Understanding Automatic Line Leak Detection (2024)

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Understanding Automatic Line Leak Detection (2)

Safety is paramount when working with hazardous chemicals such as fuel. Whether it’s in a gas station, a marina, a fleet depot, or any other facility where fuel is dispensed, the potential for leaks in pipelines poses a significant risk to both personnel and the environment. To mitigate this risk, technologies such as Automatic Line Leak Detection (ALLD) have emerged as crucial tools in ensuring the integrity of pipelines and preventing hazardous incidents. Let’s take a closer look at this technology.

What is Automatic Line Leak Detection?

Automatic Line Leak Detection (ALLD) is a system that works in conjunction with submersible turbine pumps to detect leaks in pipelines automatically. These systems utilize a variety of sensors, monitoring equipment, and algorithms to continuously assess the integrity of pipelines and promptly identify any leaks or abnormalities.

A Closer Look at Electronic Line Leak Detection for EVO™ Fuel Management

One of the fuel management systems that PumpTex works with is the EVO™ 550/5000 and EVO™ 600/6000. Electronic Line Leak Detecetion, also known as ELLD, is an optional software feature that helps you to detect leaks using a transducer device installed in the submersible pump. Let’s take a looks at some of the features and specifications.

  • AUTO-LEARN® Technology - ELLD features AUTO-LEARN® Technology that will automatically learn the pressure characteristics of each pipeline in order to eliminate configuration errors and provide more precision in leak detection.
  • Statistical Line Leak Detection - Statistical Line Leak Detection, or SLLD, is included as standard and allows 0.2 gph leak testing for busy sites with high sales volume of fuel who have little to no dispensing periods. This continuous testing helps to maintain EPA precision levels.
  • High Throughput Capacity - The ELLD software addition is able to monitoring up to 312 gallons of rigid pipeline capacity and 95 gallons of flexible piping capacity. This allows larger sites to achieve the same level of precision leak detection.

Test Specifications

  • Every dispense cycle, a 3.0 gph leak and pressure test is performed and on test failure the affected turbine will be shut down.
  • Monthly (0.2 gphO and annual (0.1 gph) precision leak testing is also carried out during thermally stable periods of dispensing. It is optional to have affected turbines shut down when there is a failure on either of these tests.
  • Can perform pressure up, catch pressure, and other additional checks with an alarm that sounds on failure of any test.

Advantages of Automatic Line Leak Detection

  • Early Detection - An automated line leak detection system can identify leaks at their earliest stages, minimizing the time it takes to respond and reducing the potential for environmental damage or safety hazards.
  • Continuous Monitoring - Unlike manual inspection methods, automated line leak detection systems operate 24/7, providing continuous surveillance of pipelines and ensuring timely detection of potential issues.
  • Improved Safety - By swiftly identifying leaks, automated line leak detection systems help mitigate the risk of fires, explosions, and other accidents, thereby enhancing the overall safety of your location.
  • Environmental Protection - Rapid leak detection minimizes the release of hazardous substances into the environment, safeguards ecosystems, and reduces the ecological footprint of your gas station or other fueling location.
  • Cost Savings - Early detection and intervention can prevent costly clean-up efforts, regulatory fines, and potential litigation associated with fuel leaks.

Automatic Line Leak Detection (ALLD) represents a critical component of modern retail fueling safety infrastructure. By leveraging advanced sensors and algorithms, ALLD systems provide continuous monitoring of pipelines, enabling early detection of leaks and prompt intervention to prevent potential disasters. As industries continue to prioritize safety and environmental stewardship, the adoption of ALLD technology is expected to grow, ensuring safer and more sustainable gas station operations in the years to come.

Why Choose PumpTex as Your Petroleum Services Company?

If you need to install, repair, or replace an automatic line leak detection system, PumpTex is here to help. As your chosen petroleum services company, we guarantee unrivaled expertise in all aspects of installation, maintenance, and repair of your fueling equipment. We understand that when your equipment isn’t pumping gas, you aren’t making money, so we will do everything in our power to minimize your downtime with our first time fix policy. We aim to resolve any problem on the first visit if possible. At PumpTex, we prioritize compliance and safety and will help you to stay compliant with industry regulations and safety standards. We top it all off with responsive customer support that provides open communication to answer any questions you might have. We provide service for all aspects of your fueling operation, including the maintenance of automatic line leak detection systems. We are here to help keep you pumping with reliable service and solutions tailored to your business's individual needs.

