Volumetric tank tightness testing.
Volumetric tank tightness testing on in-service and out-of-service USTs, recognized under EPA 40 CFR Part 280. Estabrook-certified, every configuration the state UST programs accept.
Manufacturer-certified · EPA 40 CFR Part 280 · Testing tanks since 1997
Volumetric tank tightness testing for in-service and out-of-service underground storage tanks. Single-wall, double-wall, and interstitial tank configurations are all covered.
How we run it.
PTTI uses the EZY 3 Locator Plus as the primary tank tightness test method. The locator attaches to an isolation tree mounted at the tank top. The isolation tree carries a liquid sensor at the end, a microphone, and the components needed to isolate the tank and apply pressure.
The technician applies negative pressure to the tank, then uses the EZY 3 Locator Plus with headphones to listen for audible leak sounds from inside the tank. The microphone drops inside the tank and picks up any leak signature.
Xerxes TruChek is available as an alternate method at sites where TruChek is the state-accepted standard. Both methods are EPA-recognized for volumetric tank tightness verification.
- Equipment
- EZY 3 Locator Plus (primary). Xerxes TruChek (alternate). Isolation tree with liquid sensor and microphone. Headphones for audible leak detection.
- Frequency
- When required by the schedule the state UST program sets for the tank class.
- Deliverable
- An audit-ready tank tightness record, formatted to PEI standards and sent to you after the visit. It documents the pass-or-fail result your state UST program expects in the file. PTTI prepares the record; your operator files it with the state.
What we look for.
-
1
Isolation failure
A ball valve or check valve at the STP not holding. PTTI installs a silver bullet for further isolation before declaring the tank failed.
-
2
Primary tank wall leak
An audible leak signature detected inside the tank under negative pressure.
-
3
Secondary containment wall leak
Double-wall and interstitial configurations can fail at the secondary even when the primary is sound.
Frequently asked.
What is the difference between tank tightness and line tightness testing?
Tank tightness testing verifies the tank itself. PTTI applies negative pressure and listens through a microphone for an audible leak from inside the tank. Line tightness testing verifies the pressurized product lines instead, using pressure decay rather than an audible listen. They are separate tests on separate components, and a site usually needs both.
What method does PTTI use for tank tightness?
The primary method is the EZY 3 Locator Plus on an isolation tree, applying negative pressure and listening through headphones for an audible leak. Xerxes TruChek is used as the alternate where it is the state-accepted standard. Both are EPA-recognized volumetric methods.
How often is tank tightness testing required?
It is required when the schedule the state UST program sets for the tank class calls for it. PTTI tracks the cycle per tank so it lands with the rest of your compliance testing.