What Does
Containment Testing Mean?
Containment testing is a part of environmental compliance testing that is regulated by the authorities of many countries. This testing ensures that containments such as tanks, pits, sumps, plastic containers and pipes used to store or dispense petroleum products, chemicals, liquids or any other industrial fluid does not leak and seep into the ground, which could result in polluting the environment or underground water sources.
Corrosionpedia Explains Containment Testing
Containment testing and inspection helps to evaluate the structural integrity, permeability and compatibility of a containment system.
Containment testing is an important part of an environmental compliance plan and is considered a risk management practice. There are certain testing methodologies adopted by organizations that specialize in performing containment testing and inspection. These methodologies include:
- Organizations perform accelerated hydrostatic testing of sumps and dispenser pans using a VPLT precision test system. In this test system, a third-party certification for the UST tightness test is given to the organization.
- Pipe containments are tested by pressurizing the annular space around the pipes with nitrogen gas. The pressure during this testing is generally in the range of 3 to 10 psi.
- Vacuum testing – In this testing procedure, the annular space is tightly sealed and then a vacuum is drawn on the annular space. This procedure tests the tank’s annular space.
- Twenty-four hour sump testing – In this testing procedure, a sump where industrial fluid is to be stored is filled with water and its level is marked. The water level is then measured 24 hours later. A leak indicates that corrective measures need to be implemented. If the water level remains the same then the containment sump has passed the test.