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Understanding Automatic Line Leak Detection (2024)

FAQs

How does an automatic line leak detector work? ›

The LLD automatically tests for piping leaks each time the pump is turned on by monitoring how long it takes for the line to reach operating pressure. If a leak is detected, the LLD must shut off or restrict the flow of product or trigger an alarm.

What must an automatic line leak detector be capable of detecting a release of? ›

The automatic line leak detector (LLD) must be designed to detect a leak at least as small as 3 gallons per hour at a line pressure of 10 pounds per square inch within 1 hour by shutting off the product flow, restricting the product flow, or triggering an audible or visual alarm.

What is the equation for leak detection? ›

How to Calculate Leak Rate (SCCM) A leak rate is expressed as a volume per unit of time. The rate is found by measuring the change in pressure multiplied by the volume. That number is then divided by the change in time multiplied by the surrounding atmospheric pressure to calculate the leak rate (SCCM).

What if anything is required annually with all line leak detectors? ›

Yes. The ALLD must be tested annually to make sure it is functioning properly. ALLD means Automatic Line Leak Detector Leak Detection (LD) results must be monitored and recorded every 30 days and kept on file.

How do you read a leak detector? ›

Find the leak detection dial

Most residential meters have a leak detection dial. The leak detection dial may be a red or blue triangular-shaped dial or a blue snowflake-shaped dial. It may spin rapidly when water is running. If water is dripping, the leak detection dial may move slowly.

What are the basics of leak detection? ›

The most basic type of leak testing is the submersion or dunk test (also referred to as bubble testing), in which you pressurize the part, submerge it in water, then look for gas bubbles. Most commonly, compressed air is used for dunk testing and will test the part at various pressures and time frames.

Which method is best for leak detection? ›

Here are a few common methods used for accurately finding leaks: Thermal Imaging: A thermal imaging camera detects temperature changes and displays a map of temperature variations on a screen. Whether it's hot or cold, leaking water is typically a different temperature than its surrounding environment.

What is the most common method of leak detection? ›

The most common leak detection method for pipeline operators is called the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This system uses a series of sensors to track data such as pressure, flow rates, temperature, and whether valves are open or closed.

What is the difference between mechanical and electronic line leak detectors? ›

Flow Rate/Nozzle(GPM)

Mechanical line leak detection systems provide only catastrophic protection, which can choke gas lines, and slow profits. Other electronic line leak detection systems simply choke profits or cannot provide the level of risk management that you need to protect your site investment.

How accurate is leak detection? ›

Leak detections are perfect for tracing leaks' location at home or in the office. With an accuracy rate of 90%, leak detection techniques are reliable.

What is the technique used in leak detection system? ›

Hardware-based methods use hardware sensors to directly detect the occurrence of a leak and assist the localization of the leak. Typical devices used include acoustic emission detectors, fiber optic sensors, negative pressure detectors, ultrasonic technologies, and infrared thermograph.

What is the principle of leak detection system? ›

Leak detection systems work by monitoring water flow through either a mechanical turbine or ultrasonic wavelengths. These leak detection systems observe the pattern of the water flow, either by counting the volume of water passing through the sensor or sonically recording the time delay.

What do automatic line leak detectors detect? ›

A device used to detect the presence of a leak in the piping of a remote pumping system. More than half the leaks that occur in underground fuel storage systems originate, not in the tanks, but in the piping. A leaking pipe can be particularly serious if the system is pressurized.

What requirements must be met for electronic line leak detectors to be used as a method of release detection for pressurized lines? ›

The automatic line leak detector (LLD) must be designed to detect a leak at least as small as 3 gallons per hour at a line pressure of 10 pounds per square inch within 1 hour by shutting off the product flow, restricting the product flow, or triggering an audible or visual alarm.

What are the three major types of line leak detectors? ›

The three common types of leak detection systems (LDS) are chemical, pressure, and acoustic.

How does the electronic leak detector work? ›

An electronic leak detector is a unit that senses the different sound frequencies of water from a leak. A trained plumber deciphers these sounds to determine the exact leak source. It is a widely-used residential plumbing tool to locate leaks in toilets, drains, steam pipes, irrigation, and other plumbing systems.

How does an automatic gas leakage detector work? ›

They work through sensing electrodes in the air, sending an electric current to sound the alarm. Catalytic Bead: Using a platinum-treated wire coil, this type of gas detector most commonly identifies combustible gas in the air as the coil oxidises upon contact with the gas, tripping an alarm.

How does a pipeline leak detection system work? ›

Leak detection systems work by monitoring water flow through either a mechanical turbine or ultrasonic wavelengths. These leak detection systems observe the pattern of the water flow, either by counting the volume of water passing through the sensor or sonically recording the time delay.

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