Draft Test Methods to Assess the Performance of External Vapor-Phase LeakDetection Devices for Underground Storage Tanks: A Validation and Modification Study

摘要

Draft test methods for evaluating sensor devices to be used to monitor vapor-phase hydrocarbons in monitoring wells around underground storage tanks were validated. Although the test apparatus specified by the draft methods was found to be basically sound in design, it was necessary to make some modifications so that device testing will be more realistic and thus better suited to Air Force needs. Most of the conclusions concerning any sensor device tested with the draft methods ultimately rely on accurately knowing the concentrations of hydrocarbon vapors in the test apparatus. For this reason it was necessary to eliminate several erroneous assumptions implicit in apparatus construction and data handling. Some changes were made in the apparatus and testing protocol to simplify testing. Several ways of presenting sensor device accuracy data were devised to permit quicker and more intuitive understanding of device response.