United States	Office of Underground Storage
Environmental Protection Tanks
&EPA
Standard Test Procedures For
Evaluating Release Detection
Methods: Pipeline Release
Detection
May 2019

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Acknowledgments
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Underground Storage Tanks contracted
with Battelle under Contract No. EP-C-10-001 to revise EPA's 1990 Standard Test Procedures
for Evaluating Release Detection Methods. Individual members of the National Work Group on
Leak Detection Evaluations, as well as Ken Wilcox and Associates, reviewed this document and
provided technical assistance. A stakeholder committee, comprised of approximately 50
representatives from release detection method manufacturers and various industry associations,
also commented on this document
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Contents
Acknowledgments	ii
List Of Acronyms And Abbreviations	v
Section 1: Introduction	1
1.1	Background	1
1.2	Objectives And Application	2
1.3	Evaluation And Approach Summary	3
1.4	Organization Of This Document	4
Section 2: Safety	5
Section 3: Apparatus And Materials	6
3.1	Pipeline Release Detection Method	6
3.2	Pipelines	6
3.3	Product	7
3.4	Equipment For Generating Test Conditions	8
3.4.1	Line Pressure	8
3.4.2	Leak Simulation	9
3.4.3	Pipeline Compressibility	12
3.4.4	Product Temperature	13
3.4.5	Trapped Vapor	16
3.5	Miscellaneous Equipment	18
Section 4: Test Procedure	19
4.1	Pipeline Release Detection Method Evaluation	19
4.2	Evaluation Procedures	25
Section 5: Calculations	27
5.1	Quantitative Pipeline Release Detection Methods	27
5.1.1	Basic Statistics	27
5.1.2	False Alarm Rate, P(fa)	29
5.1.3	Probability OfDetecting ALeakRate Of 3.0 gal/hr, P(d)	31
5.2	Qualitative Pipeline Release Detection Methods	31
5.2.1	Probability Of False Alarm, P(fa)	31
5.2.2	Probability OfDetecting A Leak, P(d)	32
5.3	Release Detection Tests With Trapped Vapor In The Pipeline	33
Section 6: Reporting Of Results	34
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Appendices
Appendix A: Definitions And Student's t Distribution	A-l
Appendix B: Reporting Forms	B-l
Figures
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram Of An Apparatus To Generate Small And Large Leaks In
The Pipeline	11
Figure 2. Mechanical Device To Modify The Compressibility Characteristics Of The
Pipeline System	12
Figure 3. Geometry Of The Temperature Measurements To Be Made In The Backfill
And Soil Surrounding An Underground Pipeline	15
Figure 4. Vapor Pocket Apparatus For Trapping Vapor In A Pipeline System	17
Figure 5. Student's t-Distribution Function	30
Tables
Table 1. Maximum Detectable Leak Rate Per Test Section Volume	2
Table 2. Analytical Methods for Bio-Component Determination	8
Table 3. Nominal Leak Rates For The Type Of Testing Being Evaluated	21
Table 4. Quantitative Release Detection Method Test Design	23
Table 5. Qualitative Release Detection Method Test Design	24
Table 6. Notation Summary	28
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List Of Acronyms And Abbreviations
ASTM International American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International
ATGS
automatic tank gauging system
B
bias
C
compressibility
°C
degree Celsius
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
df
degrees of freedom
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
°F
degree Fahrenheit
ft
foot/feet
gal
gallon
gal/hr
gallon per hour
hr
hour
in.
inch
LR
leak rate
min
minute
mL
milliliter
MSE
mean squared error
NWGLDE
National Work Group on Leak Detection Evaluations
OUST
Office of Underground Storage Tanks
%
percent
psi
pounds per square inch
P(d)
probability of detecting a leak
P(fa)
probability of false alarm
SD
standard deviation
Th
threshold
UST
underground storage tank
V
volume
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Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Background
The federal underground storage tank (UST) regulation specifies performance standards for
release detection methods. UST owners and operators must demonstrate the release detection
method that they use meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulatory
performance standards. This document provides test procedures for evaluating the release
detection category pipeline release detection methods.
The pipeline release detection document is one of four main EPA standard test procedures for
release detection methods. The test procedures present performance testing approaches to
evaluate various release detection method categories according to the federal UST regulation in
40 CFR part 280, Subpart D. To provide context for the four test procedure documents, EPA
developed General Guidance Usins EPA's Standard Test Procedures For Evaluating Release
Detection Methods. The general guidance provides an overview of the federal UST regulation,
methods, and testing that may result in release detection methods listed as compliant with the
regulatory performance standards. The general guidance is integral; it must be used with the test
procedures.
The federal UST regulation specify performance standards for release detection methods used to
test the integrity of the underground piping. Pipeline release detection requirements involve two
types of tests:
•	Catastrophic line leak detection. Pressurized underground piping must be equipped with
an automatic line leak detector that will alert the operator to the presence of a 3 gallon per
hour (gal/hr) at 10 pounds per square inch (psi) leak by restricting or shutting off the flow
of product through the piping or by triggering an audible or visual alarm within one hour
of detecting the leak.
•	Periodic line leak detection - annually or monthly
o Annual line tightness test or monthly line monitoring tests. The annual line
tightness test must be capable of detecting a leak of 0.10 gal/hr (at a pressure 150
percent of the operating pressure of the line) with a probability of detection (P(d))
of 95 percent or greater and a probability of false alarm (P(fa)) of 5 percent or
less.
o Monthly line test methods are expected to detect leaks as small as 0.20 gal/hr (at
the operating pressure of the line) with the same P(d) of 95 percent and P(fa) of 5
percent. The monthly monitoring requirement may also be met by one of three
other qualitative methods of release detection: vapor monitoring, groundwater
monitoring, or interstitial monitoring.
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Note: Bulk piping associated with airport hydrant fuel distribution systems and field-constructed
tanks have some alternative semiannual and annual test options, with the leak rate determined by
the piping test section volume, but varying from 0.50 gal/hr to 3.0 gal/hr.
1.2 Objectives And Application
The objectives of the pipeline release detection test procedures are twofold: they provide
standard test procedures for evaluating the performance of release detection methods in a
consistent and objective manner, and they allow the regulated community and regulatory
authorities to verify compliance with the federal UST regulation.
The methods addressed by these test procedures are associated with the piping, connections,
manifolds, dispensers, etc., that make up the pipeline at an UST facility. Both pressurized and
suction-piping release detection methods are included however, suction pipelines must be
pressurized for the tests. The test procedures can be used to evaluate three types of pressurized
pipeline leak detectors:
•	Those that perform frequent tests for a large leak rate, such as hourly tests of the
line and that claim to detect leak rates of 3 gal/hr defined at 10 psi with a P(d) of 0.95 and
a P(fa) of 0.05
•	Those that perform tests to identify low level leaks or that a system is tight, either with a
monthly monitoring test with a claimed performance of 0.20 gal/hr or with a line
tightness test—annually for pressurized piping or every 3 years for suction piping—
with a claimed performance of 0.10 gal/hr with a P(d) of 0.95 and a P(fa) of 0.05
•	Those that are designed to monitor bulk piping and claim the performance standards
presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Maximum Detectable Leak Rate Per Test Section Volume
Test Section Volume*
(gallons)
Semiannual Test Maximum
Detectable Leak Rate**
(gal/hr)
Annual Test Maximum
Detectable Leak Rate**
(gal/hr)
less than 50,000
1.0
0.5
> 50,000 to < 75,000
1.5
0.75
> 75,000 to < 100,000
2.0
1.0
> 100,000
3.0
1.5
* "Bulk piping" is greater than 50,000 gallons and associated with an airport hydrant fuel distribution systems
and field-constructed tanks.
**If local regulations specify leak rates more stringent than those in the EPA regulation or the vendor desires to
be evaluated under more stringent conditions, EPA-specified target rates can be substituted with different leak
conditions associated with the more stringent target rate.
The test procedures evaluate whether a pipeline release detection method meets the EPA
performance standards for release detection. All pipeline release detection methods will be
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evaluated for P(d) and P(fa) for the vendor-specified pipeline configuration. The evaluations are
conducted under ambient test conditions, primarily product temperature, and at the leak rate at
least as stringent as specified in the federal UST regulation. These test procedures can be used to
evaluate common types of release detection methods, including those that measure pressure,
volume, or flow-rate changes in the pipeline. The P(fa) will be estimated at the threshold used
by the vendor, and the P(d) will be estimated at the leak rate specified in the federal UST
regulations, or better.
The test procedures evaluate the performance of the hourly test, monthly monitoring test, and the
annual line tightness test, under different simulated leak rates and times needed to conduct the
tests. A 3-gal/hr leak is used in the evaluation of the hourly test and can be conducted in the
shortest amount of time. For the monthly monitoring test, the P(d) will be estimated at a leak
rate of approximately 0.20 gal/hr, while for the line tightness test the P(d) will be estimated at a
leak rate of approximately 0.10 gal/hr or the appropriate bulk piping threshold. The procedures
require that performance in terms of leak rate, P(d), and P(fa) be determined for the specified
pipeline configuration and a wide range of product temperature conditions. In many cases, a
method appropriate for the hourly test may not be appropriate for low leak rate detection
associated with the other testing; these methods can be evaluated only for the hourly test against
the vendor stated method capabilities. On the other hand, methods specific for low-level release
detection may be evaluated for monthly monitoring and tightness testing only. However, any
line leak detector that can address all applicable performance standards can be evaluated under
the same range of environmental and pipeline-configuration conditions as the methods that
conduct for hourly, monthly monitoring and line tightness tests. The test procedures require that
the evaluator calculate and report both the P(fa) at the vendor-stated threshold and the P(d) for
the appropriate leak rate specified in the federal UST regulation, or better. If it has proven
performance, an automatic line leak detector used to satisfy the hourly test can also be used to
satisfy the monthly monitoring test or the annual line tightness test.
Although safety is a consideration while conducting testing, these test procedures do not address
the issue of safety specific to detection methods and their operating procedures, merely basic
laboratory safety concerns and procedures. The vendor is responsible for conducting the testing
necessary to ensure that the method is safe for operation with the type of product being tested.
Ultimately, the results of this evaluation can be used to prove that the method meets the
requirements of 40 CFR Part 280, subject to the limitations listed on the EPA Standard
Evaluation Form in Appendix B.
1.3 Evaluation And Approach Summary
Evaluators can use these test procedures to evaluate the performance of release detection
methods used for testing pipelines associated with USTs for releases. The test procedures apply
to release detection methods that are physically attached to the pipeline and that can relate the
measured output quantity to a leak rate associated with the loss of product through a hole in a
pipeline under pressure. Two release detection scenarios are addressed in these test procedures:
the ability to detect a large release that occurs over a short time, and the ability to test for a small
release over a long period.
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In general, the test procedures call for using the pipeline release detection method on a tank
system known to be tight and estimating the leak rate, both under the no leak condition and under
induced leak conditions. The leak rate measured by the pipeline release detection method is
compared to the induced leak rate for each test. To estimate the performance of the method, the
differences are summarized and used with the normal probability model for the measurement
errors. The results are applicable to release detection methods for both pressurized and suction
piping.
These test procedures provide two approaches for generating the data necessary to evaluate
pipeline release detection methods capabilities. The first approach is to conduct the evaluation at
an instrumented test facility specifically designed to evaluate pipeline release detection methods,
and the second is to perform it at one or more operational UST facilities that are specially
instrumented to conduct the evaluation. Both options require that the data be collected under a
specific set of product temperature differentials, which are measured as part of the test
procedures, on a pipeline system that has defined characteristics. For small pipelines, up to
50,000-gallon capacity, the following temperature differentials will be tested: -10-degree
Fahrenheit (°F), 0°F, and 10°F. For larger pipelines, greater than 50,000 gallons, the
temperatures will be recorded as is, but will not require the temperature ranges specified for
small pipes.
1.4 Organization Of This Document
The evaluation approach is presented in detail in the following sections of this document.
•	Section 2 presents a brief discussion of safety issues.
•	Section 3 describes the apparatus and materials needed to conduct the tests
•	Section 4 presents step-by-step procedures
•	Section 5 describes the data analysis and provides some interpretation of the results.
•	Section 6 describes how the results are to be reported.
•	Appendix A includes definitions for some technical terms
•	Appendix B contains the forms for the data collection and reporting
o Standard reporting forms for the evaluation results
o Standard forms for describing the detection method, data reporting forms, and
individual test logs.
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Section 2: Safety
The vendor should test the pipeline release detection method equipment, determine the
equipment is safe for the products it is designed for, and provide a safety protocol as part of its
standard operating procedure. The protocol should specify requirements for safe installation and
use of the method. In addition, all facilities hosting an evaluation of a pipeline release detection
method should supply its safety policy and procedures to evaluating personnel on site. All safety
requirements should be followed to ensure the safety of those performing the evaluation and
those near the evaluation.
At a minimum, the following safety equipment should be available at the site:
•	Two class ABC fire extinguishers;
•	One eyewash portable station;
•	Adequate quantity of spill absorbent; and
•	Appropriate Safety signage such as "No Smoking" "Authorized Personnel Only" and
"Keep Out".
Personnel working at the UST facility should wear safety glasses when working with product
and wear steel-toed shoes when handling heavy pipes or covers. After the safety equipment has
been placed at the site and before any work can begin, the area should be secured with
appropriate signage.
All safety procedures appropriate for the product in the tanks should be followed, as well as, any
safety procedures required for a test equipment.
These test procedures only address the issue of the method's ability to detect leaks. It does not
address testing the release detection method for safety hazards. The vendor should arrange for
testing for construction standards to ensure that key safety hazards such as intrinsic safety,
product compatibility, fire, and shock are addressed. The evaluator should ensure that safety
testing has been completed before the equipment is used for performance testing to ensure that
the test operation will be as safe as possible.
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Section 3: Apparatus And Materials
3.1	Pipeline Release Detection Method
The vendor will supply the equipment for each pipeline release detection method. In general,
other than automatic line leak detectors, a pipeline release detection method will consist of some
system to: monitor product volume; compensate for temperature; and measure the pressure,
volume, or flow-rate changes in the pipeline. It will also typically include instrumentation for
collecting and recording the data, as well as procedures for using the data to calculate a leak rate
and interpret the results as pass or fail for the piping system.
When pipeline release detection methods are installed permanently and left for the UST owner
and operator to operate, the evaluator should receive specialized training and demonstrate
understanding of its proper operation. When the methods are not permanent, it is acceptable for
the vendor or a vendor representative to operate the equipment during testing.
