground oil storage
capacity of 1,320 gallons, or
total buried oil storage
capacity exceeding 42,000
gallons. Some smaller
facilities may fall under the
regulation due to location by
navigable waters, but there is
still strong opposition to
further amendment of 40CFR
part 112.
