Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method for detecting leaks in a storage tank or containment of the type having a removable cover. The apparatus includes a replacement cover for the containment, a vacuum source, a fitting mounted in an aperture in the replacement cover and connected through a valve through a vacuum source, and a sprayer wand for spraying soapy liquid onto interior walls of the tank. Also provided is a method for detecting leaks in a storage tank or containment including the steps of emptying the tank of its contents, cleaning interior walls of the tank, spraying a soapy water liquid onto interior walls of the tank, reducing pressure within the tank, and examining the interior walls of the tank for bubbles.

Abstract: Leak detection system and method for monitoring leaks in underground and aboveground storage tanks, pipelines or other containments, including single, double or triple wall containments are provided. A leak detection apparatus includes an oxidation chamber, a chemical marker concentrator, a mass spectrometer (MS) ion trap and a scroll vacuum pump. Vapor samples carrying marker chemicals introduced into a tank, pipeline, or other containment are injected at sample injection point into an oxidation chamber. Oxygen from an oxygen source is fed into oxidation chamber to destroy or oxidize contaminates such as hydrocarbons in the vapor without destroying or oxidizing the chemical markers. Effluent from the oxidation chamber is passed to an elongate conduit with a metal foil or screen suspended within the conduit. The marker chemicals are attracted by a chemical coating on the foil/screen and released by heating the metal.

Abstract: Leak detection system and method for monitoring leaks in underground and aboveground storage tanks, pipelines or other containments, including single, double or triple wall containments are provided. A leak detection apparatus includes an oxidation chamber, a chemical marker concentrator, a mass spectrometer (MS) ion trap and a scroll vacuum pump. Vapor samples carrying marker chemicals introduced into a tank, pipeline, or other containment are injected at sample injection point into an oxidation chamber. Oxygen from an oxygen source is fed into oxidation chamber to destroy or oxidize contaminates such as hydrocarbons in the vapor without destroying or oxidizing the chemical markers. Effluent from the oxidation chamber is passed to an elongate conduit with a metal foil or screen suspended within the conduit. The marker chemicals are attracted by a chemical coating on the foil/screen and released by heating the metal.