3.2	Pipelines
Pipelines constructed at special instrumented test facilities for testing should simulate the
important features of the type of pipeline systems found at UST facilities. The test procedures
assume that the release detection method to be evaluated may be used on an underground piping
system with one or more USTs, where the diameter of the piping is at least 2 inches (in.) or be
comprised of varying diameters, and the length is at least 200 feet (ft). Whether the evaluation is
conducted at a special instrumented testing facility or at operational UST facility, the minimum
requirements are as follows:
•	The pipeline, constructed of commercially available materials, such as fiberglass, steel,
flex piping and/or semi-rigid piping, must have a diameter of, or comprised of varying
diameters, at least 2 in. ± 0.5 in.
•	The pipeline must be at least 200 ft long.
•	The pipeline system must have a known compressibility (C).
•	A mechanical line leak detector must be present within the line if the release detection
method being evaluated normally conducts tests with this device in place.
•	There must be a way to pressurize the pipeline system.
•	There must be a tank or storage container to hold product withdrawn from the line during
a test.
•	There must be a pump to circulate product from the storage container through the
pipeline. At most test facilities, this container may be an UST using a submersible pump
to pressurize the pipeline and circulate the product.
•	The pipeline must have valves that can be used to isolate the piping from other system
components, such as the UST and the dispenser. These valves must be checked for
tightness under the maximum operating pressure of the pipeline system.
•	The pipeline must contain a petroleum product during the evaluation.
•	There must be a unit to heat or cool the product in the storage container when an
evaluation is conducted at a special test facility.
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The performance of some of the methods evaluated with these test procedures may decrease as
the diameter or length of the pipeline increases. This is particularly true for volumetric
measurement methods that are directly affected by thermal expansion or contraction of the
product in the pipeline. The performance estimate generated by these test procedures is
considered valid for systems with no less than half of the ratio of the C to the volume of the
product (V) in the pipeline during the evaluation (C/V). This is an arbitrary limitation; it does
not consider the type of system, the method of temperature compensation, or the performance of
the method. It allows flexibility in the application of the method. Thus, in selecting the length
of the pipeline to be used in the evaluation, the evaluator and vendor should consider how the
method will be used operationally. The test procedures also allow the vendor to present a
separate written justification indicating why pipelines with capacities larger than this limitation
of the evaluation pipeline should be permitted. The evaluator must concur with this justification.
The evaluation report must contain both the written justification and evaluator's concurrence.
3.3 Product
The most common products in USTs today are motor fuels, particularly non-alcohol blended
gasoline, alcohol-blended gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel fuels. These test procedures are
designed primarily to evaluate these currently widely marketed products.
Any commercial petroleum product of grade number 2 or lighter may be used for testing,
depending on the availability and restrictions of the test tanks. The vendor decides which
product used during testing assures that it is capable of being used with the method equipment.
Evaluating the method with a specific product verifies its performance with that product.
Products with similar physical and chemical characteristics may be used and results may, in
some instances, be inferred to represent typical responses. The evaluator must justify the extent
of applicability of results to other products. However, alcohol-based fuels and bio-blended fuels
are appreciably dissimilar to petroleum-based fuels and the evaluation must specifically test
petroleum-based fuels, in addition to using a representative alcohol-based or bio-blended fuel
product, under reasonable conditions likely encountered in the field.
It may not be possible to find a fully representative alcohol-based or bio-blended fuel product.
Ethanol-based fuels, for example, are available in varying concentrations of ethanol content,
ranging from about 10 percent to 85 percent. Each concentration might affect functionality of a
release detection method differently. The evaluator will need to decide whether testing of
several blends of an alcohol-based or bio-blended fuel is needed in order to verify full
performance by a method.
Given the variability of the proportion of bio-components in fuels, the true proportion of ethanol
or biodiesel to fuel should be determined analytically during performance testing of a method
and reported with the test results. This characterization of the product is very important so that
users of the evaluation results know with certainty what levels of bio-component were present
during testing. The ASTM International standard methods presented below, or another national
voluntary consensus code, will be used to analyze an aliquot of the fuel for the biofuel content.
Table 2 specifies the methods that may be used for bio-component analysis by fuel.
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Table 2. Analytical Methods for Bio-Component Determination
Method
Designation
Method Title
Fuel Product
ASTMD7371
Determination of Biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
Content in Diesel Fuel Oil Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Biodiesel
ASTMD4815
Standard Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE,
TAME, DIPE, tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and CI to C4 Alcohols
in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography
Alcohol blend
up to 20%
ASTMD5501
Standard Test Method for Determination of Ethanol and
Methanol Content in Fuels Containing Greater than 20%
Ethanol by Gas Chromatography
Alcohol blend
over 20%
3.4 Equipment For Generating Test Conditions
During an evaluation of a pipeline leak detection method, the following conditions must be
generated: line pressure, which influences the leak rate; the leak itself; the compressibility of the
line; the temperature of the product in the line; and the amount of vapor trapped in the line. One
or more of the following pieces of equipment may be required to produce the test conditions: a
pressure sensor; a leak simulator; a mechanical device to modify the compressibility of the
pipeline system; product and ground temperature sensors; and an apparatus to trap vapor in the
pipeline system. The following measurements are required:
•	Measure line pressure during the test with a precision of 0.5 psi and an accuracy of 1 psi
or better;
•	Measure the flow rate due to a leak in the line at a specified pressure with an accuracy of
0.01 gal/h;
•	Measure the C of the pipeline system with a precision and accuracy such that C/V0 is
known within 0.025 psi/gal, where V0 is the volume of the product in the pipeline;
•	Measure the difference in temperature between the ground and the product at the bottom
of the tank (which is brought into the pipeline to produce a temperature condition) with
an accuracy of 0.2°F; and
•	Measure the total volume of product in the line to within 1 gallon.
No specific brand name equipment is required. The test procedures require only that the
measurements be made within the specified range of precision and accuracy, and under the
specified range of conditions.
3.4.1 Line Pressure
A pressure sensor is necessary to determine the pressure in the line during each test and to set a
leak rate. A mechanical gauge or an electromechanical transducer and automatic data acquisition
system can be used to measure pressure. A calibrated mechanical gauge is acceptable.
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To measure pressure, any mechanical pressure gauge that can be read manually to the nearest 0.5
psi and has an accuracy of 1 psi can be used. To measure pressure automatically, a pressure
transducer that has a precision and accuracy of 0.5 and 1 psi, respectively, can be used. Even if
pressure is automatically recorded, it is recommended that a mechanical pressure gauge be
inserted in the line to help conduct and control the experimental measurements. The pressure
sensor can be attached at any point on the pipeline.
These pressure sensors should be calibrated before the evaluation, or more frequently, if
required. Calibration can be done by applying a known pressure to the system and recording the
output of the sensor. A mercury manometer can be used for this purpose. Obtain calibration
data in increments of 5 psi or less; at least five points are required. A calibration curve is
generated by fitting a regression line to the pressure measured by the sensor being calibrated (y-
axis) and the known pressure from the reference source (x-axis). The precision of the sensor is
estimated from the standard deviation of the ordinate (y coordinate). The accuracy is determined
from the y-intercept of the curve of the leak rate. Convert the output of the sensor to pressure
units (for example, volts to psi) using the calibration curve; if the sensor output is already in units
of pressure, the calibration curve will correct any measurement errors that the sensor may have
developed since its original calibration by the vendor.
If pressure measurements are recorded digitally by a computer, it is important that the instrument
clocks be synchronized to the nearest second, and the start and end times of all required pressure
measurements be recorded. If the pressure measurements are made with a mechanical or
electrical gauge, the tester should read pressures and record the time of the reading.
3.4.2 Leak Simulation
The leak simulation equipment must be capable of being used with the release detection method
being tested. The equipment must allow for the removal of product from the pipe, measuring the
amount of product removed and the time of collection, then calculating the resulting induced
leak rate. The nominal leak rates to be induced are presented in Tables 1 and Table 3.
Since the pipeline is under pressure, a port and valve must be present to let the product flow out
under its own pressure. The flow is directed through a rotameter to set the initial flow at the
desired rate, then to simulate leak behavior, the initial rate can drop as the pressure drops on the
piping.
A leak can be generated at any location in the line. It is easier to withdraw product at either end
of the line, either near the submersible pump and mechanical line leak detector or at the shear
valve near the dispenser. However, the shear valve near the dispenser tends to be the easiest
location to generate and measure the leak. The standard pressure for defining a leak rate for all
pipeline release detection methods is 20 psi, except for hourly testing methods, in which the
federal UST regulation established a specific pressure of 10 psi, or, 3 gal/hr, as the standard for
defining the leak to be detected. Therefore, all values of leak rate will be established at 10 psi
for the hourly testing methods designed to meet the 3 gal/hr EPA standard and at 20 psi for all
other methods designed to meet the 0.20 gal/hr monthly monitoring or 1.5 times operating
pressure for 0.10 gal/hr line tightness testing standards or bulk methods. For suction lines, the
minimum pressure for the evaluation must be 15 psi. When using a leak simulator, the evaluator
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sets a leak rate by adjusting the size of an orifice, usually by means of an adjustable valve. Once
the rate of the leak through the valve or orifice has been set at 10, 15, or 20 psi, depending on
whether the method uses an hourly test, any other pressure can be used during the evaluation if
the size of the orifice does not change. The vendor stipulates an initial test pressure for any
method being evaluated. The leak rate should be measured at this initial pressure in addition to
the minimum pressure.
A mathematical relationship can be used to find the appropriate leak rate for the given pressure if
it is not possible to establish the leak rate at 10 or 20 psi. This mathematical relationship can
determine the equivalent leak rate at the test pressure so that the EPA-specified leak rate is
properly defined at 10 or 20 psi. If it is possible to test the line release detection method at the
relevant pressure, 10 psi for 3 gal/hr; operating pressure for 0.20 gal/hr; 1.5 times operating
pressure for 0.10 gal/hr or bulk method thresholds, this testing should be done directly.
The mathematical relationship required to convert a leak rate generated at the test pressure to 20
psi depends on whether the flow is laminar or turbulent, which in turn depends on the density
and viscosity of the product, the diameter of the hole, and the length and roughness
characteristics of the leak simulator itself. The relationship describing the flow through a hole in
an in-situ pipeline is even more complicated because the surrounding backfill and any residual
sediment in the product will also affect the flow rate. For laminar flow, where product moves
smoothly, the flow rate for free flow through an orifice is proportional to the pressure at the
orifice; for turbulent flow, where product flow undergoes irregular fluctuations in movement, the
flow rate is proportional to the square root of pressure. Prior to testing, the evaluator should
measure the flow to determine if it is laminar or turbulent. The equations below present
relationships that can be used to convert the leak rate at the test pressure to the leak rate at 20 psi
for turbulent and laminar flow. These equations can be used to convert leak rate (LR) measured
in psi at one pressure to a leak rate, LR.2oPsi, at a pressure of 20 psi. These two equations should
set the end points of the actual relationship for the pipeline, leak simulator and product.
LR20psi = LR (20/P)0,5 for turbulent flow
LR20psi = LR (20/P) for laminar flow
This mathematical relationship must be developed empirically for the pipeline, product, and the
leak simulator used in the evaluation. This can be done by setting the preferred leak rate at 10 or
20 psi and then measuring the flow rate through the same orifice at the test pressure; these
procedures should be repeated three times to obtain a mean value. Once completed, the leak rate
measured at the test pressure can be used during the evaluation. It is important to note that this
leak rate will be different from, but equivalent to, the leak rate measured at 10, 15, or 20 psi.
To generate the leak described above, the following equipment should be used: a leak simulator
that allows a constant flow of product from a pipeline, graduated cylinders, a stopwatch, a
pressure sensor, and a one-gallon storage container that can safely handle petroleum fuels.
Figure 1 illustrates the important features of an apparatus that can generate a leak. A mechanical
system must have three valves and able to be attached and detached from the line. Valve A,
located between the line and the metered valve, is used to open and close the line. Valve B is a
metered valve used to set the leak rate and release product from the line. This valve should have
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a dial mechanism to adjust and maintain a constant flow rate. Valve C is used to release a larger
volume of product from the line. A leak can be generated at a given line pressure by first
pressurizing the line, then opening valve A and adjusting valve B until the desired leak rate is
obtained.
While the rate leak is being measured, the line must be kept at a constant pressure. Typically,
this would be the operating pressure of the pipeline during dispensing of product. Once the
initial flow rate is set to simulate leak behavior, the initial rate can drop as the pressure drops on
the piping.
Making this measurement requires several graduated cylinders, preferably 10 milliliters (mL),
25 mL, 100 mL, and 250 mL in size. At least one graduated cylinder of each size should be
available. For safety reasons, graduated cylinders should not be used to store product; a proper
storage container should be used to hold product removed from the pipeline during the tests. The
procedures for generating a leak are as follows:
•	Bring the line to the pressure required for testing.
•	Open valve A and adjust valve B until the desired leak rate is obtained. Then close valve
A until it is time to generate a leak in the line. Open valve A to generate the leak.
•	Using a graduated cylinder and a stopwatch, measure the volume of product released
from the line until valve A is closed.
•	Repeat the leak rate measurement twice and use the mean of the three leak rate
estimates if the difference between the minimum and maximum values is less than 0.0
•	Make additional measurements if the difference between the minimum and maximum
values exceed 0.02 gal/h, and use only the last three consecutive measurements to make
the calculation.
•	Keep the pressure constant to within ±1 psi during the measurements.
Each time valve B, is adjusted, the leak rate should be measured. If testing is done over a period
of one hour or longer at one set leak rate, then the leak rate should be checked. When the test
exceeds one hour, leak rate measurements should be made at the beginning and end of the test
period and that the average leak rate be reported.
2 gal/h.
VERNIER
THREADED'
CONNECTION
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram Of An Apparatus To Generate Small And
Large Leaks In The Pipeline
11

