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PLC-5000 Site Controller, LD-2000 and LD-2000 PLC <br /> 3.0 Overview of Evaluation Procedures <br /> The EPA protocol provides for several alternative approaches to the evaluation of <br /> pipeline leak detectors. The standard approach utilizing testing at a specialized test <br /> facility (Option 1) was used for this evaluation. For this option, the evaluation was <br /> conducted under controlled conditions at the Fuels Management Research Center <br /> located in Grain Valley, Missouri on a 3.25 inch diameter by 200 ft. long fiberglass <br /> pipeline with a total volume of 86 gallons. Abbreviated testing was conducted on a 215 <br /> ft. long flexible pipeline with a total volume of 19.7 gallons. Both pipelines contained <br /> gasoline. <br /> Testing was carried out using the manufacturer's normal test routine. The Vaporless <br /> system was installed in the line in its usual configuration. The temperature of the <br /> product in the pipeline tank was varied relative to the surrounding soil temperature. <br /> Product was then circulated through the line and leaks were induced in the pipeline at <br /> rates equivalent to those specified in the EPA protocol.' The induced leak rates were <br /> established during the circulation period by adjusting the needle valve on a variable <br /> area flowmeter. Nominal rates equivalent to 3.0 gal/hr at 10 psi for Hourly Testing or <br /> 0.1 gal/hr at 45 psi for Monthly Monitoring/Annual Line Tightness Testing were induced <br /> for this evaluation. <br /> The test results reported by the Vaporless system were compared to the leak conditions <br /> which were introduced into the line. A statistical analysis of the data was used to <br /> determine the performance characteristics of the test method. <br /> Briefly summarized, the test procedures were as follows: <br /> 1. Product was conditioned in the pipeline tank to the required temperature. The soil <br /> temperature was monitored throughout the entire test at distances of 2, 4, and 12 <br /> inches from the pipeline to determine proper temperature differentials. <br /> 2. Product was circulated through the pipeline at a rate of approximately 10 gal/min for <br /> one hour. <br /> 3. Flow in the line was stopped by closing the outlet valve while the submersible pump <br /> was still on. <br /> 4. A leak was induced in the line equivalent to 3.0 gal/hr at 10 psi, 0.1 gal/hr at 45 psi, <br /> or zero gal/hr. <br /> 5"Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Leak Detection Methods: Pressurized Pipeline Leak <br /> Detection Systems", EPA/530/UST-90/010, September, 1990. <br /> Page 3 <br />