Containment Sump Integrity Testing Using Pneumatic Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the integrity of containment sumps in underground storage tanks require large volumes of water, leading to significant environmental and economic burdens due to disposal costs, and are not suitable for sumps with specific configurations such as those without lids or penetrations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using heavier-than-air gases or vapors to test the integrity of containment sumps by introducing test media under negative or positive pressure, allowing for the detection of leaks through the sump's walls or penetrations, eliminating the need for water and enabling testing of sumps with unique configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is used as test liquid to fill the containment sump, then the integrity test can be performed, but the testing fluid becomes contaminated and requires costly environmental disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water-based hydraulic testing system with a pneumatic system using compressed air or inert gas. The gas is introduced into the containment sump at controlled pressure, and any leaks are detected by monitoring gas escape or pressure decay, eliminating the need for large volumes of water and subsequent disposal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the test medium from liquid (water) to gas (compressed air or inert gas). This parameter change allows the test to be performed without contamination concerns, as gases can be easily vented or recovered without the environmental disposal requirements of liquid contaminants
2Measurement precision
If water filling method is used for integrity testing, then leakage detection is achieved, but large volumes of water must be disposed of environmentally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the water filling and level measurement system with a pneumatic pressure system. Compressed gas is introduced into the containment sump, and leak detection is achieved through pressure decay measurement or direct observation of gas escape, maintaining detection precision while eliminating the need for large water volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using compressed gas under controlled pressure to fill the containment sump during testing. The hydraulic action of water is replaced with pneumatic pressure, allowing for equivalent leak detection functionality without the environmental burden of water disposal
3Reliability
If traditional water testing is performed on sumps with equipment penetrations or no lid, then testing cannot be completed due to inability to seal the sump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing method that can be applied to all containment sump configurations regardless of lid presence or equipment penetrations. The pneumatic system can introduce gas through existing access points or penetrations, making the testing method adaptable to diverse sump designs without requiring modification of the sump structure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the sump to be sealed from the top with a lid for water filling, the patent inverts the approach by introducing test media through side penetrations or existing openings and using pressure differential methods. This allows testing to proceed without top sealing, accommodating sumps that lack lids or have equipment penetrations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the environmental impact and costs associated with water disposal while effectively testing the integrity of containment sumps, including those with complex geometries or equipment penetrations, by using gases or vapors that do not contaminate the testing medium.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure source for exerting a pressure within the conduit structure for motivating a test media between the containment sump and the underground fixture
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for testing the integrity of a containment sump in contact with a matrix with a testing apparatus are provided. The testing apparatus may include an underground fixture positioned in contact the matrix, a test chamber, a conduit structure providing fluid communication between the underground fixture and the test chamber, and a pressure source for exerting a pressure that is communicated to the underground fixture via the conduit structure. In some embodiments, a method may include: releasing a test media into the containment sump; generating a negative pressure within the testing apparatus for a time period; and testing for the presence of test media within the testing apparatus. In other embodiments, a method may include: releasing a test media into the testing apparatus; generating a positive pressure within the testing apparatus for a time period; and testing for the presence of test media within the containment sump.