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3.4.3 Pipeline Compressibility
Pipeline compressibility (C) is a characteristic that varies widely among systems and does not
need to be controlled for during testing; however, it is important to know under what conditions
testing takes place. Therefore, the compressibility characteristics of the pipeline system used in
the evaluation must be determined and reported. C is characterized by the compressibility of the
pipeline system, which is estimated with a simple measurement procedure using a pressure
sensor, either mechanical or electrical; a leak simulator; a stopwatch; and a graduated cylinder.
The device shown in Figure 2 consists of a liquid-tight piston installed in a cylinder. Liquid
from the pipeline enters the chamber in front of the piston. When placed under pressure, the
liquid in the pipeline will apply a force on the face of the piston; the springs attached to the back
of the piston resist this force. This device will affect the compressibility of the pipeline system.
The magnitude of its effect depends on the spring constant.
TO PIPELINE
TO ATMOSPHERE	A
SPRINGS
BLEED
M
0
AIR
/////////////
v/
/ /
/,
' /
PRODUCT
Figure 2. Mechanical Device To Modify The Compressibility Characteristics
Of The Pipeline System
To measure the pipeline C, drain the product from a line initially raised to operating pressure,
and then measure simultaneously the cumulative volume of product released from the line and
the pressure in the line at the time of the volume measurement. The procedure includes the
compressibility effects of any vapor trapped in the line. If no vapor is trapped in the pipeline, the
pressure y-axis, should be linearly related to the volume of product in the line (V0) (x-axis). The
slope of a regression line fit to these data gives an estimate of C/V0; C can be estimated directly
from the volume of the product in the line.
The value of C will depend on when and how the test pressure in the line is established. If the
pressure is raised or lowered suddenly, as typically happens when the submersible pump is
turned on, the pressure changes in the line will be adiabatic. If a test is conducted immediately
after the pressure has been raised suddenly and if the duration of the test is short, less than 5 min,
C will be nearly adiabatic. If the test is long, about 1 hour, or if the pressure is kept constant for
15 min before beginning a test, C will not be adiabatic and will have a different value.
12

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Mechanical pressure gauges are best used to measure pressure, since they eliminate the time
registration problems that are encountered if volume measurements are made manually and if
pressure measurements are made with an electrical pressure transducer and a digital acquisition
system. For a given thermodynamic regime, the value of C or C/V0 should not change as a
function of leak rate, so any convenient leak rate can be used in performing the calibration. C
can vary with temperature, so until the temperature changes in the pipeline are less than 0.01°C,
these measurements should not be made. In general, an 8- to 12-hour waiting period will ensure
that the temperature changes are small. The selected leak rate should be as large as possible
while still allowing pressure measurements to be made to within 1 psi and volume measurements
to be made to within 1 mL. In most pipelines, the total volume of product that will be drained as
the pressure drops from 20 psi to near 0 psi ranges from 20 to 200 mL.
The pressure-volume measurements can be difficult to make from an operational standpoint if
the leak rate is too large. In general, it takes two people to measure if pressure measurements are
made with a mechanical gauge and the cumulative volume of released product is read in a
graduated cylinder. The best way to make this measurement is to read the pressure in
predetermined intervals of 5 or 10 mL as the graduated cylinder is filling up with product that is
draining from the line. For most pipelines, accurate measurements are possible if the leak-
making apparatus is set to allow a flow rate of between 0.20 and 0.50 gal/hr at the test pressure;
the exact flow rate of the leak is unimportant and does not need to be measured. The data
collection should take less than 2 minutes; if the test is completed in less than 2 minutes, the
value of C should be nearly equal to the value of C for an adiabatic process. At least 5 pairs of
pressure-volume data points should be collected so that the slope of the line can be accurately
determined. Three measurements of C/V0 should be made and the mean value should be
reported. The differences between the mean value and the minimum and maximum values
should be less than 10 percent.
To estimate the volume of the product in the pipeline, the diameter and length of the pipe and
fittings need to be known. The volume of the product in the pipeline should be known to within
1 gallon, or the amount of product contained in a 6-ft length of 2-in. diameter pipe, or 10 percent
of the total volume in the line.
3.4.4 Product Temperature
Measuring the rate of change of temperature of the product inside a pipeline is difficult, since it
requires an array of temperature sensors capable of measuring the rate of change of temperature
to 0.2°F. Two to three uniformly spaced sensors are required for each 10 gal of product in the
line, a 100 ft, 2 in. diameter line would require approximately six temperature sensors. Even if
such an array measured the product temperature accurately, there is no guarantee of standardized
evaluation conditions. The temperature of the product in the pipeline changes exponentially over
time and the rate of change depends on the heat transfer properties of the pipeline and the
backfill and soil, the temperature of the product in the pipeline, and the temperature distribution
in the backfill and soil at the start of the test. As product is dispensed through the pipeline, the
temperature distribution in the surrounding backfill and soil changes. The temperature of the
backfill and soil immediately surrounding the pipeline may be very different from the
13

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temperature of the soil some distance away. The degree of difference depends on how often
product was dispensed prior to the test and how long it has been since the last dispensing of
product through the pipeline. Therefore, the actual rate of change of temperature of product in
the pipeline during two release detection tests can be different, even though the temperature
difference between the product in the tank and the temperature of the backfill or soil located far
away from the pipeline is the same.
A release detection method whose protocol includes a waiting period between the last dispensing
of product and the beginning of a test will always experience more benign temperature
conditions than a method whose protocol does not require a waiting period. Simply comparing
the temperature difference between product at the bottom of the tank and product in the pipeline,
or the ground temperature at the same depth as the pipeline but not adjacent to it, is not
sufficient, because this difference does not accurately account for the distribution of temperature
in the backfill and soil.
When there is no dispensing of product through the line, the initial rate of change of temperature
is great, but the temperature of the product in the pipeline approaches the temperature of the
ground more quickly. This, however, is not typical of what occurs at an operational facility.
Calculations with a mathematical model show that the rate of change of the product's
temperature is similar regardless of whether product is through the line for 1 hour or for 16
hours. However, when product has been flowing through the line for only several minutes, the
rate of change is quite different.
It is important to ensure that all evaluations of pipeline release detection methods are conducted
under similar conditions, particularly temperature. Four temperature sensors with a precision
and a relative accuracy of 0.2°F are required. The relative accuracy can be determined by
calibrating all four temperature sensors together in the same temperature bath so that each is
referenced to the same temperature. You should be able to measure and account for differences
in sensor readings.
As shown in Figure 3, position the three sensors in the ground somewhere near the midpoint of a
2 in. diameter pipeline and located 2, 4, and 12 inches away from the outside edge of the
pipeline. The most distant temperature sensor is intended to measure the ground temperature at a
location that is not significantly influenced by the product in the pipeline. If the temperature
sensors are too close to the dispensing end of the pipeline, their readings could be influenced by
ambient air temperature or convective mixing from product in the vertical extension of the pipe
leading into the dispenser. Therefore, the sensor array should be located at least 5 feet into the
line from either the dispenser or the tank. This may not be possible at an operational UST
facility. If there are multiple pipes in the backfill, it is preferable to use only the outer pipe. The
fourth sensor should be in the tank, approximately 4 inches from the bottom, or in whatever
container is used to store the product pumped into the pipeline during a test. This provides an
estimate of the temperature of the product that is pumped from the tank into the pipeline.
14

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PIPELINE
Figure 3. Geometry Of The Temperature Measurements To Be Made In The
Backfill And Soil Surrounding An Underground Pipeline
The temperature sensors should be calibrated before the evaluation, or more frequently, if
required by the evaluator. Calibrate the sensors by inserting the temperature sensors in a water
bath that is continuously mixed and simultaneously recording the output of these sensors and a
reference sensor. The precision of the reference sensor should be 0.02°F. The accuracy of the
reference sensor need only be good to the nearest 1°F. Measure calibration data in increments of
5 to 10°F or less over the range of ground and product temperatures expected during the
evaluation; a calibration starting at 35°F and ending at 90°F is sufficient. At least five points are
required to complete the calibration. A calibration curve is generated by fitting a regression line
to the temperature measured by each sensor being calibrated, the y-axis, and the temperature of
the water bath from the reference sensor, the x-axis. The precision of each temperature sensor is
estimated from the standard deviation of the ordinate, the y-coordinate). Estimate the accuracy
of each temperature sensor from the intercept of the curve, or the y-intercept. It is not essential
to know the absolute accuracy of each sensor, but rather that each temperature sensor measure
the same value. The relative accuracy is determined from the standard deviation of the intercepts
of each calibration curve or from the standard deviation of a given temperature calculated from
each calibration curve.
During a test, it is necessary to characterize the temperature conditions in the pipeline. The
procedure used to characterize the temperature conditions varies slightly depending on the
testing environment, which could be either a specialized test facility or one or more operational
UST facilities. Temperature is controlled on systems with less than 50,000 gallons volume, but
due to technical difficulties, may not be controlled when testing bulk piping at or greater than
50,000 gallons. When temperature conditions are generated at a test facility, product is taken
from the bottom of the tank, pumped into the line, and circulated continuously through the
pipeline until twice the volume of the pipe has been circulated. This serves three purposes:
•	Produces a difference in temperature between the product in the pipeline and the
surrounding backfill and soil
•	Produces a temperature distribution in the surrounding backfill and soil that is similar
to that produced by dispensing product at operational UST facilities
15

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• Produces repetitive temperature conditions from test to test
The end of the circulation marks the start of a release detection test or an initial waiting period.
At an operational UST facility, a release detection test should be initiated at the end of the day,
immediately after dispensing operations have ceased. Before a test begins, the entire contents of
the line must be flushed for 5 minutes with product from the bottom of the tank to produce the
temperature condition. The end of the flushing marks the start of a release detection test or an
initial waiting period.
Model calculations suggest that the rate of change in temperature of the product in the pipeline
depends on the temperature distribution of the backfill and soil immediately around the pipeline
even though the difference in temperature between the product in the pipeline and the soil that is
thermally undisturbed by the pipeline is the same. A temperature condition could be produced
by circulating product through the pipeline for 5 minutes, and then start the test; however, to
ensure repetitive conditions, you should wait 8 hours after the test before producing another
temperature condition.
The temperature condition for a particular test is calculated from the following equation
AT = Ttb — TG
where
AT = difference between the temperature of the product at the bottom of
the tank and a weighted average of the temperature of the ground
surrounding the pipeline
ITB
temperature of the product 4 inches from the bottom of the tank or
the temperature of the product to be circulated through the pipeline
Tg = [((Ti/3) + (2T2/3))/3] + [2T3/3] = weighted average of the temperature
of the ground surrounding the pipeline
Ti, T2, T3 = temperature of the backfill or soil measured 2, 4, and 12 inches from
the outer wall of the pipeline
This equation accounts for the insulating effect of the ground around the pipeline and the effect
of the temperature of the undisturbed ground.
Again, for bulk piping methods (greater than 50,000 gallons volume), temperature variations do
not need to be tested.
3.4.5 Trapped Vapor
The pipeline used in the evaluation should be free of any trapped vapor. The sensitivity of the
release detection method to vapor is assessed by trapping a known volume of vapor in the
pipeline and conducting one or more release detection tests.
16

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Figure 4 shows how a vapor pocket apparatus is used to trap vapor in a pipeline. This apparatus
can be constructed from commercially available materials and contains a tube that has a volume
of approximately 500 mL. The tube is capped at the top and bottom and has two valves that
open and close manually. The volume of vapor to be trapped in the line nominally depends on
the length of the tube and the apparatus must be airtight. If no bubbles are observed before use,
when the apparatus is under pressure and sprayed with a soapy water solution at all joints, it is
considered airtight.
TO ATMOSPHERE
MANUAL OUTLET VALVE
PRODUCT PIPELINE
MANUAL INLET VALVE
CONNECTOR
Figure 4. Vapor Pocket Apparatus For Trapping Vapor In A Pipeline
System
To measure the volume of the vapor pocket apparatus, submerge the apparatus, fill it with water,
and then close both valves. After removing any excess water from the inlet or outlet tubes,
measure the volume of the water in the apparatus by emptying it into a graduated cylinder and
taking a reading of the level to the nearest 1 mL.
The insulated vapor pocket apparatus can be attached to any part of the pipeline while both the
inlet and outlet valves are closed. Once the apparatus is attached to the line, open the outlet
valve to release any residual air that may have been trapped. The outlet valve is then closed and
the inlet valve is opened to allow product from the pipeline to enter the container and pressurize
it. When the inlet valve is open, a known volume of vapor is trapped in the line. The volume of
trapped vapor will depend on line pressure.
The presence of trapped vapor in a pipeline can be identified from the pressure-volume data
collected for estimating the compressibility of the pipeline system. Curvature of the regression
line suggests the presence of trapped vapor. Since the volume at zero pressure is known, if the
pressure-volume relationship for vapor is known, the volume of the trapped vapor in the
apparatus can be estimated. The volume of vapor trapped in the apparatus can be estimated from
the following equation of state for a gas:
Pi v.
PyV,
17

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where Pi and Vi are the absolute pressure and volume of the vapor in the line at one temperature
(Ti), P2 and V2 are the absolute pressure and volume of the vapor in the line at a second
temperature (T2). Note that the temperature values in this equation must be on an absolute scale
(in Kelvin).
This relationship cannot be easily used if a mechanical line leak detector is present in the line
because of the discontinuity in the pressure-volume curve exhibited in the absence of any vapor.
3.5 Miscellaneous Equipment
In addition to the equipment mentioned above, containers will be necessary to hold the product
collected from the induced leaks. A variety of tools are needed to make the necessary equipment
connections.
The test procedures require cycling of product under pressure through the pipelines at different
temperatures. One or more submersible turbine pumps of large capacity will be required to
accomplish this in a reasonable amount of time.
18

