The TracerTight® method, certified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) U.S., meets and exceeds the standards set by the former Ministerial Decree n. 246, 24.05.1999. This method is recognized by UNICHIM (M.195 MANUAL Part 2 – 2003 Edition “Tests  Sealing  of  Underground Tanks”) and reported by ARPA Lombardia in “Guidelines for Underground Tanks in April 2004″ among the recognized methods.TracerTight® leak detection method is the most sensitive leak detection technology method and aboveground storage tanks and pipelines.

THE TEST IS PERFORMED WITHOUT TAKING YOUR TANK OR PIPELINE OUT OF SERVICE

The TracerTight® leak detection technology surpasses all other test methods because of its superior sensitivity and compatibility with site operations. The TracerTight method is a patented system for inoculating a tank or pipeline with a small amount of tracer chemical. Next, probes are installed under and around the tank or pipeline allowing the TracerTight service technician to collect and analyze soil vapor samples. If a leak occurs, tracer is transported to the soil where it is easily detected by gas chromatography. Using this process, Praxair can identify and locate leaks as small as 1 gallon per day regardless of the size of the tank. The TracerTight leak detection method is effective for all types of installations, including tanks and pipes buried under pavement, concrete or buildings.

TRACERTIGHT® SERVICE ADVANTAGES:

•     Tanks remain in-service during the entire test

•     Leak detection sensitivity of one gallon per day regardless of tank size or geometry

•     Compatible with any hydrocarbon and virtually all chemicals (including all fuels and crude oils)

•     Test results provide specific leak location

•     Not affected by hydrocarbons in the soil from previous leaks or spills

Sample analysis for tracer and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can reveal the extent of current contamination and the direction of migration. The Tracer Tight method can locate leaks to within a few feet without any disruption of site operations, even in the largest of bulk storage tanks and the most complex of piping systems.

Tracer Tight® method

Placement of probes and inoculation

Our unique, proprietary method for placing probes horizontally under tanks and vertically adjacent to piping systems is completely safe and noninvasive. A different tracer compound is introduced into the tank.

Background sampling

Soil gas samples are taken before any tracer is introduced into the system to verify that no other compound similar to the tracer is present.

Sample collection and analysis

After the tracer has had time to disperse, a TracerTight service technician collects soil gas samples from the probes.

A highly sensitive gas chromatograph is used to analyze the samples for the tracer compound. The presence of the tracer is clear evidence of a leak.