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Section 4: Test Procedure
The overall performance of a pipeline release detection method is estimated by a comparison of
the method's results to actual induced leaks. Some release detection methods measure an output
quantity and compare it to a predetermined threshold to assess whether the pipeline is leaking.
The pipeline is declared tight if the measured quantity is less than the threshold. Otherwise, the
pipeline is either declared leaking or another test is conducted to confirm or refute the first result.
Other methods use a preset threshold switch that activates only if the changes in the line are large
enough and no quantity is reported. The test procedures for evaluating both quantitative and
qualitative methods are described in Section 4.1. The differences in estimating and interpreting
the performance of these two types of methods in terms of P(d) and P(fa) are presented in
Section 5.
4.1 Pipeline Release Detection Method Evaluation
Before performing evaluation tests with a leak detection method, it is necessary to ensure that the
method is correctly installed and properly calibrated according to the vendor's procedures.
These procedures may be conducted under two main testing environments:
•	A specialized test facility
•	One or more operational retail UST facilities.
These procedures are most easily implemented at a test facility where the integrity of the pipeline
system is known and a range of environmental conditions can be generated and monitored
quantitatively. The other environment for testing is at one or more operational UST facilities
where the systems are known to be tight, though some monitoring instrumentation will need to
be installed. The data for these two options are to be collected on the respective forms as
presented in Appendix B.
The test setup can be determined following the detailed steps below.
Step 1:	Setup. Install the pipeline release detection method following the vendor's
instructions. Assemble and install the required equipment and diagnostic
instrumentation including: the leak simulator, pressure sensor, a minimum of four
temperature sensors, a pipeline compressibility device, the vapor pocket
apparatus, graduated cylinders, and a stopwatch.
Step 2:	Trial run. The pipeline system used in the evaluation must be tight. Before the
evaluation begins, the line should be tested with a release detection method that
has a known performance. If operational UST facilities are used, the integrity of
the lines must be verified before each test.
Step 3:	Measure the pipeline compressibility characteristics. Measurements for
calculating C/V0 should be made when the temperature changes are small, less
than 0.02°F over the duration of the measurement period. The release detection
method should not be physically present in the line if it affects the magnitude of
19

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C/Vo. Unless temperature sensors such as thermistors are used to measure
temperature in the line, measurements for C/V0 cannot be made until the pressure
in the line stays within 1 psi over a period equal to the average duration of a C/V0
measurement, or approximately 2 min. Three estimates of C/V0 must be made
and the mean value reported.
Step 4:	Select leak rates, temperature, and pressure conditions according to types of
tests the method performed: hourly tests, monthly monitoring testing or line
tightness testing. Following a trial run in the tight piping, perform a minimum of
24 tests using one fuel product according to the type of testing evaluated as
presented in Tables 1 and 3, see pages 2 and 21, respectively. Four nominal leak
rates will be induced during the testing and will be assigned randomly to the four
leak rates LR1 to LR4. It is also possible to run three additional tests as a
performance demonstration with vapor trapped in the line. If this option is
chosen, the minimum number of release detection tests is 27.
Leak Rates. Table 1 presents the leak rates for bulk piping. Table 3 presents the
nominal leak rates that may be induced depending on the type of test. More
stringent target leak rates may be used if local regulatory authorities specify it or
if a vendor would like to be evaluated using lower leak rates.
Temperature Differentials. Use three nominal temperature differentials between
the temperature of added product and the temperature of the product in the system
during each test. These three temperature differentials are -10°, 0°, and +10°F (-
5.6°, 0°, and +5.6°C). The product should cycle through the length of the piping
twice before beginning the next test. The duration of this cycle is dependent on
the volume of the piping and the rate of pumping. This is not required for bulk
piping method evaluations.
Step 5:	Randomize the test conditions. For quantitative methods, perform a base of 24
tests by inducing the 12 combinations of the four leak rates, LRi, LR2, LR3, and
LR4, and the three temperature differentials, Ti, T2, and T3, replicated twice as
outlined in Table 4. For qualitative methods, perform 42 tests by inducing the
four chosen leak rates, where three rates could be all equal, and the three
temperature differentials as outlined in Table 5. The 42 tests are arranged in 21
sets of two tests each. Table 5 shows a possible ordering of the 21 sets. The
evaluator should randomly rearrange the order of the sets so that the leak rates are
blind to the vendor.
20

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Table 3. Nominal Leak Rates For The Type Of Testing Being Evaluated
Type of Test
(EPA Target
Rate*)
Leak Conditions
Pipeline
Pressure
(psi)**
Nominal Leak
Rates in English
units
(gal/hr)
Nominal Leak
Rates in Metric
units
(mL/minute)
Hourly Test
No leak
10 psi
0.00
0.00
(3 gal/hr)
Target leak rate
3 0***
189.00
Monthly
Testing
(0.2 gal/hr)
No leak
Half of target rate
Target leak rate
Double target rate
20 psi
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.40
0.00
6.30
12.6
25.2
Tightness
Testing
(0.1 gal/hr)
No leak
Half of target rate
Target leak rate
Double target rate
1.5 times the
operating psi
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.20
0.00
3.20
6.30
12.6
* If local regulations specify leak rates more stringent than those in the EPA regulation or the vendor desires to
be evaluated under more stringent conditions, EPA-specified target rates can be substituted with different leak
conditions associated with the more stringent target rate.
** When testing a suction system, minimum pressure must be at 15 psi.
***The second, third, and fourth leak rates may all be equal or may follow leak conditions for the other tests.
The randomization of the tests is achieved by randomly assigning the nominal
leak rates in Tables 1 and 3 gal/hr to LRi, LR2, LR3, and LR4 and by randomly
assigning the nominal temperature differentials of 0°, -10°, and +10°F to Ti, T2,
and T3, following the sequence of tests as shown in Tables 4 and 5 for quantitative
and qualitative methods, respectively. The evaluator is responsible for randomly
assigning the four leak rates to LRi, LR2, LR3, and LR4 and the three temperature
conditions to Ti, T2, and T3. In addition, the evaluator will randomly assign the
groups to a set number, without disturbing the order of the tests within a set. The
randomization balances any unusual conditions and ensures that the vendor does
not have prior knowledge of the sequence of leak rates and conditions to be used.
Notational Conventions. The nominal leak rates from Tables 1 and 3, after
randomizing the order, are denoted by LRi, LR2, LR3, and LR4. These leak rates
cannot be achieved exactly in the field; rather, these numbers are targets that
should be achieved within ±30 percent.
The leak rates induced for each of the tests will be measured during each test.
They will be denoted by Si, S2, .... Sn. The leak rates obtained by the pipeline
release detection method will be compared against these leak rates.
The leak rates measured by the release detection method during each of the tests
will be denoted by Li, L2, ..., L24 and correspond to the induced leak rates Si, S2,.,
S24.
The subscripts 1, 24, or 27 correspond to the order in which the tests are
performed. For example, S5 and Ls correspond to the test results from the fifth
test in the test sequence.
21

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Step 6:	Conduct release detection method testing. Perform the testing of the release
detection method by following the test matrices in either Tables 4 or 5, depending
on the output of the method. During the compressibility measurements the
pipeline leak detector may have been disconnected from the line. If so, it should
be reconnected so you can conduct the release detection testing. Perform a
release detection test according to both vendor's test procedures and the test
design. The result of each test should be recorded in terms of the output of the
method. The three tests in which trapped vapor are present in the pipeline are also
part of the test design and should be included in the overall data collection effort.
At a test facility, a temperature condition is created by circulating product through
the pipeline twice; the temperature of this product must be different from the
temperature of the backfill and the ground around the pipeline. At an operating
facility, flush the line for 5 minutes. All dispensing through a pipeline should
cease during a release detection test on that line. In addition, dispensing through
other pipelines buried in the same backfill and within 12 inches of the pipeline
being tested should also be halted.
The equipment and the procedures for generating a leak in the line are described
in Section 3. If possible, generate all leaks at a line pressure equal to the
pressures specified in Table 3. If this cannot be done, the leak can be generated at
another pressure, for example, the operating pressure of the line, if it is equivalent
to leak rates defined earlier. The leak rate established in each test should be
measured and reported. Once the leak has been generated, the line pressure can
be readjusted, if this is required by the method's test procedures, to the appropriate
pressure for the test. The result of each test must be recorded in terms of the
output of the method.
Trapped Vapor Tests. Three trapped vapor tests are included at the end of Table
4. These tests should be included in the overall data collection effort. During an
evaluation, the three trapped vapor tests should be randomly distributed in the test
design. Tests should be done under the same nominal temperature condition. If
the method is being evaluated as a line tightness test or a monthly monitoring test,
the three tests will be conducted with leaks of 0.0, 0.10, and 0.20 gal/hr with
vapor trapped in the pipeline. If the method is being evaluated as an hourly test,
the leaks generated for the three tests should be 0.0, 2.75, and 3.25 gal/hr,
respectively. The results of the tests on lines with trapped vapor should be
tabulated and reported on the standard form included as Attachment 6 in
Appendix B.
22

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Quantitative Release Detection Method Test Design
_ „	Nominal Leak Rate	Nominal Temperature
(gal/hr)	Differential (°F)
-
0
0
1
LRi
t2
1
LR2
t2
1
lr4
t2
1
LRs
t2
2
LRi
Ti
2
LR4
Ti
2
lr2
Ti
2
LRs
Ti
3
LR4
t3
3
LRi
t3
3
LRs
t3
3
LR2
t3
4
LRs
t2
4
LR4
t2
4
lr2
t2
4
LRi
t2
5
LR2
Ti
5
LRs
Ti
5
LR4
Ti
5
LRi
Ti
6
LRs
t3
6
LR2
t3
6
lr4
t3
6
LRi
t3
Optional for Trapped Vapor Tests
1	LRi	Ti
7	LR2	Ti
7	LR3	Ti
23

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Table 5. Qualitative Release Detection Method Test Design



Nominal Leak
Rate (gal/hr)
Nominal
Test No.
Set No.
Temperature
Differential (°F)

Trial ran

0.0
0.0
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
1
1
lr2
T3

2
1
LRi
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
3
2
LRi
t2

4
2
LRi
t2
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
5
3
LRi
Ti

6
3
lr3
Ti
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
7
4
lr3
T3

8
4
LRi
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
9
5
lr4
Ti

10
5
LRi
Ti
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
11
6
lr2
T2

12
6
lr3
t2
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
13
7
lr4
Ti

14
7
LRi
Ti
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
15
8
lr3
T3

16
8
LRi
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
17
9
lr4
t3

18
9
LRi
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
19
10
LRi
t2

20
10
lr3
t2
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
21
11
lr3
Ti

22
11
LRi
Ti
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
23
12
LRi
T3

24
12
lr2
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
25
13
lr2
t2

26
13
lr4
t2
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
27
14
lr3
t3

28
14
LRi
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
29
15
LRi
Ti

30
15
lr2
Ti
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
31
16
LRi
T2

32
16
LRi
t2
24

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Table 5. Qualitative Release Detection Method Test Design (Continued)



Nominal Leak
Rate (gal/hr)
Nominal
Test No.
Set No.
Temperature
Differential (°F)
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
33
17
LRi
t3

34
17
lr4
t3
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
35
18
LRi
t2

36
18
lr4
t2
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
37
19
lr2
Ti

38
19
LRi
Ti
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
39
20
LRi
t2

40
20
lr2
t2
Replace 2 times pipeline volume
41
21
LRi
Ti

42
21
lr4
Ti
4.2 Evaluation Procedures
In these test procedures, it is assumed that the evaluation is being performed to obtain the P(d)
and P(fa) at the leak rate specified in the federal UST regulation for example, 0.10 gal/hr for a
line tightness test, 0.20 gal/hr for a monthly monitoring test, or 3 gal/hr for an hourly test or
appropriate bulk piping leak rates. Thus, the procedures described can be tailored for the leak
rate of greatest regulatory interest for a line tightness test: a monthly monitoring test, an hourly
test, and bulk piping method. If local regulations specify leak rates more stringent than those in
the federal UST regulation, than the local standard can be substituted for the EPA-specified leak
rates.
Unlike release detection methods that quantitatively measure and report the output of the
method, the only output from a preset-threshold method is a simple pass or fail* — that is, did the
method respond to the leak or the temperature condition. Therefore, this is the only performance
estimate that can be derived from the evaluation. An advantage of preset-threshold methods is
that the analysis used to estimate P(fa) and the P(d) for the EPA-specified leak rate is simpler
than it is for the methods that quantitatively measure the output; however, the latter can be
analyzed the same way as the preset-threshold methods.
Some methods that use a preset-threshold switch and are intended to meet the 3-gal/hr hourly test
requirements are designed to do a quick test of the pipeline system. Normally, the duration of a
test ranges from a few seconds to less than a minute because the method is designed to test the
line at least once per hour between occurrences of product dispensing. Whereas most other
methods have a test duration equal to the data collection time, the methods in question have a test
duration equal to the difference between the time a method is activated and the time it responds
to a leak. Since the method does not control the response time, the test duration may not be
specifically defined in these methods. To avoid misleading or ambiguous results with these
Pass means that the threshold was not exceeded and that lines are tight and fail means that the threshold was
exceeded and that a leak was detected.
25

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methods, the evaluator should ensure that the vendor clearly defines the test duration in the test
procedures and specifies it in the evaluation. The test duration should be consistent with the
normal operational practice and the vendor's intended use of the method. If it is not, the
evaluator should indicate this in the report, as the method being evaluated should be the same as
the commercially available method.
26

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Section 5: Calculations
A series of calculations will be performed to evaluate the method's performance using the results
obtained after all testing is completed.
The calculations compare the method's measured leak rate with the induced leak rate under a
variety of experimental conditions. The P(d) and the P(fa) are estimated using the difference
between these two numbers. If the overall performance of the pipeline release detection is
satisfactory, analysis and reporting of results could end at this point.
In these test procedures, leaks are characterized as product lost from the system or pipeline per
unit of time. They are typically, but not always, represented by positive numbers; a large leak
represents a greater product loss. Some vendors report volume changes per unit time with the
negative sign indicating product is lost from the system or pipeline, or a positive sign
representing product coming into the system or pipeline. In these test procedures, leaks refer to
the direction out of the system or pipeline and the rate to the magnitude of the flow.
5.1 Quantitative Pipeline Release Detection Methods
After all tests are performed according to the test matrices outlined above in Table 4 for
quantitative methods, a total of at least n = 24 pairs, or 4 leak rates x 3 temperature differentials x
2 replications, of measured leak rates and induced leak rates will be available. These data form
the basis for the performance evaluation of the method. The measured leak rates are denoted by
Li,..., L24 and the associated induced leak rates by Si,..., S24. These leak rates are numbered in
chronological order. Table 6 summarizes the notation used throughout these test procedures,
using the example test design of Table 4.
5.1.1 Basic Statistics
The n = 24 or 27 data points are used to calculate the mean squared error (MSE) the bias (B), and
the variance of the method as follows.
Mean Squared Error, MSE
where Li is the measured leak rate obtained from the tth test at the corresponding induced leak
rate, Si, with i =1, ..., n.
n
27

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Table 6. Notation Summary
Test
Set
Nominal
Temperature
Nominal Leak
Induced Leak
Measured
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
Absolute
Leak Rate
Difference
|L-S|
(gal/hr)
No.
No.
Differential
(°F)
Rate (gal/hr)
Rate (gal/hr)
1
1
t2
LRi
Si
Li
di
2
1
t2
lr2
s2
l2
d2
3
1
t2
lr4
s3
l3
d3
4
1
t2
lr3
s4
l4
d4
5
2
Ti
LRi
s5
L5
d5
6
2
Ti
lr4
s6
u
d6
7
2
Ti
lr2
s7
L7
d7
8
2
Ti
lr3
s8
L8
d8
9
3
t3
lr4
s9
L9
d9
10
3
t3
LRi
Sio
L10
dio
11
3
t3
lr3
s„
Ln
dn
12
3
t3
lr2
Siz
Li2
di2
13
4
T 2
lr3
Sl3
Li3
di3
14
4
t2
lr4
Sl4
Li4
di4
15
4
t2
lr2
S15
L15
dis
16
4
T 2
LRi
Sl6
Ll6
di6
17
5
Ti
lr2
S17
L17
dn
18
5
Ti
lr3
S18
Ll8
di8
19
5
Ti
lr4
Sl9
L19
di9
20
5
Ti
LRi
S2o
L2o
d2o
21
6
t3
lr3
S21
L2i
d2i
22
6
t3
lr2
s22
l22
d22
23
6
t3
lr4
s23
l23
d23
24
6
t3
LRi
s24
l24
d24
Bias, B
n
B= ^iLi-SO/n
i = 1
The B is the average difference between measured and induced leak rates over the number of
tests. It is a measure of the accuracy of the method and can be either positive or negative.
Variance And Standard Deviation
The variance is obtained as follows:
n
Variance = ^[(L£ — St) — B]2/df
i = 1
Standard deviation (SD) is the square root of the variance.
Note: The differences between the measured and induced leak rates should be plotted against the
time or the order in which they were performed. They can also be plotted against the
temperature condition and by the size of the induced leak rate. This would allow one to detect
28

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any patterns that might exist, indicating potentially larger differences in the results from the first
test of each set of tests or among the three temperature differentials.
Test For Zero Bias
To test whether the method is accurate - that is, the bias is zero - the following test on the bias
calculated above is performed.
Compute the t-statistic:
tB = yfnB/SD
From the t-table in Appendix A, obtain the critical value corresponding to a t with (24 - 1) = 23
degrees of freedom (df) and a two-sided 5 percent significance level. This value is 2.07. Note:
If more than 24 tests are done, replace 24 with the number of tests, n, throughout. A larger
number will change the t-value.
Compare the absolute value of tB, abs(tB), to 2.07, or to the appropriate t-value if more than 24
tests were performed. If abs(tB) is less than 2.07, conclude the bias is not statistically different
from 0, that is, the bias is negligible. Otherwise, conclude the bias is statistically significant.
5.1.2 False Alarm Rate, P(fa)
The normal probability model is assumed for the errors in the measured leak rates. Using this
model, together with the statistics estimated above, allows for the calculation of the P(fa) and
P(d) of 3.0 gal/hr.
The vendor will supply the threshold for interpreting the results of the pipeline release detection
test function. Typically, the leak rate measured by the method is compared to that threshold and
the results interpreted as indicating a leak if the measured leak rate exceeds the threshold (Th).
The P(fa) is the probability the measured leak rate exceeds the Th when the pipeline is tight.
Note that by convention, all leak rates representing volume losses from the tank are treated as
positive.
P(fa) is calculated by one of two methods, depending on whether the bias is statistically
significantly different from 0.
False Alarm Rate With Negligible Bias
In the case of a nonsignificant bias, discussed in Section 5.1.1, compute the t-statistic
ti = Th/SD
where SD is the SD calculated above and Th is the method's threshold. Using the notational
convention for leak rates, Th is positive, P(fa) is then obtained from the t-table, using 23 df.
P(fa) is the area under the curve to the right of the calculated value ti.
In general, t-tables are constructed to give a percentile, ta, corresponding to a given number of df,
and a preassigned area, alpha (a), under the curve, to the right of ta, shown in Figure 5 below and
29

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in Table A-l in
ta= 1.714.
Appendix A. For example, with 23 df and a = 0.05 (equivalent to a P(fa) of 5%),
Figure 5. Student's t-Distribution Function
In this case, however, determine the area under the curve to the right of the calculated percentile,
ti, with a given number of df. This is done by interpolating between the two areas corresponding
to the two percentiles in Table A-l on either side of the calculated statistic, ti. The approach is
illustrated below.
Suppose that the calculated ti = 1.85 and has 23 df. From Table A-l, obtain the following
percentiles at df = 23:
ta	a (alpha)
1.714	0.05
1.85	X to be determined
2.069	0.025
Calculate X by linearly interpolating between 1.714 and 2.069 corresponding to 0.05 and 0.025,
respectively.
(0.05 - 0.025)
X= 0.05-
(1.714- 2.069)
X (1.714- 1.85) = 0.040
Thus, the P(fa) corresponding to a ti of 1.85 would be 4%. L This achieves the EPA requirement
that P(fa) be < 5 percent.
A more accurate approach would be to use a statistical software package, like SAS or SYSTAT,
to calculate the probability.
False Alarm Rate With Significant Bias
The computations are similar to those in the case of a nonsignificant bias with the exception that
B is included in the calculations, as shown next. Compute the t-statistic:
t2 = (Th - B)/SD
30

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P(fa) is then obtained by interpolating from the t-table, using 23 df. P(fa) is the area under the
curve to the right of the calculated value h. Th is positive, but the bias could be either positive
or negative.
5.1.3 Probability Of Detecting A Leak Rate Of 3.0 gal/hr, P(d)
The probability of detecting LR, P(d), is the probability the measured leak rate exceeds Th when
the true mean leak rate is 3.0 gal/hr. As for P(fa), one of two methods is used in the computation
of P(d), depending on whether the bias is statistically significantly different from 0.
P(d) With Negligible Bias
In the case of a nonsignificant B, the bias is 0 - compute the t-statistic
Next, using the t-table at the appropriate number of df, determine the area under the curve to the
right of t3. The resulting number will be P(d).
P(d) With Significant Bias
The procedure is similar to the one just described, except that B is introduced in the calculations
as shown below. Compute the t-statistic.
Next, using the t-table at the appropriate number of df, determine the area under the curve to the
right of U. The resulting number will be P(d).
5.2 Qualitative Pipeline Release Detection Methods
After all tests are performed according to the schedule outlined in Section 4, in Table 5, a total of
at least 42 test results will be available. Of these, 21 will have been obtained under tight tank
conditions, and 21 under induced leak conditions. The P(fa) and P(d) are calculated next.
5.2.1 Probability Of False Alarm, P(fa)
The results obtained from the tests performed under tight tank conditions will be used to
calculate P(fa). Let Ni denote the number of these tests, normally 21. This number must be at
least 21 but could be larger if more tests are called for in the experimental plan setup at the
beginning of the testing. Let TLi denote the number of cases where the method indicated a leak.
If the test results, Lj, are coded as 0 when no leak is indicated and 1 when a leak is indicated,
then
t3 = (Th — LR)/SD
Th - B - LR
SD
i=l
31

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where the sum is taken over the Ni tests at zero leak rate. The P(fa) is estimated by the ratio
P(fa) = TLi/Ni
For the method to meet the performance standards, the estimated P(fa) must be less than or equal
to 5 percent. Thus, in order for the method to meet the performance standards, TLi must be no
more than 1 if the standard 21 tests are performed.
If the method did not identify the tank to be leaking when it was tight and, TLi = 0, then the
proportion of false alarms becomes 0 percent. However, this does not mean that the method is
perfect. The observed P(fa) of 0 percent is an estimate of the false alarm rate based on the
evaluation test results and the given test conditions.
One can calculate an upper confidence limit for P(fa) in the case of no mistakes. Let Ni be the
number of tests performed under the tight tank condition. Choose a confidence coefficient, (1 -
a), for example, 95 or 90 percent. Then the upper confidence limit, UL, for P(fa) is calculated
as:
UL for P(fa) = 1 — a1^1
In the case of 0 false alarms out of 21 tests, the upper limit to P(fa) becomes 0.133 or 13.3
percent with a 95 percent confidence coefficient. That is, P(fa) is estimated at 0 percent, and
with a confidence of 95 percent, P(fa) is less than or equal to 13.3 percent. In general, the
confidence interval for P(fa) can be calculated from the binomial distribution with Ni trials. The
95 percent confidence interval must be calculated and reported on the results form, located in
Appendix B.
5.2.2 Probability Of Detecting A Leak, P(d)
The probability of detection, P(d), is calculated for a specific size of leak. The size of leak that
can be detected with this probability is reported. Normally this will be 3.0 gal/hr, as required by
the performance standards. The results obtained from the tests performed under induced leak
conditions will be used to calculate P(d). Let N2 be the number of such tests. Typically, N2 will
also be 21, but could be larger if the evaluation was initially set up to include more tests. Let
TL2 be the number of cases where the method indicated a leak. As before, the test results, Li, are
coded as 0 when the tank is declared to be tight and 1 when the tank is declared to be leaking.
Thus, TL2 is calculated as
n2
TL2 = ^ L;
i=l
where the sum is taken over the N2 tests with induced leaks. The P(d) is then estimated by the
ratio
P(d) = TL2/N2
32

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The estimated P(d) must be at least 95 percent for the method to meet the performance standards.
Thus, TL2 must be either 20 or 21 (out of 21 tests) for the estimated probability of detection to be
at least 95 percent.
If the method identified the tank to be leaking in all tests where a leak was simulated, then the
proportion detected becomes 100 percent. However, this does not mean that the method is
perfect. The P(d) of 100 percent is an estimate of the probability of detection, based on the
evaluation test results and the given test conditions.
One can calculate a lower confidence limit for P(d) in the case of no mistakes. Let N2 be the
number of tests performed under the induced leak conditions. Choose a confidence coefficient,
(1- a), for example, 95 or 90 percent. Then the lower confidence limit, LL, for P(d) is calculated
as:
LL for P(d) = ct1/^
In the case of 21 tests performed under leak conditions, the lower limit to P(d) becomes 0.867 or
86.7 percent with a 95 percent confidence coefficient. In this example, P(d) is estimated at 100
percent, and with a confidence of 95 percent, P(d) is greater than or equal to 86.7 percent. The
95 percent confidence interval for P(d) must be calculated based on the binomial distribution
with N2 trials and reported on the results form in Appendix B.
5.3 Release Detection Tests With Trapped Vapor In The Pipeline
The evaluator must consider whether a special set of three tests must be conducted with a small
volume of vapor trapped in the pipeline. These tests may be needed to determine the sensitivity
of the release detection method to any residual vapor that might be trapped in a line during a test.
The results of these three tests should be tabulated and reported but should not be included in the
main analysis used to estimate the performance of the method. Trapped vapor tests are typically
not required when evaluations are performed at operational facilities because evaluations require
many tests; as a result, it is likely that trapped vapor will be present during some of the tests and
that it will thus be included in the actual performance estimates.
If the method is being evaluated as a line tightness test or a monthly monitoring test, then the
three tests should be conducted with leaks of 0.0, 0.10, and 0.20 gal/hr, and with > 500 mL ± 20
mL vapor trapped in the pipeline. These tests should be done under the same nominal
temperature condition. If the method is being evaluated as an hourly test, the leaks generated for
the three tests should be 0.0, 2.75, and 3.25 gal/hr, respectively. If these are blind tests, the leaks
should be in random order.
The vapor pocket apparatus shown in Figure 4 is used to trap vapor in the pipeline. By opening
or closing an inlet valve, trapped vapor enters the line; the apparatus, and how it generates a
vapor pocket, is described in section 3. The results of these three tests are reported in
Attachment 6 in Appendix B.
33

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Section 6: Reporting Of Results
Appendix B is designed to be the framework for a standard evaluation report, including the U.S.
EPA Standard Evaluation form and six attachments.
Results of U.S. EPA Standard Evaluation is an executive summary of the findings and given
to each tank owner or operator that uses this method of release detection. The report should be
succinct so that the form can be widely distributed.
Six attachments provide additional details about the method and the evaluation which can be
independently reviewed and verified. The attachments include:
•	Attachment 1 - Description of the Method Evaluated
•	Attachment 2 - Summary of the Performance of the Method Evaluated
•	Attachment 3 - Summary of the Configuration of the Pipeline System(s) Used in the
Evaluation
•	Attachment 4 - Summary of the Product Temperature Conditions Used in the Evaluation
•	Attachment 5 - Summary of the Test Results and the Leak Rates Used in the Evaluation
•	Attachment 6 - Summary of the Test Results and the Trapped Vapor Tests
34

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Appendix A
Definitions And Student's t Distribution
A-l

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Definitions of terms used throughout the test procedures and the Student's t distribution table
(Table A-l) are presented here. For more information on the statistical approach and
relationships between the statistics calculated in these test procedures see the General Guidance
For Using EPA's Standard Test Procedures For Evaluating Release Detection Methods.
Accuracy:
Calculated Leak Rate, R:
False Alarm:
Induced Leak Rate, S:
Mean Squared Error, MSE:
Method Bias, B:
Precision:
Probability of Detection,
P(d):
Probability of False Alarm,
P(fa):
Root Mean Squared Error,
RMSE:
Threshold, Th:
Variance:
The degree to which the calculated leak rate agrees with the induced
leak rate on the average. If a method is accurate, it has a very small
or zero bias.
A positive number, in gallons per hour (gal/hr), estimated by the
pipeline method and indicating the amount of product leaking out of
the tank. A negative leak rate could result from water leaking into the
tank, miscalibration, or other causes.
Declaring that a tank is leaking when in fact it is tight.
The actual leak rate, in gal/hr, introduced in the evaluation data sets,
against which the results from a given method will be compared.
An estimate of the overall performance of a test method.
The average difference between calculated and induced leak rates. It
is an indication of whether the pipeline method consistently
overestimates, called a positive bias, or underestimates, called a
negative bias, the actual leak rate.
A measure of the test method's ability in producing similar results, or
results that are in close agreement, under identical conditions.
Statistically, the precision is expressed as the standard deviation of
these measurements.
The probability of detecting a leak rate of a given size, R gal/hr. In
statistical terms, it is the power of the test method and is calculated as
one minus beta ((3), where beta is the probability of not detecting
(missing) a leak rate R. Commonly the power of a test is expressed as
a percentage, say, 95%.
The probability of declaring a tank leaking when it is tight. In
statistical terms, this is also called the Type I error, and is denoted by
alpha (a). It is usually expressed as a percentage, say, 5%.
The positive square root of the mean squared error.
The leak rate above which a method represents a leak. It is also
called the threshold of the method.
A measure of the variability of measurements. It is the square of the
standard deviation.
A-2

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Table A-l. Percentage Points Of Student's t Distribution
m
df
a = .10
a = .05
a = .025
a = .010
a = .005
1
3.078
6.314
12.706
31.821
63.657
2
1.886
2.920
4.303
6.965
9.925
3
1.638
2.353
3.182
4.541
5.841
4
1.333
2.132
2.776
3.747
4.604
5
1.476
2.015
2.571
3.365
4.032
6
1.440
1.943
2.447
3.143
3.707
7
1.415
1.895
2.365
2.998
3.499
8
1.397
1.860
2.306
2.896
3.355
9
1.383
1.833
2.262
2.821
3.250
10
1.372
1.812
2.228
2.764
3.169
11
1.363
1.796
2.201
2.718
3.106
12
1.356
1.782
2.179
2.681
3.055
13
1.350
1.771
2.160
2.650
3.012
14
1.345
1.761
2.145
2.624
2.977
15
1.341
1.753
2.131
2.602
2.947
16
1.337
1.746
2.120
2.583
2.921
17
1.333
1.740
2.110
2.567
2.898
18
1.330
1.734
2.101
2.552
2.878
19
1.328
1.729
2.093
2.539
2.861
20
1.325
1.725
2.086
2.528
2.845
21
1.323
1.721
2.080
2.518
2.831
22
1.321
1.717
2.074
2.508
2.819
23
1.319
1.714
2.069
2.500
2.807
24
1.318
1.711
2.064
2.492
2.797
25
1.316
1.708
2.060
2.485
2.787
26
1.315
1.706
2.056
2.479
2.779
27
1.314
1.703
2.052
2.473
2.771
28
1.313
1.701
2.048
2.467
2.763
29
1.311
1.699
2.045
2.462
2.756
30
1.310
1.697
2.042
2.457
2.750
40
1.303
1.684
2.021
2.423
2.704
60
1.296
1.671
2.000
2.390
2.660
120
1.289
1.658
1.980
2.358
2.617
inf.
1.282
1.645
1.960
2.326
2.576
A-3

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Appendix B
Reporting Forms
B-l

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Reporting Forms
The results of a pipeline release detection method evaluation conducted according to the EPA
test procedures are available in three variant forms. The form depends on whether the release
detection method is used as a line tightness test, a monthly monitoring test, or an hourly test.
Use the form that is appropriate for the method evaluated. If the method was evaluated as all
three or any combination of these, fill out each form that is applicable.
At the end of the evaluation, the evaluator fills out the appropriate forms, including attachments.
All items are to be filled out and the appropriate boxes checked. If a question is not applicable to
the method, write "NA" in the appropriate space.
B-2

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Results Of U.S. EPA Standard Evaluation
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Line Tightness Test
This form summarizes the results of an evaluation to determine whether the pipeline release
detection method named below and described in Attachment 1 complies with the federal UST
regulation for conducting a line tightness test. The evaluation was conducted according to the
U.S. EPA's evaluation procedures, specified in Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Release
Detection Methods: Pipeline Release Detection. The full evaluation report includes six
attachments.
UST system owners and operators who use this pipeline release detection method should keep
this form on file to show compliance with the federal UST regulation. UST system owners and
operators should check with state and local regulatory authorities to make sure this form satisfies
their release detection requirements.
Method Evaluated
Method Name:	
Version of Method: _
Vendor Name:	
(street address)
(city, state, zip code)
(telephone number)
Evaluation Results
1.	The performance of this method
~	meets or exceeds
~	does not meet the federal standards established by the EPA regulation for line tightness tests.
The EPA regulation for a line tightness test requires that the method be capable of detecting a
leak as small as 0.10 gal/hr with a probability of detection (P(d)) of 95% and a probability of false
alarm (P(fa)) of 5%.
2.	The estimated P(fa) in this evaluation is	% and the estimated P(d) against a leak rate of
0.10 gal/hr defined at a pipeline pressure of 20 psi in this evaluation is	%.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 4

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Threshold for Declaring a Leak
3.	This method
~	uses a preset threshold
~	measures and reports the output quantity and compares it to a predetermined threshold to
determine whether the pipeline is leaking.
4.	This method
~	uses a single test
~	uses a multiple-test sequence consisting of	tests (specify number of tests
required) separated by	hours (hr) (specify the time interval between tests) to
determine whether the pipeline is leaking.
5.	This method declares a leak if the output of the measurement system exceeds a threshold of
	(specify flow rate in gal/hr) in	out of	tests (specify, for example, 1
out of 2, 2 out of 3). Please give additional details, if necessary, in the space provided.
Evaluation Approach
6.	A total of	tests were conducted on nonleaking tank(s) between	(date)
and	(date). A description of the pipeline configuration used in the evaluation is
given in Attachment 3.
7.	The pipeline used in the evaluation was	in. in diameter,	ft long and
constructed of	(fiberglass, steel, or other).
8.	A mechanical line leak detector
~	was
~	was not present in the pipeline system.
9.	The evaluation was conducted on	(how many) pipeline systems ranging in
diameter from	in. to	in., ranging in length from	ft to	
ft, and constructed of	(specify materials).
10.	Specify how much time elapsed between the delivery of product and the start of the data
collection:
~	0 to 6 hr
~	6 to 12 hr
O	12 to 24 hr
~	24 hr or more
Data Used to Make Performance Estimates
11. The induced leak rate and the test results used to estimate the performance of this method are
summarized in Attachment 5. Were any test runs removed from the data set?
~	no
~	yes
If yes, specify the reason and include with Attachment 5. (If more than one test was removed,
specify each reason separately.)
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 2 of 4

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12.	~ According to the vendor, this method can be used even if trapped vapor is present in the
pipeline during a test.
EH According to the vendor, this method should not be used if trapped vapor is present in the
pipeline.
13.	The sensitivity of this method to trapped vapor is indicated by the test results summarized in
Table 1. These tests were conducted at	psi with	niL of vapor trapped in the line
at a pressure of 0 psi. The data and test conditions are reported in Attachment 6.
Table 1. Summary Of T
le Results Of Trapped Vapor Tests
Test No.
AT
Induced Leak Rate
Measured Leak Rate

(°F)
(gal/hr)
(gal/hr)
1



2



3



Application of the Method
14. This release detection method is intended to test pipeline systems that are associated with
underground storage tank facilities, that contain petroleum or other chemical products, that are
typically constructed of fiberglass, steel, or other, and that typically measure 2 in. in diameter and
200 ft or less in length. The performance estimates are valid when:
•	the method that was evaluated has not been substantially changed by subsequent
modifications
•	the vendor's instructions for using the method are followed
•	a mechanical line leak detector
~	is present in
~	has been removed from the pipeline (check both if appropriate)
•	the waiting time between the last delivery of product to the underground storage tank and
the start of data collection for the test is	hr
•	the waiting time between the last dispensing of product through the pipeline system and
the start of data collection for the test is	hr
•	the total data collection time for the test is	hr
•	the volume of the product in the pipeline system is less than twice the volume of the
product in the pipeline system used in the evaluation, unless a separate written
justification for testing larger pipeline systems is presented by the vendor, concurred with
by the evaluator, and included with this evaluation as an additional attachment.
•	give any other limitations specified by the vendor or determined during the evaluation: _
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Attachments
Attachment 1 -	Description of the Method Evaluated
Attachment 2 -	Summary of the Performance of the Method Evaluated
Attachment 3 -	Summary of the Configuration of the Pipeline System(s) Used in the Evaluation
Attachment 4 -	Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions Used in the Evaluation
Attachment 5 -	Data Sheet Summarizing the Test Results and the Leak Rates Used in the Evaluation
Attachment 6 -	Data Sheet Summarizing the Test Results and the Trapped Vapor Tests	
Certification of Results
I certify that the pipeline release detection method was operated according to the vendor's instructions. I
also certify that the evaluation was performed according to the procedures specified by EPA and that the
results presented above are those obtained during the evaluation.
Name of person performing evaluation	Organization performing evaluation
Signature	Street address
Date	City, state, zip
Telephone number
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
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Results of U.S. EPA Standard Evaluation
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Monthly Monitoring Test
This form summarizes the results of an evaluation to determine whether the pipeline release detection
method named below and described in Attachment 1 complies with the federal UST regulation for
conducting a monthly monitoring test. The evaluation was conducted according to the U.S. EPA's
evaluation procedures, specified in Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Release Detection
Methods: Pipeline Release Detection. The full evaluation report includes six attachments.
UST system owners and operators who use this pipeline release detection method should keep this form
on file to show compliance with the federal UST regulation. UST system owners and operators should
check with state and local regulatory authorities to make sure this form satisfies the requirements of their
agencies.	
Method Evaluated
Method Name:	
Version of Method:	
Vendor Name:	
(street address)
(city, state, zip code)
(telephone number)
Evaluation Results
1.	The performance of this method
~	meets or exceeds
~	does not meet the federal standards established by the EPA regulation for monthly monitoring tests.
The EPA regulation for a monthly monitoring test requires that the method be capable of detecting a leak
as small as 0.2 gal/hr with a probability of detection (P(d)) of 95% and a probability of false alarm (P(fa))
of 5%.
2.	The estimated P(fa) in this evaluation is	% and the estimated P(d) against a leak rate of 0.20
gal/hr defined at a pipeline pressure of 20 psi in this evaluation is	%.
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Criterion for Declaring a Leak
3.	This method
~	uses a preset threshold
~	measures and reports the output quantity and compares it to a predetermined threshold to determine
whether the pipeline is leaking.
4.	This method
~	uses a single test
~	uses a multiple-test sequence consisting of	tests (specify number of tests required)
separated by	hours (specify the time interval between tests) to determine whether the
pipeline is leaking.
5.	This method declares a leak if the output of the measurement method exceeds a threshold of
	(specify flow rate in gal/hr) in 	out of	tests (specify, for
example, 1 out of 2, 2 out of 3). Please give additional details, if necessary, in the space provided.
Evaluation Approach
6.	A total of	tests were conducted on nonleaking lines(s) between	(date) 	
and	(date). A description of the pipeline configuration used in the evaluation is given in
Attachment 3.
7.	The pipeline used in the evaluation was	in. in diameter,	ft long and constructed
of	(fiberglass, steel, or other).
8.	A mechanical line leak detector
~	was
~	was not present in the pipeline system.
9.	The evaluation was conducted on	(how many) pipeline systems ranging in diameter from _
	in. to	in., ranging in length from	ft to	ft, and constructed of _
	(specify materials).
10.	Please specify how much time elapsed between the delivery of product and the start of the data collection:
~	0 to 6 hr
~	6 to 12 hr
~	12 to 24 hr
~	24 hr or more
Data Used to Make Performance Estimates
11. The induced leak rate and the test results used to estimate the performance of this method are summarized
in Attachment 5. Were any test runs removed from the data set?
~	no
~	yes
If yes, please specify the reason and include with Attachment 5. (If more than one test was removed,
specify each reason separately.)
Sensitivity to Trapped Vapor
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12.	~ According to the vendor, this method can be used even if trapped vapor is present in the pipeline
during a test.
~ According to the vendor, this method should not be used if trapped vapor is present in the pipeline.
13.	The sensitivity of this method to trapped vapor is indicated by the test results summarized in Table 1.
These tests were conducted at	psi with	niL of vapor trapped in the line at a
pressure of 0 psi. The data and test conditions are reported in Attachment 6.
Table 1. Summary Of The Results Of Trapped Vapor Tests
Test No.
AT
(°F)
Induced Leak Rate (gal/hr)
Measured Leak Rate (gal/hr)
1



2



3



Application of the Method
14. This release detection method is intended to test pipeline systems that are associated with underground
storage tank facilities, that contain petroleum or other chemical products, that are typically constructed of
fiberglass, steel, or other, and that typically measure 2 in. in diameter and 200 ft or less in length. The
performance estimates are valid when:
•	the method that was evaluated has not been substantially changed by subsequent modifications
•	the vendor's instructions for using the method are followed
•	a mechanical line leak detector
~	is present in
~	has been removed from the pipeline (check both if appropriate)
•	the waiting time between the last delivery of product to the underground storage tank and the start
of data collection for the test is 	hr
•	the waiting time between the last dispensing of product through the pipeline system and the start
of data collection for the test is	hr
•	the total data collection time for the test is	hr
•	the volume of the product in the pipeline system is less than twice the volume of the product in
the pipeline system used in the evaluation, unless a separate written justification for testing larger
pipeline systems is presented by the vendor, concurred with by the evaluator, and included with
this evaluation as an additional attachment.
•	give any other limitations specified by the vendor or determined during the evaluation: 	
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Attachments
Attachment 1 -
Attachment 2 -
Attachment 3 -
Attachment 4 -
Attachment 5 -
Attachment 6 -
Description of the Method Evaluated
Summary of the Performance of the Method Evaluated
Summary of the Configuration of the Pipeline System(s) Used in the Evaluation
Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions Used in the Evaluation
Data Sheet Summarizing the Test Results and the Leak Rates Used in the Evaluation
Data Sheet Summarizing the Test Results and the Trapped Vapor Tests
Certification of Results
I certify that the pipeline release detection method was operated according to the vendor's instructions. I also
certify that the evaluation was performed according to the procedures specified by EPA and that the results
presented above are those obtained during the evaluation.
Name of person performing evaluation	Organization performing evaluation
Signature	Street address
Date	City, state, zip
Telephone number
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Results Of U.S. EPA Standard Evaluation
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Hourly Test
This form summarizes the results of an evaluation to determine whether the pipeline release detection
method named below and described in Attachment 1 complies with the federal UST regulation for
conducting an hourly test. The evaluation was conducted according to the U.S. EPA's evaluation
procedures, specified in Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Release Detection Methods: Pipeline
Release Detection. The full evaluation report includes six attachments.
UST system owners and operators who use this pipeline release detection method should keep this form
on file to show compliance with the federal UST regulation. UST system owners and operators should
check with state and local regulatory authorities to make sure this form satisfies the requirements of their
agencies.
Method Evaluated
Method Name:	
Version of Method: _
Vendor Name:	
(street address)
(city, state, zip code)
(telephone number)
Evaluation Results
1.	The performance of this method
~	meets or exceeds
~	does not meet the federal standards established by the EPA regulation for hourly tests.
The EPA regulation for an hourly test requires that the method be capable of detecting a leak as small as
3.0 gal/hr with a probability of detection (P(d)) of 95% and a probability of false alarm (P(fa)) of 5%.
2.	The estimated P(fa) in this evaluation is	% and the estimated P(d) against a leak rate of 3.0 gal/hr
defined at a pipeline pressure of 20 psi in this evaluation is	%.
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Criterion for Declaring a Leak
3.	This method
~	uses a preset threshold
~	measures and reports the output quantity and compares it to a predetermined threshold to determine
whether the pipeline is leaking.
4.	This method
~	uses a single test
~	uses a multiple-test sequence consisting of	tests (specify number of tests required)
separated by	hours (specify the time interval between tests) to determine whether the
pipeline is leaking.
5.	This method declares a leak if the output of the measurement method exceeds a threshold of
	(specify flow rate in gal/hr) in 	out of	tests (specify, for
example, 1 out of 2, 2 out of 3). Please give additional details, if necessary, in the space provided.
Evaluation Approach
6.	A total of	tests were conducted on non-leaking tank(s) between	(date) and	
	(date). A description of the pipeline configuration used in the evaluation is given in Attachment
3.
7.	The pipeline used in the evaluation was	in. in diameter,	ft long and constructed
of	(fiberglass, steel, or other).
8.	A mechanical line leak detector
~	was
~	was not present in the pipeline system.
9.	The evaluation was conducted on	(how many) pipeline systems ranging in diameter from _
	in. to	in., ranging in length from	ft to	ft, and
constructed of	(specify materials).
10.	Please specify how much time elapsed between the delivery of product and the start of the data collection:
~	0 to 6 hr
~	6 to 12 hr
~	12 to 24 hr
~	24 hr or more
Data Used to Make Performance Estimates
11. The induced leak rate and the test results used to estimate the performance of this method are summarized
in Attachment 5. Were any test runs removed from the data set?
~	no
~	yes
If yes, please specify the reason and include with Attachment 5. (If more than one test was removed,
specify each reason separately.)
Sensitivity to Trapped Vapor
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12.	~ According to the vendor, this method can be used even if trapped vapor is present in the pipeline
during a test.
O According to the vendor, this method should not be used if trapped vapor is present in the pipeline.
13.	The sensitivity of this method to trapped vapor is indicated by the test results summarized in Table 1.
These tests were conducted at	psi with	niL of vapor trapped in the line at a
pressure of 0 psi. The data and test conditions are reported in Attachment 6.
Table 1. Summary of the Results of Trapped Vapor Tests
Test No.
AT
(°F)
Induced Leak Rate (gal/hr)
Measured Leak Rate (gal/hr)
1



2



3



Application of the Method
16. This release detection method is intended to test pipeline systems that are associated with underground
storage tank facilities, that contain petroleum or other chemical products, that are typically constructed of
fiberglass, steel, or other and that typically measure 2 in. in diameter and 150 ft or less in length. The
performance estimates are valid when:
•	the method that was evaluated has not been substantially changed by subsequent modifications
•	the vendor's instructions for using the method are followed
•	a mechanical line leak detector
~	is present in
~	has been removed from the pipeline (check both if appropriate)
•	the waiting time between the last delivery of product to the underground storage tank and the start
of data collection for the test is 	hr
•	the waiting time between the last dispensing of product through the pipeline system and the start
of data collection for the test is	hr
•	the total data collection time for the test is	hr
•	the volume of the product in the pipeline system is less than twice the volume of the product in
the pipeline system used in the evaluation, unless a separate written justification for testing larger
pipeline systems is presented by the vendor, concurred with by the evaluator, and included with
this evaluation as an additional attachment.
• give any other limitations specified by the vendor or determined during the evaluation:
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Attachments
Attachment 1 -
Attachment 2 -
Attachment 3 -
Attachment 4 -
Attachment 5 -
Attachment 6 -
Description of the Method Evaluated
Summary of the Performance of the Method Evaluated
Summary of the Configuration of the Pipeline System(s) Used in the Evaluation
Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions Used in the Evaluation
Data Sheet Summarizing the Test Results and the Leak Rates Used in the Evaluation
Data Sheet Summarizing the Test Results and the Trapped Vapor Tests
Certification of Results
I certify that the pipeline release detection method was operated according to the vendor's instructions. I also
certify that the evaluation was performed according to the procedures specified by EPA and that the results
presented above are those obtained during the evaluation.
Name of person performing evaluation	Organization performing evaluation
Signature	Street address
Date	City, state, zip
Telephone number
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Attachment 1
Description
Pipeline Release Detection Method
The evaluator, with help from the vendor, fills out this form prior to the start of the evaluation. This
form provides a description of the method and how it works. It should be filled out completely - check
all appropriate boxes for each question. If other is checked, provide a description. For those answers
dependent on site conditions, give answers that apply in typical conditions. This form is to be filled out
by the evaluator with assistance from the vendor before the start of the evaluation. Describe the
important features of the method as indicated below. A detailed description is not required, nor is it
necessary to reveal proprietary features of the system.
Method Name and Version:
Date: 	
Applicability of the Method
1.	With what products can this method be used? (Check all applicable responses.)
~	gasoline
~	diesel
~	aviation fuel
~	fuel oil #4
~	fuel oil #6
~	solvent
~	waste oil
~	other (specify)	
2.	What types of pipelines can be tested? (Check all applicable responses.)
~	fiberglass
~	steel
~	other (specify)	
3.	Can this release detection method be used to test double-wall pipeline systems?
~	yes	~ no
4.	What is the nominal diameter of a pipeline that can be tested with this method?
~	1 in. or less
~	between 1 and 3 in.
~	between 3 and 6 in.
~	between 6 and 10 in.
~	other	
5.	The method can be used on pipelines pressurized to	psi.
The safe maximum operating pressure for this method is	psi.
6.	Does the method conduct a test while a mechanical line leak detector is in place in the pipeline?
~	yes	~ no
General Features of the Method
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7. What type of test is the method conducting? (Check all applicable responses.)
~	0.10 gal/hr Line Tightness Test
O 0.20 gal/hr Monthly Monitoring Test
~	3 gal/hr Hourly Test
8
Is the method permanently installed on the pipeline?
~ yes
~ no
Does the method test the line automatically?
~ yes
~ no
If a leak is declared, what does the method do? (Check all applicable responses.)
~	displays or prints a message
~	triggers an alarm
~	alerts the evaluator
~	shuts down the dispensing system
9. What quantity or quantities are measured by the method? (Please list.)
10.	Does the method use a preset threshold that is automatically activated or that automatically turns on an
alarm?
~	yes (If yes, skip question 11.)
~	no (If no, answer question 11.)
11.	Does the method measure and report the quantity
~	yes	~ no
If so, is the output quantity converted to flow rate in gallons per hour?
~	yes	~ no
12.	What is the specified line pressure during a test?
~	operating pressure of line
~	150% of operating pressure
~	a specific test pressure of	psi
Test Protocol
13. What is the minimum waiting period required between a delivery of product to an underground storage
tank and the start of the data collection for a pipeline release detection test?
~	no waiting period
~	less than 15 min
O 15 min to 1 hr
~	1 to 5 hr
~	6 to 12 hr
O 12 to 24 hr
~	greater than 24 hr
~	variable (Briefly explain.) 	
14.
Pipeline
What is the minimum waiting period required between the last dispensing of product through the pipeline
and the start of the data collection for a pipeline release detection test?
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~	no waiting period
~	less than 15 min
~	15 min to 1 hr
~	1 to 4 hr
~	4 to 8 hr
~	greater than 8 hr
~	variable (Briefly explain.) 	
15.	What is the minimum amount of time necessary to set up equipment and complete a release detection
test? (Include setup time, waiting time and data collection time. If a multiple-test sequence is used, give
the amount of time necessary to complete the first test as well as the total amount of time necessary to
complete the entire sequence.)
	hr (single test)
	hr (multiple test)
16.	Does the method compensate for those pressure or volume changes of the product in the pipeline that are
due to temperature changes?
~	yes	~ no
17.	Is there a special test to check the pipeline for trapped vapor?
~	yes	~ no
18.	Can a test be performed with trapped vapor in the pipeline?
~	yes	~ no
19.	If trapped vapor is found in the pipeline, is it removed before a test is performed?
~	yes	~ no
20.	Are deviations from this protocol acceptable?
~	yes	~ no
If yes, briefly specify: 	
21. Are elements of the test procedures determined by on-site testing personnel?
~	yes	~ no
If yes, which ones? (Check all applicable responses.)
~	waiting period between filling the tank and the beginning of data collection for the test
~	length of test
~	determination of the presence of vapor pockets
~	determination of "outlier" (or anomalous) data that may be discarded
~	other (Describe briefly.)	
Data Acquisition
22. How are the test data acquired and recorded?
~	manually
~	by strip chart
~	by computer
~	by microprocessor
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23. Certain calculations are necessary to reduce and analyze the data. How are these calculations done?
~	manual calculations by the evaluator on site
~	interactive computer program used by the evaluator
~	automatically done with a computer program
~	automatically done with a microprocessor
Detection Criterion
24.	What threshold is used to determine whether the pipeline is leaking?
	(in the units used by the measurement system)
	(in gal/hr)
25.	Is a multiple-test sequence used to determine whether the pipeline is leaking?
~	yes (If yes, answer the three questions below)
~	no (If no, skip the three questions below)
How many tests are conducted?	
How many tests are required before a leak can be declared? 	
What is the time between tests?	
(Enter 0 if the tests are conducted one after the other.)
Calibration
26. How frequently are the sensor systems calibrated?
~	never
~	before each test
EH weekly
I I monthly
~	semi-annually
~	yearly or less frequently
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Attachment 2
Summary Of Performance Estimates
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Line Tightness Test
Complete this page if the pipeline release detection method has been evaluated as a line tightness test.
Complete the first table. The last three tables present the performance of the method for different
combinations of thresholds, probabilities of false alarm, and probabilities of detection. They are useful
for comparing the performance of this method to that of other methods. However, completion of the last
three tables is optional.
Performance Of The Pipeline Release Detection Method As Evaluated
Description
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)
Threshold
(gal/hr)
Evaluated Method
0.10



EPA Standard
0.10
0.95
0.05
N/A
P(fa) As A Function Of Threshold
Threshold
P(fa)
(gal/hr)


0.10

0.075

0.05

0.05
P(d) As A Function Of Threshold For A Leak Rate Of 0.10 gal/hr
Threshold
P(d)
(gal/hr)


0.95

0.90

0.80

0.50
Smallest Leak Rate That Can Be Detected With The Specified P(d) and P(fa)
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)

0.95
0.10

0.95
0.075

0.95
0.05

0.90
0.05

0.80
0.05

0.50
0.05
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
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Attachment 2
Summary Of Performance Estimates
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Line Tightness Test
First Test Of A Multiple-Test Sequence
Complete these tables only if the method being evaluated requires, as part of its test procedures, more
than one complete test to determine whether the pipeline is leaking. Method performance based on the
first test alone must be reported on this form. Complete the first table. The last three tables present the
performance of the method for different combinations of thresholds, probabilities of false alarm, and
probabilities of detection. They are useful for comparing the performance of this method to that of other
methods. However, completion of the last three tables is optional.
Performance Of The Pipeline Release Detection Method As Evaluated
Description
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)
Threshold
(gal/hr)
Evaluated Method
0.10



EPA Standard
0.10
0.95
0.05
N/A
P(fa) As A Function Of Threshold
Threshold
P(fa)
(gal/hr)


0.10

0.075

0.05

0.05
P(d) As A Function Of Threshold For A Leak Rate Of 0.10 gal/hr
Threshold
P(d)
(gal/hr)


0.95

0.90

0.80

0.50
Smallest Leak Rate That Can Be Detected With The Specified P(d) and P(fa)
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)

0.95
0.10

0.95
0.075

0.95
0.05

0.90
0.05

0.80
0.05

0.50
0.05
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
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Attachment 2
Summary Of Performance Estimates
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Monthly Monitoring Test
Complete this page if the pipeline release detection method has been evaluated as a monthly monitoring
test. Complete the first table. The last three tables present the performance of the method for different
combinations of thresholds, probabilities of false alarm, and probabilities of detection. They are useful
for comparing the performance of this method to that of other methods. However, completion of the last
three tables is optional.
Performance Of The Pipeline Release Detection Method As Evaluated
Description
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)
Threshold
(gal/hr)
Evaluated Method
0.20



EPA Standard
0.20
0.95
0.05
N/A
P(fa) As A Function Of Threshold
Threshold
P(fa)
(gal/hr)


0.10

0.075

0.05

0.05
Probability Of Detection As A Function Of Threshold For A Leak Rate Of 0.20 gal/hr
Threshold
P(d)
(gal/hr)


0.95

0.90

0.80

0.50
Smallest Leak Rate That Can Be Detected With The Specified P(d) and P(fa)
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)

0.95
0.10

0.95
0.075

0.95
0.05

0.90
0.05

0.80
0.05

0.50
0.05
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
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Attachment 2
Summary of Performance Estimates
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Monthly Monitoring Test
First Test Of A Multiple-Test Sequence
Complete these tables only if the method being evaluated requires, as part of its test procedures, more
than one complete test to determine whether the pipeline is leaking. Method performance based on the
first test alone must be reported on this form. Complete the first table. The last three tables present the
performance of the method for different combinations of thresholds, probabilities of false alarm, and
probabilities of detection. They are useful for comparing the performance of this method to that of other
methods. However, completion of the last three tables is optional.
Performance Of The Pipeline Release Detection Method As Evaluated
Description
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)
Threshold
(gal/hr)
Evaluated Method
0.20



EPA Standard
0.20
0.95
0.05
N/A
P(fa) As A Function of Threshold
Threshold
P(fa)
(gal/hr)


0.10

0.075

0.05

0.05
P(d) As A Function Of Threshold For A Leak Rate Of 0.20 gal/hr
Threshold
P(d)
(gal/hr)


0.95

0.90

0.80

0.50
Smallest Leak Rate That Can Be Detected With The Specified P(d) and P(fa)
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)

0.95
0.10

0.95
0.075

0.95
0.05

0.90
0.05

0.80
0.05

0.50
0.05
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
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Attachment 2
Summary Of Performance Estimates
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Hourly Test
Complete this page if the pipeline release detection method has been evaluated as an hourly test. Complete
the first table. The last three tables present the performance of the method for different combinations of
thresholds, probabilities of false alarm, and probabilities of detection. They are useful for comparing the
performance of this method to that of other methods. However, completion of the last three tables is
optional.
Performance Of The Pipeline Release Detection Method As Evaluated
Description
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)
Threshold
(gal/hr)
Evaluated Method
3.0



EPA Standard
3.0
0.95
0.05
N/A
P(fa) As A Function Of Threshold
Threshold
P(fa)
(gal/hr)


0.10

0.075

0.05

0.05
P(d) As A Function Of Threshold For A Leak Rate Of 3.0 gal/hr
Threshold
P(d)
(gal/hr)


0.95

0.90

0.80

0.50
Smallest Leak Rate That Can Be Detected With The Specified P(d) And P(fa)
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)

0.95
0.10

0.95
0.075

0.95
0.05

0.90
0.05

0.80
0.05

0.50
0.05
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
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Attachment 2
Summary Of Performance Estimates
Pipeline Release Detection Method
Hourly Test
First Test Of A Multiple-Test Sequence
Complete this page only if the method being evaluated requires, as part of its test procedures, more than
one complete test to determine whether the pipeline is leaking. Method performance based on the first
test alone must be reported on this form. Complete the first table. The last three tables present the
performance of the method for different combinations of thresholds, probabilities of false alarm, and
probabilities of detection. They are useful for comparing the performance of this method to that of other
methods. However, completion of the last three tables is optional.
Performance Of The Pipeline Release Detection Method As Evaluated
Description
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)
Threshold
(gal/hr)
Evaluated Method
3.0



EPA Standard
3.0
0.95
0.05
N/A
P(fa) As A Function Of Threshold
Threshold
P(fa)
(gal/hr)


0.10

0.075

0.05

0.05
P(d) As A Function Of Threshold For A Leak Rate Of 3.0 gal/hr
Threshold
P(d)
(gal/hr)


0.95

0.90

0.80

0.50
Smallest Leak Rate That Can Be Detected With The Specified P(d) and P(fa)
Leak Rate
(gal/hr)
P(d)
P(fa)

0.95
0.10

0.95
0.075

0.95
0.05

0.90
0.05

0.80
0.05

0.50
0.05
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 1

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Attachment 3
Summary Of The Configuration Of The Pipeline System(s)
Complete these tables to identify the configuration of the pipeline system.
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Test Facility Or Retail Station
Specialized Test Facility Or Operational UST Facility
Inside diameter of pipeline (in.)

Length of pipeline (tank to dispenser) (ft)

Volume of product in line during testing (gal)

Type of material (fiberglass, steel, other1)

Type of product in tank and pipeline (gasoline, diesel,
other2)

Was a mechanical line leak detector present? (yes or no)

Was trapped vapor present? (yes or no)

Compressibility (C) (psi)

C/V0 (psi/gal)

Storage tank capacity (gal)

1	Specify type of construction material.
2	Specify type of product for each tank.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 1

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Attachment 3
Summary Of The Configuration Of The Pipeline System(s)
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Retail Facility
Operational Tank System
1
2
3
4
5
Inside diameter of pipeline (in.)





Length of pipeline (tank to dispenser) (ft)





Volume of product in line during testing (gal)





Type of material (fiberglass, steel, other1)





Type of product in tank and pipeline (gasoline, diesel,
other2)





Was a mechanical line leak detector present? (yes or no)





Was trapped vapor present? (yes or no)





Compressibility (C) (psi)





C/V0 (psi/gal)





Storage tank capacity (gal)





1	Specify type of construction material.
2	Specify type of product for each tank.
Operational Tank System
6
7
8
9
10
Inside diameter of pipeline (in.)





Length of pipeline (tank to dispenser) (ft)





Volume of product in line during testing (gal)





Type of material (fiberglass, steel, other1)





Type of product in tank and pipeline (gasoline, diesel,
other2)





Was a mechanical line leak detector present? (yes or no)





Was trapped vapor present? lye's or no)





Compressibility (C) (psi)





C/Vo (psi/gal)





Storage tank capacity (gal)





1	Specify type of construction material.
2	Specify type of product for each tank.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 2

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Attachment 3
Summary Of The Configuration Of The Pipeline System(s)
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Retail Facility
Operational Tank System
11
12
13
14
15
Inside diameter of pipeline (in.)





Length of pipeline (tank to dispenser) (ft)





Volume of product in line during testing (gal)





Type of material (fiberglass, steel, other1)





Type of product in tank and pipeline (gasoline, diesel,
other2)





Was a mechanical line leak detector present? (yes or no)





Was trapped vapor present? (yes or no)





Compressibility (C) (psi)





C/V0 (psi/gal)





Storage tank capacity (gal)





1	Specify type of construction material.
2	Specify type of product for each tank.
Operational Tank System
16
17
18
19
20
Inside diameter of pipeline (in.)





Length of pipeline (tank to dispenser) (ft)





Volume of product in line during testing (gal)





Type of material (fiberglass, steel, other1)





Type of product in tank and pipeline (gasoline, diesel,
other2)





Was a mechanical line leak detector present? (yes or no)





Was trapped vapor present? lye's or no)





Compressibility (C) (psi)





C/V0 (psi/gal)





Storage tank capacity (gal)





1	Specify type of construction material.
2	Specify type of product for each tank.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 2 of 2

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Attachment 4
Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Test Facility
Test No.
(Based on
Temperature
Condition)
Date
Test
Began
Nominal Product
Temperature
Before
Circulation Was
Started
Two Times
Replacement
Of Volume
In Piping
Duration Of
Circulation
Time Of
Temperature
Measurements
Ttb
Ti
T2
T3
Tg
Ttb-Tg
Temperature
Differential

(D-M-Y)
(°F)
feal)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
1












2












3












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Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 2

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Attachment 4
Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Test Facility
Test No.
Date
Test
Began
Nominal Product
Temperature
Before
Circulation Was
Started
Two Times
Replacement
Of Volume
In piping
Duration of
Circulation
Time Of
Temperature
Measurements
Ttb
Ti
T2
T3
Tg
Ttb-Tg
Temperature
Differential

(D-M-Y)
(°F)
feal)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
22












23












24*












25












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42**












* Minimum number of tests for quantitative test methods.
""Minimum number of tests for qualitative test methods.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 2 of 2

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Attachment 4
Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Retail Facility
Test No.
Date
Test
Began
Date of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time Between
Product
Delivery And
Data Collection
For Test
Time of
Last
Dispensing
Time Between
Last Dispensing
And Start Of
Data Collection
For Test
Time of
Temperature
Measurements
Tt
B
Ti
T2
T3
Tg
Ttb-Tg
Temperature
Differential

(D-M-Y)
(D-M-Y)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(°F
)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
1














2














3














4














5














6














7














8














9














10














11














12














13














14














15














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21














Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 2

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Attachment 4
Data Sheet Summarizing Product Temperature Conditions
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Retail Facility
Test No.
Date
Test
Began
Date of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time Between
Product
Delivery And
Data Collection
For Test
Time Of
Last
Dispensing
Time Between
Last
Dispensing And
Start Of Data
Collection For
Test
Time Of
Temperature
Measurements
Ttb
Ti
T2
T3
Tg
Ttb - Tg
Temperature
Differential

(D-M-Y)
(D-M-Y)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
22














23














24*














25














26














27














28














29














30














31














32














33














34














35














36














37














38














39














40














41














42**














* Minimum number of tests for quantitative test method evaluation. * * Minimum number of tests for qualitative test method evaluation.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form	Page 2 of 2

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Attachment 5
Data Sheet Summarizing Test Results And Leak Rates
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Test Facility
Test No.
Date
Test
Began
Induced
Leak
Rate
Time Between End Of
Circulation And Start
Of Data Collection
For Test
Time Data
Collection
Began
Time Data
Collection
Ended
Measured Test
Result
(quantitative)
Was
Threshold
Exceeded?
(qualitative)

(D-M-Y)
(gal/hr)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(local
military)
(gal/hr)
(yes or no)
1







2







3







4







5







6







7







8







9







10







11







12







13







14







15







16







17







18







19







20







21







22







23







24*







25







26







27







28







29







30







31







32







33







Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 2

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Attachment 5
Data Sheet Summarizing Test Results And Leak Rates
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Test Facility
Test No.
Date
Test
Began
Induced
Leak Rate
Time Between End Of
Circulation And Start
Of Data Collection
For Test
Time Data
Collection
Began
Time Data
Collection
Ended
Measured Test
Result
(quantitative)
Was
Threshold
Exceeded?
(qualitative)

(D-M-Y)
(gal/hr)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(local
military)
(gal/hr)
(yes or no)
34







35







36







37







38







39







40







41







42**







*	Minimum number of tests for quantitative test method evaluation.
*	* Minimum number of tests for qualitative test method evaluation.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 2 of 2

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Attachment 5
Data Sheet Summarizing Test Results And Leak Rates
Pipeline Release Detection Method At A Retail Facility
Test No.
Date Test
Began
Date of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time Between
Product Delivery
And Start of Data
Collection For Test
Time Of
Last
Dispensing
Time Between Last
Dispensing
And Start Of Data
Collection For Test
Time Data
Collection
Began
Time Data
Collection
Ended
Measured Test
Result
(quantitative)
Was
Threshold
Exceeded?
(qualitative)

(D-M-Y)
(D-M-Y)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(local military)
(gal/hr)
(yes or no)
1










2










3










4










5










6










7










8










9










10










11










12










13










14










15










16










17










18










19










20










21










Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 2

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Attachment 5
Data Sheet Summarizing Test Results And Leak Rates
Pipeline Release Detection Method At A Retail Facility
Test No.
Date Test
Began
Date of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time Between
Product Delivery
And Start Of Data
Collection For Test
Time Of
Last
Dispensing
Time Between Last
Dispensing And
Start Of Data
Collection For Test
Time Data
Collection
Began
Time Data
Collection
Ended
Measured Test
Result
(quantitative)
Was
Threshold
Exceeded?
(qualitative)

(D-M-Y)
(D-M-Y)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(local military)
(gal/hr)
(yes or no)
22










23










24*










25










26










27










28










29










30










31










32










33










34










35










36










37










38










39










40










41










42**










* Minimum number of tests for quantitative test method evaluation. * * Minimum number of tests for qualitative test method evaluation.
Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form	Page 2 of 2

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Attachment 6
Data Sheet Summarizing Test Results And Trapped Vapor Tests
Pipeline Release Detection Method At Test Facility
Summary of Temperature Conditions
Test No.
Date Test
Began
Nominal
Product
Temperature
Before
Circulation
Was Started
Time
Circulation
Started
Time
Circulation
Ended
Duration Of
Circulation
Time of
Temperature
Measurements
Ttb
Ti
T2
T3
Tg
Ttb-
Tg
Temperature
Test Matrix
Category

(D-M-Y)
(°F)
(local
military)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(Table 2)
1













2













3













Summary of Leak Rates
Test No.
Date Test
Began
Pipeline Pressure
Induced Leak
Rate
Time Between End Of
Circulation And Start Of
Data Collection For Test
Time Data Collection
Began
Time Data Collection
Ended
Measured Test
Result
(quantitative)
Was
Threshold
Exceeded?
(qualitative)

(D-M-Y)
(psi)
(gal/hr)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(local military
(gal/hr)
(yes or no)
1








2








3








Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 1 of 2

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Attachment 6
Data Sheet Summarizing Test Results And Trapped Vapor Tests
Pipeline Release Detection Method At A Retail Facility
Summary Of Temperature Conditions
Test
No.
Date
Test
Began
Date of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time of
Last
Product
Delivery
Time
between
Product
Delivery And
Start Of Data
Collection
For Test
Time Of
Last
Dispensing
Time between
Start of Data
Collection for
Test and Last
Dispensing
Time Of
Temperature
Measurements
Ttb
Ti
T2
T3
Tg
Ttb - Tg
Temperature
Test Matrix
Category

(D-M-Y)
(D-M-Y)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local
military)
(hr-min)
(local military)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(°F)
(Table 2)
1














2














3














Summary of Leak Rates




Time between









Product
Time Between








Delivery And
Start Of Data



Was




Start Of Data
Collection For
Time Data
Time Data
Measured
Threshold

Date Test
Pipeline
Induced Leak
Collection For
Test And Last
Collection
Collection
Test Result
Exceeded?
Test No.
Began
Pressure
Rate
Test
Dispensing
Began
Ended
(quantitative)
(qualitative)

(D-M-Y)
(psi)
(gal/hr)
(hr-min)
(hr-min)
(local
(local
(gal/hr)
(yes or no)






military)
military)


1









2









3









Pipeline Release Detection System - Results Form
Page 2 of 2

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United States	Land And	EPA 510-B-19-005
Environmental	Emergency Management	May 2019
Protection Agency	5401R	www.epa.gov/ust

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